Will I be able to get phone signal?
As with most larger festival sites, phone signals tends to be a bit hit and miss. There are no payphones onsite so it's best to do things the old fashioned way and plan a pre-arranged meeting spot. Our app also has some offline functionality, so you’ll still be able to check the programme & the map!
Who is behind Boomtown?
Boomtown was started by a small team of young creative party goers who wanted to create something different - - an experience that brings to life underground music, art and theatre culture.
The festival is still run by the same people who started it - but we’ve come a long way in the last 15 years!
When is Boomtown?
Boomtown takes place over the second week of August between 12th - 16th August 2026.
Where is Boomtown?
Boomtown is set in the rolling hills of Matterley Estate, a working dairy farm in the most westerly point of South Downs National park, near Winchester. Exact routing information will be sent with your ticket, please follow it carefully!
What’s open when?
Wednesday is a set up day only with limited entertainment. On Thursday there will be a limited number of stages, bars and venues open later in the afternoon. The full show, with all stages and attractions will be open at 12 noon on Friday onwards.
What time can I stay on site until?
The site needs to be vacated by midday on Monday 17th August. Please make sure you are all packed up and on your merry way home by then.
What is the Boomtown immersive world?
The Boomtown immersive world is a collection of storylines which create the living city that is Boomtown. Some storylines are national news stories involving the whole city. Some storylines are local news stories involving just one district. Some storylines are town gossip involving just a few characters. Our audience also brings their own storylines… it might become confusing, but that’s all part of the fun.
There may come a time when all storylines seem to connect, and it all suddenly makes sense.
What is Boomtown?
Boomtown is a five day immersive music festival set in a parallel world. We’re on a mission to inspire the emergence of a better world all while having a blast.
Eight city districts come to life, each with their own unique vision for how we build a perfect world. There’s characters to meet, causes to join and secrets to be revealed around every corner.
To find out more about Boomtown please visit Discover The Fair
I want to get involved! How can I perform/volunteer/trade/work at Boomtown?
Head over to our Connect section where you'll find all our various application forms and their opening dates.
I'm under 18. Can I come to Boomtown?
Boomtown is an over 18’s event. You may see some under 18s during the event. This is because some of our crew live on site for many weeks creating the festival. They will be accompanied by responsible adults and well cared for to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
How do I start ‘the storyline’?
There is no single Boomtown storyline. Like any city, there are many stories happening at once. Which stories you find out about or become involved in will depend on a combination of which district you hang out in, who you speak to, and pure luck.
How big is the Boomtown site?
The whole Boomtown site is pretty big, you can expect to do quite a lot of walking over the weekend so please bring appropriate footwear.
The Matterley estate is a green-field site that utilises the natural amphitheatre, neighbouring woodland and the surrounding fields to form the unique festival experience of Boomtown.
