Boomtown Essential Guide

Not long until we open the city gates of Boomtown for Chapter Four: Power of Now! Before you embark on the adventure, it is time to familiarise yourself with 2025’s essential guide!

Think of this as your Boomtown citizen’s handbook. It contains all of the vital information you need to know before you set off for the city.

We'd recomend downloading the PDF of the Essential guide as it will mean you can check anything you need to know without phone signal.

Contents

1. Key Information: Location, Dates, Times

2. Sustainability: Leave no trace - Eco Bonds , Two Bin System, Recycling Points, Reparium, Changemakers

3. Ticket and Entry Requirements (ID, Citizencards, Re-entry)
4. Alcohol limits, Drugs Policy and Security Searches
5. Car park passes
6. Traveling to Boomtown:
   

                       6.1 Coach: National Express Info & Planning your journey

                        6.2 Train & Shuttle: Information to help you plan your journey

                        6.3 Cycling or Walking: Directions on how to get to the city.‍

                        6.4 Lift Share

                        6.5 Drop Off / Taxi

                        6.6 Private hire coach: Drop-off Booking Slots, entry instructions & directions.

                        6.7 Main Car Park
              
                        6.8 Other Car Parks: Signage & Routes

                        6.9 Motorcycle Parking

                        6.10 Campervans

                            6.10a The Meadow Accessible Campervans

        7 . Arriving on Wednesday: Getting in with your ticket & entry times.
         8 . Heading Home:  Exit routes & getting out safely with your belongings.

        9 .Camping:

                      9.1 Campsite Villages

                       9.2 Public Camping: How to find it & support when you’re there.

                       9.3 Quiet Camping: How to find it & alternative camping spots.

                       9.4 Pre-pitched Camping: A great option for those who don’t want to trek back with their stuff!
                       9.5 Campervans: Where you can park up and gas bottle regulations.
                       9.6 The Meadow: Accessibility info & support

       10. Main Facilities and Added Extras: Treat Yourself! All the info you need for hot showers, flushing loos, lockers, phone charging & lost property.

        11. Camp Skylark: Location, access & facilities.

        12. Camp Orchid:Location, access & facilities.

        13. Accessibility Support 

        14. Cashfree

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1

Key Information

Location:

Matterley Estate, Hampshire, South Downs National Park, SO21 1HW

Dates:

Wednesday 6th - Sunday 10th, August 2025

Wednesday 6th August is an optional extra day (you must have a specific ticket which includes this or purchase an extra add on)

Timings:

City Gate Opening Times - Gates are not open 24 hours!!

Gate opening times: 

Wednesday 6th August: 14:00- 21:30

Thursday 7th August: 12:00 - 21:30 

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: 10:00 - 21:30
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NO RE-ENTRY AFTER: 21:30
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Festival Closing Time:

Monday the 11th August: 12:00

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Music:

Wednesday: 14:00 - 23:00 (Forrest Parties & Thrutopia)

Thursday: 12:00 - 00:00 (Forrest Parties, Street Venues & Most Stages)

Friday: 12:00 - 04:00

Saturday: 12:00 - 04:00

Sunday: 12:00 - 00:00

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Car Parks:
Open 10:00 - 21:00 daily (No entry into any car park after 21:00) 
Re-entry: Although entry is not 24hrs, you can leave at any time and re-enter during gate opening times. Your wristband will be scanned in and out on re-entry. 

You cannot bring alcohol in when re-entering - First entry only!

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2

Sustainability

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Boomtown is a leave no trace festival. 

Eco Bonds

You can reclaim your £20 Eco Bond by bringing a full bag of recycling (plastic bottles, plastic food containers, plastic cups, cans, glass, paper & cardboard) to the nearest Eco Bond Hub on site. Please bring a full bag of General Waste too. You’ll be able to pick up bags at all Campsite Help Points. 

There are Eco Bond points at each of the Campsite Help Points on site which are marked on the map. £20 will be added onto wristbands. 

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Opening Times

All help points are open 24 hours a day from Wednesday until Monday. 

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Two Bin System

There will be two types of bins for you to use on site. One is for general waste, the other is for recycling. Both waste types are taken off site and sorted through - we get higher recycling rates when more people use the recycling bins.

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Recycling Points

We have 60 recycling points in the campsites for you to use and grab recycling and general waste bags. Please drop off any broken camping equipment and surplus food at your nearest recycling point. 

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Reparium

The Boomtown Reparium is making its debut and will be on hand in Pepperpot Market to fix all your camping equipment and outfit needs. Before throwing that camping chair away or buying a new outfit pop down to get it fixed here!

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Changemakers

Look out for our Changemakers who are based in the campsites and will be on hand to help all our citizens take better care of our environment. If you want to know more about what we are doing or you want to get involved in the Agents of Change and make your Boomtown experience reach well beyond the weekend then engage with our changemakers. 

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3

Tickets and Entry requirements (ID, CitizenCards, Re-entry)

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Checklist before you get to the gate!

Printed or downloaded ticket ✔

Vehicle passes /  travel tickets ✔

Valid ID ✔

Food & water provisions ✔

Weather dependent supplies - suncream/hat/waterproofs ✔
Cash free virtual account set up and credit added! ✔

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Top tips for a smooth entry:

• Pack light! Your belongings may be searched on entry, so reduce your waiting time and only bring the essentials.
• Prohibited items Check the list before you pack so you don’t unintentionally bring anything we do not allow on site, if you bring something that is on the prohibited items list, you will be asked to put it back in your car or put it in the bin. We will not store it for you to reclaim after the show. 
• Be aware that anyone with trollies or large luggage will be subject to a higher level of search. There are limited lanes where this takes place so may slow down your arrival. 
• Width limit applies: The lanes at the gates are 900mm wide, any bags or trollies that do not fit the lanes will not be permitted entry and you’ll be asked to return them to your car.
• There is no fast-track entrance! Gates open at 12 midday on Thursday, (or 2pm on Wednesday if you have a Wednesday ticket) arriving earlier does not guarantee  that you will get in any quicker!
• Alcohol restrictions (see section 4 for details): there are limits to how much and what alcohol you can bring into the festival. You can only bring in alcohol on your first time entry, NOT on reentry. 

