PENDINE
Nestled on the shores of Carmarthen Bay is the iconic Pendine Beach, a breathtaking 7-mile stretch of firm, golden sand with a legendary history of breaking boundaries.
In the 1920s, this beach became the world's premier location for land speed record attempts, where pioneers like Sir Malcolm Campbell (in Blue Bird) and Welsh engineer J.G. Parry-Thomas (in Babs) shattered records on its rock-hard, perfectly flat surface.
The sands even hosted the annual Welsh TT motorcycle races from 1922 and were used for D-Day landing practice during World War II.
In terms of breaking boundaries, we at BEAT THE TIDE want to set a new record for most attendees at an event on Pendine Sands, the perfect backdrop for a beach music festival because its vast, open expanse offers unparalleled space for stages, crowds, and Vibes under the sky, while its dramatic cliffs, rock pools, and clifftop Wales Coast paths create a naturally stunning visual landscape, the backdrop to our iconic events.
The beach's legacy of daring speed records and adventure mirrors the energy of electronic music culture—both are about pushing limits, creating unforgettable moments, and celebrating rebellion on an epic scale:
BABS land speed record 1926!
Welsh racing driver J.G. Parry Thomas drove the land speed record car "Babs" to 171.02 mph (275.23 km/h) at Pendine Sands in April 1926, becoming the first person to break the 170 mph threshold and the first to set the record on consecutive days.
TOP GEAR Pendine Beach 2004
In 2004, Top Gear filmed a convertible shootout at Pendine Sands featuring Jeremy Clarkson's Jaguar XKR, Richard Hammond's Porsche 911 Carrera 2, and James May's BMW 645Ci racing on the Welsh beach.
GUY MARTIN 112mph on bicycle!
Guy Martin broke the British bicycle speed record at Pendine Sands, reaching 112.94 mph in the slipstream of a racing truck. His achievement added a modern chapter to Pendine's famous land-speed history and stands as a powerful example of determination, focus and human ambition.
With breathtaking sunsets over Carmarthen Bay and views toward Gower and Tenby, Pendine delivers the ultimate fusion of history, natural beauty, and festival adrenaline.