The Boomtown Fair has become one of the UK’s most unique and beloved festivals, transcending the realm of just music and transforming into an immersive, theatrical experience like no other.
What started as an intimate gathering has exploded into a sprawling pop-up city filled with eccentric characters, outlandish stages, and enough underground music to satisfy the biggest of bass heads. For 2024, Boomtown will be held August 7th -11th in the Matterley Estate near Winchester, with this year’s overarching theme being “The Revolution Of Imagination.“
Previous editions have delivered countless memorable moments, like when the Grand Central district lit up in 2023 with headlining sets from Cypress Hill, Chase & Status, and Leftfield. As well as the mighty Origin stage being championed by Andy C, My Nu Leng and more dance heavyweights. Not to mention the hundreds of acts spanning every genre taking over the eclectic array of smaller venues across the temporary metropolis.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the wild city or a veteran with a stack of wristbands from previous editions, there are always fresh ways to elevate your experience.
Check out our top tips for getting the most out of your Boomtown experience:
Explore
There is so much more to Boomtown than just the wild stages and thumping soundsystems (make sure you check these out too though, they are some of the best stage designs in the world packed with pyrotechnics, actors and insane light shows). Take the time to wander the labyrinth of streets, duck into the tucked-away alcoves, and see what surprises you can discover in the far corners of this temporary utopia.
Push your musical boundaries
From dub and reggae to folk, rock, techno, psy-trance and drum and bass, Boomtown’s lineups encompasses such an incredibly diverse range of underground sounds. Keep an open mind and explore. You’ll be sure to discover some exhilarating new sonic worlds and might even find your new favourite genre.
Get involved
It might sound simple, but try to leave your judgements and stage fright at the door, the true magic of Boomtown lies in the countless immersive experiences around every bend. Try not to be a passive attendee – interact with the roaming performers, haggle with shady merchants, and let yourself get swept up in the mind-bending narratives unfolding.
Respect yourself, one another, and the planet
Treating others with kindness and looking out for one another is central to the ethics of Boomtown’s fabled community. Help make the city a welcoming place for all the dreamers and vagabonds. The site is a sacred ground, so leave it how you find it, take your things with you and leave no trace. You can find out more about the Boomtown ethos here.
Nail the outfit
You’re going to be doing a ton of walking and dancing at this carnival of chaos, so sensible shoes are a must. But don’t forget to pack your most outrageous outfits to truly get into the nonsensical Boomtown spirit. If you’re feeling fancy dress, go for it, if you want to add some paint to, well, anything, do it, the crazier the outfit the more at home you will feel.
This year’s costume theme is ‘prismatic’ so loud and colourful is a must! Whether it’s an outfit comprised purely of your favourite colour or a vibrant selection of the rainbow’s finest all crammed together, make sure your Boomtown look is bright and eye-catching.
Eat and drink well
The food and drink options at Boomtown are a festival of flavours in their own right. With an incredible array of global cuisine and craft street foods from Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Mediterranean, to your festival classics and even a British delicacy or two. The festival is also packed with cocktail bars, independent breweries distilleries and more, just be sure to pace yourself across the marathon week sensibly, so you can enjoy that final day feeling good.
Unlock the narrative
Part of Boomtown’s genius is the sprawling, overarching story and world that unfolds across venues and interactions. Follow the clues, chat with characters, and immerse yourself fully in unravelling this year’s mysteries. Catch up on the storyline from 2023 here.
Boomtown 2024 is sure to be an odyssey into the outrageous that you’ll never forget. The Revolution Of Imagination beckons – will you answer the call?
Tickets and festival packages are selling out, be sure to get yours before they go via the Boomtown website.
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