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Names on Tickets:

The name on the ticket must match the name on your ID. Names on tickets can be updated by logging into your Kaboodle account. Please note a name change fee of £20 per amendment applies.

Once a name change is processed a new e-ticket will be issued via email. You must use this new ticket with the correct name to gain entry to the festival.
If your name does not match the ID on your ticket for example because you are Recently Married, are using your Chosen Name or are awaiting on Deed Poll, please contact info@boomtownfair.co.uk and we can advise you further. We appreciate that you may have a level of concern about the process of having to present your ID and we want to assure you that our box office staff will have been trained on how to deal with names on tickets that do not match ID for valid reasons and will be there to support your entry into the festival. 

ID Checks:

Boomtown does not admit under-18s. Our ID checking teams will be working at every gate and operating a Challenge 25 policy. If you have a ticket and are unable to prove you are aged 18 or over you will be refused entry to the festival. Ticket holders under the age of 18 will NOT be permitted into the event. Acceptable forms of ID include; photographic driving licence, proof of age card with PASS hologram or a passport. Photocopies will not be accepted. 

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CitizenCards

Every year, 100’s of valuable documents such as driving licences and passports end up in lost property. To avoid having to bring your valuable documents, head over to the CitizenCard website for more details on their widely accepted ID cards: https://www.citizencard.com/?m=BOOMTOWN  Use the code BOOMTOWN to get a £8 discount. 

It takes a few weeks for your application to be processed so apply for your card ASAP. 

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Re-Entry

If you need to pop to your car for anything throughout the weekend, re-entry is allowed during the times that the gates are operational ( Friday - Sunday 10:00am - 9:30pm.) 

Although you can go back to your car on Wednesday or Thursday, you’ll need to rejoin the back of the queue to be searched each time you come into the festival. Most people arrive on Wednesday or Thursday so the gates will be busy. 

Plan ahead, and bring all the essentials with you on the first trip so you can leave extra trips until towards the end of the day or the next morning. Please note that there is no re-entry with alcohol. 

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Public Transport Entry Tickets

If you have a Coach or Shuttle  Public Transport Entry ticket you must travel by that mode of transport in order for your ticket to be validated on arrival. If you don’t travel by your chosen method, your ticket will not be validated on arrival and you won’t be able to enter the festival.

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Essential Companion / Personal Assistant Tickets

Pre-approval is required for requests to bring an essential companion with you due to your disability or long term health condition. 

You can apply via the Access Application Form if you require one but have not requested one yet, by emailing the Access Team (access@boomtownfair.co.uk) as soon as possible. The Essential Companion (EC) tickets and access applications will close on  1st July 2025.

You can find further information regarding EC tickets on the Access page of our website: https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/info/accessibility#3

If you have been approved for an Essential Companion by the Access Team, the EC ticket will be attached to the Kaboodle account with which you purchased your festival ticket. Please ensure you have provided the Access Team with the full name of your approved EC. You can update the personal details on the EC ticket to ensure they match the person’s ID. To do this log in to your Kaboodle account (https://account.kaboodle.co.uk/login)

Please contact access@boomtownfair.co.uk if you are expecting an EC ticket but cannot see it on your account. 

We highly recommend that all access customers arrive to the Festival with their approved Essential Companion in order to support you with your arrival and help you with carrying your bags. 

As the access customer you will receive an accessibility wristband alongside your festival wristband on arrival to the Festival. We recommend arriving via the Access Customer Entrance at West Gate or you can collect the access wristband when visiting The Access Team at The Meadow Accessibility Campsite. Your Essential Companion will receive a lanyard for use across the Festival when supporting you.

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4

Alcohol Limits, Illegal Drugs Policy and Harm Reduction Services:

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Alcohol Limits

You are welcome to bring a personal amount of alcohol with you to the festival. Please note there are limits on the amount and types of alcohol permitted.

You may bring up to:

• 16 x 440ml cans of lager/cider/beer or,

• 18 x 250ml cans of premix spirit drinks or,

•  3-litre box of wine or,

• 7 litres of cider/lager/beer in (sealed) plastic bottles or cans.

Big No-Nos:

• No spirits

• No glass or open (unsealed) bottles

• No alcohol permitted on RE-ENTRY

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Illegal Drugs Policy

• Illegal Drugs are Strictly Prohibited. 
• Any person found in possession of illegal drugs past the amnesty points, and before reaching the entrance, will be refused entry and evicted from the festival site immediately.
• The possession, use or sale of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at Boomtown, this includes Nitrous Oxide and all New Psychoactive Substances. 
• Amnesty points will be located on the approach to the festival gates, at the medical, welfare and information point for any contraband or illegal items to be disposed of.
• Be aware that search dogs will be in operation at the gates at all times.
• Payment systems such as PDQ and EPOS devices are prohibited. Anyone found to be in possession of such a device will be evicted from the festival site.
• Police will be operating alongside our security at the festival entry gates.

Do not risk it. Do not bring drugs into the city.

