Respect yourself & others

Safety

Your safety is our absolute priority. We aim for Boomtown to be a safe and inclusive event and expect all citizens, artists and staff to act in accordance with the Boomtown core values of Respect. Respect for yourself and for each other.

In a world that can make us doubt our own worth, we want to provide a space for self-empowerment and freedom of expression.

In a world that is deeply scarred by the open wounds of prejudice, we want people of all backgrounds, beliefs, ages, gender identities, sexual orientation, abilities and races to know you belong and are safe. 

We do not tolerate harassment of any kind or any form of discrimination. 

Our staff will call this out if we witness it happening, and we ask that you do too.

MEDICAL & WELFARE

Please take a look at all the medical and welfare services we have on-site to help keep yourself and your mates safe!

Packing List: Come Prepared!
  • We’d recommend bringing a small stocked first aid kit including plasters, basic medication like; painkillers, antihistamines, antiseptic cream, sun cream, after sun and insect repellant.
  • If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes make sure you bring what you need for your time on-site and see our prescribed medicine section below. 
  • Refillable water bottle.
  • Clothing for all weather eventualities (and sun cream!)
  • And everything else that you need in order to be warm and dry in a field for several days and nights.
The most important things you can do
  • Eat, sleep, hydrate - repeat!
  • Know where Medical and Welfare are located and that you can ask anyone in a tabard (stewards, security) for help at any time. 
  • Look after your friends
  • If you choose to experiment with drugs or alcohol, understand the risks and educate yourself first. The Loop will have a presence onsite to offer drug education. (They will not have a drug testing service this year).
Services available to you
  • 24hr Welfare Centres (Hilltop and Downtown) with support workers and advice services
  • 24hr Medical Centres (Hilltop and Downtown)
  • Talking services support in the Campsite Villages provided by partners 
  • The Safer Spaces tent provides a supportive space to talk about sexual safety.
  • Welfare Teams in the campsites offering advice and support
  • 24hr campsite help points in every campsite
  • Stewards and security visible throughout the festival
MEDICAL CENTRE

We will have a 24-hour medical centre for first aid support, plus an on-site field-hospital staffed with medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics and mental health practitioners. Medical outreach and response is carried out by foot patrols and 4x4 ambulances.

The medical centres are equipped to deal with almost all medical emergencies, right through to minor illnesses and injuries. They function in a similar way to many A&E departments across the country and are supported by festival ambulance buggies and paramedics.

There is a pharmacy service available at the medical centre where you can buy over the counter items such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, tampons and condoms.

HELP IN AN EMERGENCY

If there is an emergency, the nearest steward or security member will call for assistance immediately, via a radio. If you need medical help and you are able to make your own way to the medical centre, then please do so. All stewards, security and front of house staff will be able to direct you if you don’t know where it is.  We would request that you notify a member of staff if you have a medical emergency, rather than calling 999, as we are better placed to respond quickly than an off-site ambulance.

ON-SITE MEDICAL BUGGIES

Festival Ambulance Buggies operate around the site. They are all-terrain ambulances and will be dispatched for emergency assistance. Any emergency calls received will be triaged by medical staff who will prioritise life-threatening calls over sprained ankles or minor injuries. 

Foot patrols will be sent into busier areas such as the arena, where vehicle movement is limited, supported by vehicles if these are needed.

GETTING OFF-SITE FOR MEDICAL REASONS

If you require transportation to a hospital in an ambulance the medical team will arrange this for you, either in a festival ambulance or via the local hospital ambulance service.

During your consultation, you may be advised to attend hospital for an X-ray or other tests not offered on-site. We can’t transport non-ambulance patients to a hospital, so you’ll need to make your own way by taxi from the Pick-Up/Drop Off point, or a lift. If you are unable to get to the Pick Up/Drop Off point, please speak to the medical or welfare teams who will do their best to assist you where possible. Life-threatening calls will be prioritised, so depending on the situation there may be a wait.

If you have to leave without your belongings please ask a friend to look after or collect your things. If someone needs to access the site to collect your things, they will need to do so by midday on Monday when the show closes. On arrival, they should speak to a Gate Manager who will be able to help.

If you need to leave the site to get to a local pharmacy or hospital you can do so! The festival gates open at 10 am each day and close at 9:30 pm. You can leave at any time but remember you will not be able to get back in after 9:30 pm.

Winchester A&E

The nearest A&E department is in Winchester:
Hampshire County Hospital Emergency Department
Romsey Rd
Winchester
Hampshire
SO22 5DG

WELFARE CENTRES

For our citizens who need to make use of a calm environment there are Welfare Centres on site where there are trained staff on hand to help. Here you’ll find confidential help, counselling services and advice for any emotional problems. The welfare teams have staff trained to provide professional support and advice on a wide range of issues, including drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, bereavement, eating disorders.

SAFER SPACES

We wish for everyone at our show to feel safe and enjoy their weekend, and to not experience harassment, unsolicited attention, sexual violence or domestic abuse. We have teamed up with Safer Spaces Now, who will have a space at Boomtown to support you with a calm, sensory area with experienced professional