Boomtown Festival, held in Winchester from August 12-16, has become the highlight of the year for a group of festival-goers who have traveled the globe. Despite experiencing festivals worldwide, they insist there is nowhere else quite like Boomtown.
A Luxurious Camping Experience
The group arrived on Thursday and headed to Camp Skylark Sunset, part of the luxury glamping site. Amenities included hot and cold showers, sinks with mirrors, cold water refill points, a sheltered bar with slushie machines and DJ sets, and three food vendors offering Peri Peri Chicken, Pizza, and Burgers late into the night. The pamper parlour, equipped with beauty stations, large mirrors, hair dryers, straighteners, and plugs, was a favorite.
The Skylark upgrade provided tents tall enough to stand in, with real bed frames, mattresses, pillows, cushions, blankets, doormats, mirrors, and lamps. This made the festival experience easier, avoiding the usual camping hassles and ensuring a good night's sleep.
Thursday and Friday Highlights
On Thursday night, the group explored smaller stages before catching WBBL's Naughty Nineties & Noughties set and Krafty Kuts at Beatbox. D-Ther then performed at Tribe of the Frog, a stage known for its lasers and glow-in-the-dark decor.
Friday began with the opening ceremony at Lion's Den, followed by ska legends Madness, who delivered a nostalgic performance. Shy FX and Sub Focus followed with drum and bass sets, and Wilkinson closed the evening, drawing a massive crowd. The proximity of Camp Skylark Sunset allowed for a quick nap in the shade between performances.
Saturday and Sunday Standouts
Saturday's standout was Flash Bang Brass at the Rose & Crown, a brass band performing drum and bass tunes. Rossi B2B Silva Bumpa at Hydro XL and A.M.C at Lion's Den were also highlights. Sunday featured a cheesy 90s throwback with the Vengaboys, followed by Eve, who had the crowd shaking tambourines. IRAH performed at Tangled Roots, and the final night was split between Skrillex and Faithless.
The group praised the people they met, including camp neighbors Sarah and Dave, a couple from the Isle of Man named Julie, and a group from New York. They noted Boomtown's ageless appeal, with attendees of all ages dressing up and dancing. The ever-changing storyline and secret quests add to the festival's charm, making it feel like you've only scratched the surface after five days.