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Additional prohibited items include: knives (including locking knives); sound systems; glass bottles (EXCLUDING make-up and perfume); fireworks; explosives; BBQs; smoke and gas canisters; air horns; flares; spray cans and marker pens; weapons or potential weapons; laser devices; unofficial drones and UAVs; sky lanterns; paraffin lamps, candles, generators, chemical toilets (except where fixed within live in vehicles), unofficial hi-visibility clothing/tabards, open bottles of any kind of liquid that can be consumed, e-scooters and gazebo’s (see section 9: Camping).

Please keep an eye on the website for any updates to this list, for example, previously we have had to ask you not to bring cooking stoves in prolonged periods of hot weather. We will be monitoring this closely ahead of the show, and will update you if anything changes. 

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Harm Reduction Provisions

The Loop - The Loop will not be operating a public drugs testing service, however, they will have their drugs education tent on site in Pepperpot Market to offer information and guidance on drugs to our festival goers for free.

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TLC Welfare - Our welfare team is here to offer support and welfare services for anyone who feels they may need it. Please pay them a visit if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by anything or just need a bit of TLC. They are based next to the medical centre in Pepperpot Market and in Thrutopia.

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Medical - There are two 24 hour medical centres onsite. The main medical centre is next to Pepperpot Market near Hidden Woods. The second medical centre is on Hilltop between Oldtown and Thrutopia. There is a medical and welfare Help Point located between The Lions Gate and Grand Central. If you require urgent assistance you may find someone to help you here, however this is not a treatment centre so if you can walk to get treatment you can do so at Pepperpot Market or Hilltop. The medical centre in Pepperpot Market runs a fully stocked pharmacy, so they can help with a huge amount of ailments and afflictions, but there will also be a pharmacy available near the entrance of Botanica; If you or a friend find yourselves in urgent need of medical assistance, and cannot make your own way to these medical centres, please find your nearest security, steward or Boomtown representative immediately and they will get one of our mobile teams to you as soon as possible.

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Safer Spaces - Sexual harassment, assault and domestic violence support will be offered by Safer Spaces, who have a chill out and glam tent in Pepperpot Market, and will be roaming around the city. The team will be on hand to talk about harassment, sexual health and consent, as well as supporting with any sexual assault reports. Safer Spaces works to prevent violence against women and girls, but are gender informed and gender inclusive.

‍Additional Welfare support - there will be stalls across the Thrutopia and The Rookery offering support and talking services run by charity partners including: The Samaritans, Blink Mental Health, and Cocaine Anonymous. If you are just looking for someone to talk to about how you are feeling, or would like information about ongoing help, these teams are here to listen.

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5

Car Parking Passes

Car Parking:

Phase 1 Car Park tickets must be purchased by 19th June and are available for purchase for £40 + bf. Phase 2 tickets will be available to purchase until 4th August and these are available for £50 + bf, after which they will be available to purchase on arrival for £65.

If purchasing when arriving this will be by card payment only.   

Car Parking tickets will be logged on an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system. Please ensure you update your number plate details on the booking form link included on your car parking pass ticket by Saturday 3rd August.

• If you are planning to travel to the festival by car and you haven’t purchased your car park pass yet you can purchase Phase 2 car parking passes for £50 + booking fee until 3rd August. To purchase a car park pass for The Meadow (accessible camping) please email access@boomtownfair.co.uk.

• After this date car parking passes will no longer be available to purchase in advance and will be £65 at the gate - card payment only. (If you arrive without registering your registration and without proof of having bought a car parking pass you will need to purchase a new one at the gate - so keep your registration updated and print or download a copy of your car parking ticket.
  
  

Accessible Parking

There are priority accessible parking areas for Blue Badge holders at all car parks, located as close to the entry gate as possible. You do not need to request these in advance, just arrive with your blue badge displayed and speak to a steward when you arrive to be directed to this area. 

Please be aware that there will be moderate walking distances between these car parks and entry gates. The Access Team is unable to support carrying items or baggage from your parked car to the entry gates. 

If you struggle with walking long distances, we would advise requesting to park in the dedicated Meadow Accessible car park at West Gate. If you are camping outside of the Meadow accessible campsite, you may still be able to park at Meadow and make use of our internal bus service. This service is just for access customers with limited mobility and their essential companions, friends, and family will have to make their own way to their campsites. 

Please note, you will still need to walk from your car through accreditation, before boarding the bus, and wait times can be long during peak arrival times. The access team cannot help with carrying bags, so please consider this when planning your journey. You must arrange the use of this bus in advance by emailing access@boomtownfair.co.uk

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6
Travelling To Boomtown

6.1. COACH

National Express operates our coach service which travels right to the city gates from over 50 locations around the UK directly. Coaches arrive on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and all depart for home on Sunday or Monday.

If you have purchased a coach ticket, you will have received a voucher code to book your coach travel times with National Express. Please check your emails.Make sure to pre-book your coach by the 26th June. If you haven’t selected a time by then, we’ll automatically assign you a coach from the remaining available options.

Any type of ticket holder can purchase a coach pass by logging in to your customer account here.

Coach Tickets will be sent out separately to your festival entry tickets.  You will receive an e-ticket at least 7 days prior to the date of travel from National Express, which includes all your travel information – simply print it out and present it to the driver. Make sure you keep it in a safe place for use on your Monday return journey! 

For any enquiries about your coach please contact National Express directly on 0371 781 8181. They will be able to assist with any changes to your ticket. 

If you have an Essential Companion, you should have received two coach booking codes so you can book together. If you have not received two codes, please reach out to the access team at access@boomtownfair.co.uk. To speak to National Express directly about your travel arrangements, please contact 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8 pm, 7 days a week), or email National Express using the assisted travel form.

