Undeniably the most exhilarating party in the UK, Boomtown has evolved through an impressive 15 editions, continuing to break the boundaries of a standard festival experience year on year.
Music and live entertainment (comedy, dancing, circus performers and the rest) will always be the backbone of a classic fezzi, but Bristolian founders Chris and Lak repeatedly raise the bar, creating an entirely immersive, theatrical setting that instils the genuine feeling of transcending to an alternate universe.
Each annual instalment serves as a new chapter of an intricately crafted story (reset to Chapter One in 2022 post-Covid-lockdown), with parallel messages shedding light on real-world issues; their ‘Leave No Trace’ ethos hugely focuses on the importance of sustainability and taking care of our environment and community, in and beyond the gates of Boomtown.
Over the years, we’ve loyally returned to experience Boom in all her glory, catching the vibes in a plethora of weather conditions – burning up in blistering heatwaves, splashing about in storms, and remember that year of wind so turbulent that tent tornados could be seen spiralling across the site? Rain or shine, Boomtown always provides the session of the summer.
At this point, we consider ourselves experienced Citizens, so buckle up and let us walk you through our seasoned agenda …
Trying to cover the entire Matterley Bowl ground in 4 to 5 days is a challenge, but one we readily accept each year – whether you’re taking a deep dive into the endless layers of the Boomtown story, or keen to just soak up the vibrant atmosphere on the surface, there’s literally never a dull moment; weaving your way through the hidey holes, a chaotic energy carries you in a dizzying blur through the bustling districts, intertwined amidst sloping valleys and glowing forests.
Wednesday’s earlybirds will be well settled in and practically part of the furniture (but certainly not short of entertainment) by the time Friday’s opening ceremonies commence – taking place simultaneously at Origin and Grand Central.
There’s something deeply tribal about the way crowds emerge from their campsites at midday for the festivities, travelling in hypnotised unison to witness the residents of Boomtown welcome their newest inhabitants.
Origin is an ancient monolith home to all things bass, with DnB, jungle and garage pounding through high pressure sound systems rooted firmly into the ground. Madly, Inja and Jenna G kick off upon opening, before a Hospitality takeover featuring Kings of the Rollers and Unglued B2B Nu:Tone.
Over the weekend, Origin rumbles with the heavy sounds of SHERELLE and a DJ set from the iconic Pendulum.
Only appearing on the map in 2022, Grand Central has been host to some of our most memorable moments in recent Boomtown years, combining a variety of live music spanning hip-hop, disco, reggae and alternative performances.
Genre-blending across the board this year we have Ezra Collective, Skream & Benga, and SBTRKT on Friday, with Greentea Peng and Soft Play on Saturday. Sunday sees Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley followed by the extra special Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al Mckay.
Around this way you’ll find the infamous staircase leading to the psytrance spectacular that is Tribe of Frog – brace this journey when the sun goes down for a psychedelic treat.
Just along the valley, more woodland wonders appear in the Tangled Roots and Hidden Woods, where you can feel the sand beneath your … shoes (only the brave go barefoot at Boomtown), and sip on a Pina Colada served in the fruit itself.
Grab your copy of the Daily Rag have a wander down Letsbe Avenue, to catch the workers of Boomtown hard at it: Take a tumble in the Soapranos or apply at the Job Centre to get stuck in!! You can also send letters to fellow citizens far and wide from the Post Office, delivered by hand to actual home addresses via very efficient and not-at-all-chaotic postal service.
Metropolis is where we go to get funky, with the zapping sounds of house, acid, and techno pulsating through the digital district.
Watching the sun go down behind the colossal towers of Zenith, to some grooooovy tunes surrounded by your mates, is a purely ecstatic experience – guaranteed to be catalysed by Horse Meat Disco’s Sunday evening set.
The weekend lineup here is stacked as always, with Shanti Celeste, East End Dubs and FJAAK on Friday, and Ross From Friends and KETTAMA on Saturday.
Would you believe me if I said that’s only half – if that – of what the brilliant Boomtown Fair has to offer?
Dare you cross to the Wrong Side Of The Tracks in Area 404 (Papa Nugs, Oppidan, Fabio & Grooverider ft MC Juiceman)?
Or you might nestle into Nexus with Lava La Rue and Hak Baker in the beautiful Botanica.
Between the rowdy Copperwood Corner, folksy Fool’s Leap, hardcore Hangar 161, and all of the above … no music taste is left un-tingled by a visit to this eclectic extravaganza.
Wherever the winding passageways lead you, it’s simply impossible to be bored at Boomtown.
All you have to do is adopt the mantra and you’re all set for the journey:
RESPECT YOURSELF, RESPECT EACH OTHER AND RESPECT THE PLANET.