Evection notice
1. Overview
Boomtown is produced for the enjoyment of all attendees, crew, and staff. We reserve the right to refuse entry to, or remove from, the Event any person, without refund, for the reasons set out below. The decision to evict will be made at the discretion of the Eviction Team, operating independently of security, following a structured assessment of each case.
2. Grounds for eviction
Evictions are not undertaken lightly. Each situation is assessed on its own merits, and eviction is only applied where necessary to protect the wider festival community or where core values of the Event have been compromised.
Reasons for eviction include, but are not limited to:
- Entering or being inside the Event without a valid ticket, wristband, or relevant pass.
- Breach of the Event perimeter (fence jumping).
- Displaying violent, aggressive, or antisocial behaviour.
- Possession of illegal drugs or substances.
- Possession of a quantity of illegal drugs or substances with intent to supply.
- Soliciting the sale of illegal drugs by any means, including via the Boomtown app or other digital platforms.
- Possession or use of an unauthorised card reader or payment device.
- Committing acts of sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence.
- Theft, fraud, or any other criminal behaviour.
- Unauthorised sale of alcohol, tobacco, counterfeit goods, or any other goods or services.
- Building or fuelling fires, or possession of prohibited ignition sources in breach of the Event's fire-safety rules.
- Filming or photographing staff or other attendees in a manner likely to constitute harassment or cause distress.
- Inciting, procuring, or encouraging others to behave in an unacceptable or criminal manner.
- Preventing or attempting to prevent security or emergency responders (including Police, Ambulance, or Fire services) from responding to a situation.
- Failing to comply with a reasonable instruction from Event staff, security, or emergency services.
- Violating the Terms and Conditions of entry or refusing a search.
- Any other behaviour that leaves the Event or its partner organisations open to prosecution, or that is not conducive to maintaining a safe Event.
3. Zero tolerance
We take a zero tolerance stance on hate speech, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, or any behaviour intended to cause distress. Anyone found to be demonstrating any of these will be removed from the Event and may be reported to the police.
4. Sex offenders and persons subject to court orders
We reserve the right to refuse entry to, and/or evict from, the Event any ticket holder who we become aware is subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, or who has been convicted of any sexual offence or any offence relating to public disorder, violence, abuse, or criminal damage, or who is subject to a Community Protection Notice (CPN) or Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
5. Ejection at the gate
If prohibited items or drugs are discovered during the search process at the gate, the individual may be denied entry without being taken through the full eviction process. This is referred to as an ejection. Attendees are given the opportunity to declare and amnesty prohibited items or drugs prior to and on entering the search process. Where low level personal possession is declared at this point, a Drug Possession Warning Notice may be issued to allow conditional entry into the Event.
6. Warning measures
Not all incidents warrant full eviction. In certain cases where the offence is cautionable, the Eviction Team may take alternative action, including:
- Conditional wristband restrictions— in exceptional circumstances, an individual's standard wristband may be replaced with a restricted wristband that limits certain onsite activity (such as alcohol purchases). The original wristband's RFID access will be deactivated and any cashless balance transferred to the replacement wristband.
- Drug Possession Warning Notice — for low-level personal possession not declared/amnestied, a formal written warning may be issued following assessment by specialist advisors, allowing the individual to enter or remain on the site.
These measures are used at the Eviction Team's discretion and do not guarantee that further offences will not result in full eviction.
7. The eviction process
All evictions follow a structured process designed to ensure lawful, respectful treatment:
1. The individual is taken to the Eviction Centre, which operates 24 hours a day throughout the Event.
2. Incident details are recorded and a welfare or medical assessment is conducted.
3. A security search is completed if not already carried out.
4. Personal details are recorded, including a photograph.
5. The case is investigated by the Eviction Manager, who makes the final decision based on evidence.
6. Outcomes may include re-entry with conditions, referral to police, or full eviction from site.
If an individual is evicted:
- Their RFID wristband will be deactivated. Any remaining cashless balance will be eligible for post-event refund.
- Written confirmation of the eviction and the reason for it will be provided.
- The individual will be offered the opportunity to nominate a friend to collect their belongings. In certain circumstances, where the evictee is assessed as sober and compliant, they may be escorted to collect their own belongings within a time limit. Otherwise, non-essential belongings may be collected on the Monday following the event.
- Transport will be arranged to Winchester Monument, Winchester Railway Station, or their personal vehicle (if deemed fit to travel).
- The individual will be able to make a free telephone call if they do not have a mobile phone.
8. Welfare and safeguarding
All individuals processed through the Eviction Centre undergo a vulnerability assessment to ensure they are safe to leave the Event. This includes consideration of mental health, intoxication, age, and any other factors that may place the individual at risk.
- Minors (under 18s): A member of the Welfare Team with expertise in child and youth welfare will be assigned to support any minor subject to eviction. Parents or guardians will be contacted. If no guardian is contactable, the police will be informed.
- Medical concerns: No individual will be evicted while deemed medically unfit. They will be held at the Eviction Centre and monitored until a reassessment deems them fit, with medical support available at all times.
- Vulnerable adults: Individuals with additional care needs are supported by the dedicated Evictions Welfare Team to ensure safe and appropriate outcomes.
9. Accusations against staff
Accusations against Event staff are investigated through the same process as accusations against members of the public. The Eviction Team operates independently, and any eviction of a staff member requires dual authorisation from senior Event management.
10. Future events
Evictees are liable to receive a ban from purchasing tickets for, or working or volunteering at, future Boomtown events.
11. Personal data
As part of the eviction process, we may process your personal data for the purposes described above and for compliance with legal obligations, and to protect the vital interests of attendees and staff. You can find more information on how we process your data in our Privacy Policy.