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6.2 TRAIN & SHUTTLE 

We offer a shuttle bus service (wheelchair accessible), from the train station straight to the festival. 

Return shuttle bus tickets can be purchased in advance on our Ticket Page for £17 +bf. Alternatively return shuttle bus tickets can be purchased on arrival at Winchester Train Station for £22, please have a card ready to pay for your ticket.  

On exiting the station, please head straight ahead if you hold a public ticket. Follow the directions of the stewards to the back of the queue. 

Please note: Card Payments only, cash will NOT be accepted.

If you have purchased a ticket to the festival, which includes shuttle travel, then please show this ticket to the boarding staff. They will scan it and give you your shuttle tickets - keep them safe as they can only be issued once for each barcode. 

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Shuttle Busses run on a loop between Winchester Train Station to Boomtown West Gate:

Very Frequently Wednesday 11:00 - 20:30

Very frequently Thursday 10:00 - 20:30

Every 30 Minutes Friday 09:00 - 18:30

Every 30 Minutes Saturday 09:00 - 18:30

Every 30 Minutes Sunday 09:00 - 00:30

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Sunday shuttles will run until 00:30

Monday return shuttles 6:30 - 16:00 

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6.3 CYCLING / WALKING

If you are cycling to the site, please follow the Red patch on the directional signage. This will take you to the East Gate. Route 23 on The National Cycle Network runs close to site, for more information see http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-23

An area within East Gate will be fenced for cycle parking. It is close to the gate, so will be monitored, but is not a secure facility. Please park your bike at the gate before entering the festival site.

Walking to Boomtown is not recommended as the main roads accessing the festival are not suitable for pedestrians. If walking - please head towards Winchester train station where you will be able to take the shuttle to the festival.

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6.4 LIFT SHARE

LiftShare is linking people up who are looking for lifts/ offering lifts, making new friends and cutting down on carbon emissions.

LiftShare links drivers up with potential passengers and vice versa so head over here to find a lift or a driver, slash congestion and leave no car space wasted!

Remember - We'd recommend car sharing to limit your impact on the planet! 

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6.5 DROP OFF / TAXI

Please follow the Pick-up and Drop Off signage to the site. This will take you to just outside the West Gate.

No other gates or routes should be used for dropping off, as it’s likely you’ll end up in a car park queue and your lift will have to pay for car parking. 

DO NOT get dropped off on the road outside the site. Not only is it dangerous for you, it causes delays on the roads and seriously risks our licence to hold the event, if you do this you are jeopardising the future of the festival.

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6.6 PRIVATE HIRE COACH

If you and your friends are booking your own coach (18+ seats) please note that you MUST book a slot in advance. This costs £80 +bf per vehicle (this covers both drop off and collection on Monday). Make your booking here and have the details of your coach company and travel plans to hand. For the Public Transport Hub (Coach Station) please follow the Blue patches on the directional signage – you will also see a coach symbol.

On entry to the gate, you will turn hard left to go down the hill – there is hardstanding within the gate allowing you to do this, so there is no need to swing wide if you are coming up the hill.

Head down the hill to the Coach Park, the nearest end is dedicated to Private Hire Coaches.

Upon arrival, please do not allow your passengers to disembark until you have been greeted by one of the Boomtown team.

This person will arrange your collection time slot and ensure that you have a pass to regain entry on Monday – without it, the coach will not be allowed access to the site on Monday 11^th August.

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6.7 Main Car Park

As you get close (within 3 miles) of the festival, switch off your sat nav and follow the Public Parking Symbol on the directional signage (a white ‘P’ on a blue background)

These will direct you into the car parks by the best routes for the traffic conditions.

Please ensure that you have entered your vehicle registration onto your car park pass booking on Kaboodle before 3rd August. This will enable us to direct you correctly and will help speed access into the car parks.

When leaving please follow the road signage, do not use your sat nav. Most people leave the festival between 10:00 and 12:00 on Monday, so if you wish to beat any queues, it’s best to set off earlier.

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6.8 Other Car Parks

You will have a specific car pass if you are required to be in any of the other car parks 

• Meadow Accessible Car Park can be found by following the Blue (B) patches on the directional signage which will take you to Meadow Accessible Car Park.  Please ensure your Print at Home routing pass is affixed to your windscreen if you have received one. Follow directions of the traffic team to be directed to your parking area.You’ll then have a walk of up to 250 metres to West Gate Access Customer entrance to collect your wristbands and enter the festival. A reminder that the Access Team are unable to help with carrying bags or items from your car to the West Gate Access Customer entrance. If you require additional support with carrying your bags for this distance, please apply for an Essential Companion ticket so someone can help you with your arrival to the Festival.
• Camp Skylark Car Park should follow the Green (G) patches on the directional signage. Make sure your print at home routing pass is clearly displayed so you can be directed to the right car park. You’ll then walk to South Gate to collect your wristbands and enter the festival. 
• Camp Orchid Car Park should follow the Green (G) patches on the directional signage.  Make sure your print at home routing pass is clearly displayed so you can be directed to the right car park.You’ll then walk to South Gate to collect your wristbands and enter the festival. 
• Tangerine Fields customers should use the main public car parks as these will take you to the nearest entry gate to Tangerine Fields. Follow the Public Parking symbol (white P on a Blue Background) on the directional signage. You’ll then walk to East Gate to collect your wristbands and enter the festival. 

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Please ensure that you affix your print at home routing pass before you leave home, and that your vehicle registration has been entered into your booking on Kaboodle by Sunday the 3rd to assist us in directing you correctly and to help speed up entry.

More details around car park directions will be released with your parking pass in June.

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6.9 Motorcycle Parking

Please follow Red patches (R) for motorcycle parking - you don't need a pass.

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6.10 Campervans (not including The Meadow Accessible Campsite)

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• All Campervans (except those for The Meadow Accessible Campsite) should access the site via White (W) route which is on the A272.
• Please follow the White (W) patches on the directional signage.
• Please print out your Campervan Routing Pass (it will be sent to your email or can also be found in your Kaboodle Account after tickets have been sent out. Make sure the pass is clearly displayed in your windscreen well before you reach the festival site so that our traffic marshals can direct you to the right place.
• On entrance to the gate, all campervans need to turn right. 
• You can expect thorough searching at the gates, and may be pulled aside for police and security dog searches.
• You will need to exchange your routing pass for your Campervan Sticker and have all your ID and festival tickets available for scanning so that wristbands can be issued.
• Once inside the campervan area, please be conscious of the spacing of your vehicles as the fire lanes MUST be kept clear at all times. We ask that you follow the guidance of the staff parking you up, and park your campervan lengthwise along the left hand edge of your pitch and closest to the avenue – this will keep spacing between vehicles to a maximum.
• No re-entry is allowed for Campervans.

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6.10a The Meadow Accessible Campervans

• Meadow Campervans should access the site via Blue Route (B) which is on the A272.
• Please follow the Blue (B) patches on the directional signage.
• Please print out your Campervan Routing Pass (it will be sent to your email or can also be found in your Kaboodle Account after tickets have been sent out. Make sure the pass is clearly displayed in your windscreen well before you reach the festival site so that our traffic marshals can direct you to the right place.
• On entrance to the gate, all campervans need to turn right. 
• You can expect thorough searching at the gates, and may be pulled aside for police and security dog searches.
• You will need to exchange your routing pass for your Campervan Sticker and have all your ID and festival tickets available for scanning so that wristbands can be issued.
• Once inside the campervan area, please be conscious of the spacing of your vehicles as the fire lanes MUST be kept clear at all times. We ask that you follow the guidance of the staff parking you up, and park your campervan lengthwise along the left hand edge of your pitch and closest to the avenue – this will keep spacing between vehicles to a maximum.
• No re-entry is allowed for Campervans.

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When you leave the festival, you will be forced to turn left onto the A272 – this is to take you away from the queues from the main car parks. Please follow exit route signage which will take you to the M3, A34 and London.

Most people leave between 10:00 and 12:00 on Monday, so if you wish to beat any queues, please leave before this.

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7

Arriving on Wednesday

• Every person arriving on Wednesday needs to have purchased Wednesday entry in one of the following ways:
  
  • A Wednesday Entry Ticket
  • A Public Transport Entry Ticket and public transport travel which arrives on Wednesday
  • A Thursday Entry’ ticket with separate Wednesday Upgrade  
• If you are an access customer that has one of the above, your Essential Companion ticket will automatically have the same entry access as you to allow them entry on the same day as you
• Gates to the festival will open at 14:00 on Wednesday 6th August. Some coaches will arrive before this.
• All car parks open from 12:00

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8‍

Heading Home 

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The festival site closes at midday on Monday. Please make sure you have cleaned up your camp and taken all your belongings with you before making your way to the exits before midday.

When you leave the Boomtown site, you may be sent in a direction that you are unfamiliar with and goes against the instructions on your Sat Nav. This is PLANNED, to take you away from the worst of the congestion. There are multiple exit points around the site - ignoring the route signage could put you into a queue outside one of the other gates.

Please do not follow your Sat Nav or your phone until you are well away from the site, follow the signage. Once you are around 10 miles from the site, you can use your Sat Nav to ensure you get home safely.

The M3/A34 Junction is extremely slow, so access is managed by our team. You may be directed to use the M3 Southbound to then return northbound. It is quicker to drive 20 miles out of your way, than to try to access the J9 roundabout as we are not allowed to provide any priority to cars there due to the proximity of major highways and roadworks currently underway.

Directional signage will be in place to take you in the direction of the M3 (N&S), the A34 and towards London. Although not the most direct route, these will be quicker than following your Sat Nav.

Please respect our neighbours and local communities and refrain from cutting down local roads and through small villages. There are multiple road closures in the area to protect our neighbours which you may come up against.

Queues around the site start at around 10:00 am so if you don’t like sitting in a queue, then please plan to leave before that time.

Plan your journey well in advance. Ensure that your driver is well rested and in a legal state to drive… DO NOT drive if you think you might be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.

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9  

Camping

9.1 Public Camping

Public camping is included in every ticket. There are public camping spaces across the whole site, keep an eye out for the map where they’ll be marked.

General camping is for tents only. The camping areas are spread across the site. 

Please also be aware of the access lanes in the campsites. Stewards will be roaming in the campsites to assist you and answer queries, but also to ensure that the access lanes are not camped in, so that we can get emergency and service vehicles in and out of the campsites when we need to. If you are asked to move your tent because it is in one of these access routes, please help the stewards out. They should be able to help you find an alternative spot.

We are not able to allow any campfires within any of the camping or campervan fields, either on or off the ground. 

Gazebo’s are not permitted in any of the campsites.

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9.2 Quiet Camping 

Quiet camping is located in East camping. This is not a pre-booked area, it will be available to anyone who elects to camp there on a first come first serve basis. There will be stewards and security in the area, and they will be ensuring the camping area’s “quiet” ethos is respected by the campers. Anyone camping in the area will be expected to respect their neighbours and not be noisy.  

Alternatively - if you wish to camp somewhere comparatively quiet to the most popular public campsites we’d recommend Valley Village towards the north of our site.

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9.3 Pre-pitched Camping

If you feel that you cannot handle the trek back to the bus or car on Monday with all of your camping stuff, then PLEASE book a pre-pitched tent. There are many options to choose from and a variety of prices to suit all budgets.

Check out the options on offer from Skylark, Tangerine Fields and Camplight 

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9.4 Campervans

The Campervan Field is located on the south east side of the site.
Campervans, converted live-in vans, caravans and trailer tents are all welcome (Cars are not deemed as live-in vehicles and cannot be used to stay in). No tents are allowed in the campervan field, although you can put up your awning, as long as everything fits within your pitch.

Pitch sizes are a maximum of 7m x 5m; if you need more space you can purchase two pitches. Compost toilets are provided in the Campervan Fields, please note there are no facilities for accepting chemical waste or electrical hook ups. 

Smaller refillable gas bottles are permitted where professionally installed in caravans or live in vehicles and a Gas Safety Certificate can be produced, so long as there is adequate space available in the campervan field between you and your neighbours (please leave 2-4m gaps).  If you do not have a certificate, we reserve the right to confiscate your gas bottles, so if in doubt please leave gas bottles at home. Typically ‘smaller’ bottles would be 4kg – 7kg Butane (blue bottles), small orange propane cylinders are also permitted (up to 6kg). Small travel camping gas stoves (handheld disposable cylinder type) are usually permitted, however we reserve the right to also ban these, and BBQs, if site ground conditions deem it to be necessary so as not to pose a safety or fire risk. 

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9.5 The Meadow Accessible Campsite

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The Meadow is our accessible camping area for citizens with additional access requirements, staffed with a dedicated Access team who provide practical advice and support for those wishing to attend who have accessibility requirements. The facilities include; 

• Accessible toilets 
• Wide access showers, available only for approved access citizens.
• Standard showers for those camping in the Meadow. Please note: these facilities should not be used by visitors to the Meadow Campsite, unless you are visiting as an approved access customer. Mobiloo unit including hoist facilities 
• Meadow Access Hub with charging facilities for wheelchairs and accessibility aids 
• Overnight electrical charge, on approval only, for essential medical devices 
• Dedicated team of Access Managers and volunteers on site 24/7
• Access shuttle service running on a loop around the Festival site, available only for approved access citizens and their EC’s.

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If you are planning to camp with us in The Meadow Accessible Campsite we recommend arriving through the West Gate entrance, making use of the Access Customer entrance lane to enter the Festival. 

The distance between the inside of the West Gate Entry point and the campsite is approximately 400 metres. An access shuttle service will be available from inside the West Gate entry gate to the Meadow campsite, however we expect long wait times during busy peak arrival periods.

The Meadow campsite can accommodate tents, campervans, caravans, live-in vehicles or trailer tents. However, you must arrange to bring a live-in vehicle in advance, and spaces are limited. Please kindly note that live-in vehicles and tents will be in separate designated areas of the campsite. We are unable to accommodate tents in the campervan area due to Health & Safety.

To stay in the Meadow Accessible Campsite, please contact access@boomtownfair.co.uk, you will need to apply via the Access Application Form which closes on 1st July 2025. 

For more information about the facilities available at the Meadow Accessible Campsite, please see the accessibility section on our website.

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10
Main Facilities & Added Extras

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Throughout the festival you will have access to our main facilities, these include:
Gender Neutral Toilets

Accessible Toilets 

Water

Cash free top up

Medical

Welfare

Information Point

Lockers

Phone Charging

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Aside from our main facilities, we have extra comforts and luxuries available. Please find out below how you can access these. Treat Yourself!

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Merchandise

A fantastic array of Boomtown ‘Power of Now’ merchandise will be available for purchase at our merchandise stall, located next to the info tent. Our new merchandise range will be launching in June and will be available for pre-order, for collection on site, here.

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Lockers

Keep your valuables safe with our two mobile locker suppliers, Mobile Locker UK and SJEF. 

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Central and East Locker Locations

• This year, our Central and East lockers are provided by Mobile Lockers and are self service. You can buy these in advance here.
• They are located in the centre of the city and Thrutopia.
• If you rent a locker on site, you have to pay with a credit/debit card, not your cash free wristband because the lockers self service payment system is not yet compatible with the RFID wristbands. 
• If you purchase in advance your locker ticket will be emailed to you directly by the supplier 1 week before the festival, they will not be sent out with your festival entry ticket. The locker ticket will contain a QR code that will allow you to access your locker.
  
  

Camp Skylark and Camp Orchid Lockers

• The Camp Skylark and Camp Orchid lockers are provided by SJEF and are self service. You can buy these in advance here.
• They are located near Tribe of Frog, opposite the main entrance to Camp Orchid.
• If you rent a locker on site, you have to pay with a credit/debit card, not your cash free wristband because the lockers self service payment system is not yet compatible with the RFID wristbands. 
• If you purchase in advance your locker ticket will be emailed to you directly by the supplier 1 week before the festival, they will not be sent out with your festival entry ticket. The locker ticket will contain a pin code that will allow you to access your locker. 

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There is limited availability so we recommend you buy the above in advance to avoid disappointment.

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Phone Charging

• Available to purchase in advance here or on site. If you have purchased in advance please bring your E-Ticket on your phone, or print it out, and bring it to one of the phone charging points to be redeemed. 
• You will be asked to show ID that matches the name on your pass.
• Either pick up your power pack or drop your phone in at any of the five Charge Candy Stations, leave it with the friendly staff, collect your reclaim ticket and pick up your fully charged phone later on.
• Locations: A site map will be released nearer the time showing all locations.
• Please check opening times at the Charge Candy station when you drop your phone off (each location has different opening times).

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Lost & Found

Lost and Found property is managed at the Main Info Point:

Main City Info Point opening times.. 

Wednesday: 14:00 till 00:00

Thursday: 10:00 till 00:30

Friday: 10:00 till 02:00

Saturday: 10:00 till 02:00

Sunday:10:00 till 00:30 

Monday 06:00 till 14:00

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Please go to Hilltop or Pepperpot Welfare Tents or Campsite Help Points outside of these times. 

After the festival you can fill out the lost property form - https://notlostenquiry.com/tlc-welfare/ - or email lostandfound@boomtownfair.co.uk.  

Post event we will keep all items of value for 28 days, after which we will recycle, destroy or donate to charity any unclaimed items. For example, clothes may be used by the welfare team or given to local charity shops. All bank cards will be destroyed and any official ID such as Driving Licences or Passports will be returned to the DVLA or Passport office.

We would love to reunite you with anything you have lost before you leave the festival, but in case you need to ask us about lost items after the show, fill in the enquiry form. This will be received by TLC Welfare who will check and try and match any items and post them back to you. There is a charge for posting items back and you will be sent a link for payment which will be made online for this via the NotLost platform. Cost depends on size of the item and type of delivery chosen.

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11

Camp Skylark 

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Camp Skylark. Named after the iconic bird of the South Downs, Camp Skylark aims to take our audience back to the freedom of childhood camping trips and connection with nature, and the outstanding beauty of the South Downs National Park.

A catalogue of accommodation fit for Boomtown’s comfort craving citizens with cocktails, yoga sessions, pamper rooms, hot showers and flushing loos! There are still limited Camp Skylark accommodation options available so head to the website to find out more. 

For all Camp Skylark residents, here’s your step-by-step guide to how it all works:

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Camp Skylark Arrival 

• Please follow the arrival information above, for general arrival details. We encourage ALL Camp Skylark customers to use the South Gate entrance for closest access to Camp Skylark from the gate.
• The Camp Skylark team will send your arrival information directly about a week prior to the show. 
• Once you have been issued your festival wristband you will be directed to the Camp Skylark Box Office where you will receive your Camp Skylark resident wristband. 
• If you are arriving by car, you should purchase a Camp Skylark parking pass which is the closest parking to this campsite.
• If you arrive via public transport, there is a Camp Skylark and Camp Orchid Shuttle Bus  available. These buses can be caught from the public transport hub - look out for the signs or ask a steward. Do Not head up the hill.
• When you enter Camp Skylark you will be welcomed by our fabulous reception team who will check you in and direct you to your respective accommodation. 
• For access customers staying in Camp Skylark, please be aware the distance from the Camp Skylark car park to the Skylark Box office is approximately 1500 metres. If you struggle with walking long distances, we recommend arriving via the West Gate Access Customer entrance where the access shuttle service can transport you up to the Skylark Access Bus Stop. This must be arranged in advance by contacting the access team on access@boomtownfair.co.uk 

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Box Office Opening Times:

Wednesday 6th: as soon as public gates open - 23:00

Thursday 7th: as soon as public gates open - 23:00

Friday 8th - Saturday 9th: 10:00 - 23:00

Sunday 10th: 10:00 - 21:30 (box office closes at 19:00 for first time entry)

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Reception Opening Times:

• Our reception is open 24 hours, from Weds Open - Monday 11:00

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Camp Skylark Check Out

• You must vacate Camp Skylark by 11:00 on Monday 11th. 
• Please note all festival attendees must be off the festival site by 12:00 on Monday 11th August.

• Damage (includes damage from cigarette ends), theft and breakage may result in a penalty charge or, in the case of serious misuse of equipment, you agree to pay, in full, all replacement or repair costs as set by us or the supplier. 

• Camp Skylark doesn’t put up with litter bugs. You must look after your area and keep it tidy, using the recycling bags and bins provided.

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Camp Skylark Opening and Closing Times:

• Camp Skylark Residents Camping: Once you have a wristband, Camp Skylark is open 24/7. This is a wristbanded area and security will be checking wristbands at the Camp Skylark Residents entrance.

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Camp Skylark Location:

• A festival site map will be released closer to the festival.

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Camp Skylark Facilities:

• Beauty Salon
• Pamper Station 
• Bar
• Cafe
• Yoga Workshops 
• Communal Fire Pit
• Flushing Loos 
• Showers
• Mobility Scooter charging
• Access to Cooper Cog, a secret draught bar with DJ, chill out space and flushing toilets in the heart of the city (near the beacon). 
• N.B.* There are additional charges for food and drink.

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12 

Camp Orchid 

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Arrival 

• The Camp Orchid team will send your arrival information directly about a week prior to the show.
• New to 2025, Camp Orchid customers will receive a combined Camp Orchid and  entry wristband. This will act as your festival entry band and your Camp Orchid wristband. 
• We encourage ALL Camp Orchid customers to use the South Gate entrance for closest access to Camp Orchid from the gate.
• If you are arriving by car, you should purchase a Camp Orchid parking pass which is the closest parking to this campsite.
• If you are an access customer who struggles with walking long distances, we recommend arriving via the South Gate Access Customer entrance. 
• If you arrive via public transport, there is a Camp Skylark and Camp Orchid Shuttle Bus  available. These buses can be caught from the public transport hub - look out for the signs or ask a steward. Do Not head up the hill. 

Box Office Opening times:

• Wednesday 6th August: as soon as public gates open - 21:30
• Thursday 7th August: as soon as public gates open - 21:30 
• Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th: 10:00 - 21:30
• Sunday 10th: 10:00 - 21:30 (box office closes at 19:00 for first time entry)

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Reception Opening Times:

• 24 hour 

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Camp Orchid Check Out:

• You must vacate Camp Orchid by 11:00 on Monday, 11th. 
• Note, Camp Orchid doesn’t put up with litter bugs. Before leaving, please make use of the recycling bags and bins provided.

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Camp Orchid Opening and Closing Times:

• Camp Orchid Residents Camping: Once you have a wristband, Camp Orchid is open 24/7. This is a wristbanded area and security will be checking wristbands at the Camp Orchid Residents entrance.

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Location

• South East of the festival site. A detailed site map will be released nearer the time of the festival.

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Facilities

• Hot showers
• Flushing loos
• Pamper Station 
• Food Traders 
• Bar 
• Fire Pit
• Seating
• Access to Cooper Cog, a secret draught bar with DJ, chill out space and flushing toilets in the heart of the city (near the beacon).
• N.B.* There are additional charges for food and drink.

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13 

 Accessibility for Deaf and disabled people 

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Accessibility Pack

If you have completed the Access Application Form and been approved by a member of the Access Team, you will receive an additional information pack regarding the access facilities available to you. 

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Facilities

Accessible facilities at the festival include:

• Meadow Accessible Campsite - staffed accessibility campsite with wide access showers & wide access toilets
• Wide access toilets across the Festival site, locked via RADAR key system. 
• Viewing platforms - pre approval is required for use of the Viewing Platforms due to limited capacity
• Wheelchair, accessibility aid and medical device charging
• Refrigerated medicine storage
• BSL interpretation and support provided by Deaf Events
• Mobiloo accessible toilet and changing place facility with hoist located in The Meadow Accessibility  campsite

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For more information on our facilities please see the accessibility section of our website

To arrange to use any of these facilities or to apply for an Essential Companion (EC) ticket please contact access@boomtownfair.co.uk who will send you the Access Application Form to complete. The deadline for this form is 1st July 2025. 

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Accessible Car Parking for Blue Badge Holders

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There are priority accessible parking areas for Blue Badge holders at all car parks, located as close to the entry gate as possible. You do not need to request these in advance, just arrive with your blue badge displayed and speak to a steward when you arrive to be directed to this area. 

Please be aware that there will be moderate walking distances between these car parks and entry gates. The Access Team are unable to support carrying items or baggage from your parked car to the entry gates. 

If you struggle with walking long distances, we would advise requesting to park in the dedicated Meadow Accessible car park near West Gate. If you require assistance with your bags, we recommend applying for an EC ticket so that someone can attend the festival to support you. 

The Access Team are able to swap any purchased general car park passes to the Meadow Accessible  Car Park pass once you have completed the Access Application Form and been approved by a member of the Access Team. 

The Meadow Accessible  car park is a priority parking area for Deaf and disabled customers anyone camping in The Meadow accessibility campsite. To park here you will need to arrange a Meadow Parking pass in advance by contacting access@boomtownfair.co.uk.

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Accessible Shuttle Service inside the Festival site for access  customers

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As in previous years, there will be a wheelchair accessible transport service operating on a loop around the internal Festival site from inside the festival gates to various appointed accessible bus stops. Look out for the Accessible Bus Stop sign whilst on site. Further details of the stops will be included in your Access Pack that you will receive before your arrival. 

There will be 2 dedicated Access Customer buses running on the service. 

Please be aware that due to the nature of our site, many of the driving routes are also used by pedestrians. For this reason, the length of time it can take for the accessible bus route to run a full service and reach an accessible bus stop can vary. We are unable to provide a bus timetable for this reason. Wait times at bus stops could be up to 1.5 hours depending on the internal traffic. 

There will also be a wheelchair accessible transport service between West Gate entry point inside the festival to The Meadow Accessible campsite. There will be expected wait times for this service at peak times. 

Please kindly note this service is only for approved access customers and ECs who have the relevant wristband or lanyard. If you do not have this, you will not be able to make use of the service. 

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Public Transport or Drop Off

If you are arriving via coach, train & shuttle bus or drop off you will arrive at the festival's public transport hub. Make your way to the West Gate Access Customer entrance lane where the accessibility team will greet you and help you enter the festival.

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14

 Cashfree

Boomtown is a cash free event. This means everything you pay for at the festival will be done using RFID technology that’s in your wristband.

This cash free technology, provided by Weezevent, works entirely within a closed loop system eliminating the need for WiFi and banks to make payments. You will use your wristband at all of our pay points across the festival whenever you purchase a drink, food, merchandise or even to make a charity donation. It’s free to activate your account, to top up with credit or to receive a refund of any leftover money afterwards. The system is entirely free of charge!

Follow this link to learn everything you need to know about Boomtown going Cash Free, including how to create your account, how to top up during the festival and how to request a refund.

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CASHFREE SETUP

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Setting Up Your Account

To create your account before the festival you will need the 6 - 18 digit code that is on your ticket. By creating an account you will then be able to use this to top up before you get to the festival and also through your smartphone over the weekend. If you don’t have a smartphone you can pair your wristband barcode and cashfree wallet by heading over to our website. 

You can set up your account now here.

If you don’t have time before the festival to create an account, you can do so once on site using the 6 digit code on the back of your RFID wristband.

You do not need to set up an account to use this system, you can also simply receive your wristband and top up at our Top Up Bank when you are on site by card.

Refunds

After the festival is over, you must request a refund of your leftover money. No refunds will be made automatically. You can expect your refund to be  in your account 7-10 days after your request.

You will have 2 weeks to request your refund from the date refund requests open. 

Due to banking systems we are unable to refund any amount that is less than £0.50. These credits will be donated to our local charity partners.

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