Festivals / Boomtown Fair
Boomtown drops ‘boundary-pushing’ lineup for 2024
The festival renowned for its immersive world-building is back for the third edition of its latest, post-Covid incarnation, titled ‘Chapter Three: Revolution of Imagination.’
Born in Bristol, Boomtown Fair is a much-loved event that encompasses quality live music performances with landscape-scale art installations and character acting to create an imaginary world for revellers to disappear into for a weekend.
Running since 2009, previous editions have included stages inside a life-size pirate ship, atop a replica gold mine and masquerading as wild west saloon bars.
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Reinventing the festival after lockdowns, the Boomtown team went back to their origins and began the city’s story from scratch.
Music of all genres can be found across the eight districts of the festival’s imaginary city this year, including Grand Central, the town square; the ‘main drag’, LetsBe Avenue; Oldtown, an area for circus freaks and folky old-timers; the flourishing utopia of Botanica; Copperwood; and Area 404, the punk-squatted paradise.
Origin’s wasteland features a giant monolith stage with a programme of drum and bass, jungle and electronic music, and the Metropolis is a ‘vivid techtopia of enhanced indulgence.’
On the bill across the weekend are Damian Marley, Ezra Collective, Viagra Boys, Greentea Peng, Pendulum, Soft Play, Sleaford Mods and Flogging Molly.
Bristol artists performing include Grove, Mista Trick Collective, The Allergies, Dr Meaker, Hippo Sound System, Laid Blak, FFTP, The Midnight Zu and Stone Cold Hustle.
As well as music, Boomtown is full of circus performers, immersive art, secret venues and sideshows – photo: Leora Bermeister
Boomtown said: “This year’s stacked line up is poised to continue the festival’s incommensurable legacy blending music, culture, entertainment and activism through the largest interactive theatre experience in the world, spanning in-depth storytelling, modern circus acts, art, dance, mind-blowing production and much more.”
As well as the 12 main stages, there are also 50 hidden venues and a huge array of sideshows to distract punters.
Organisers say the festival is an “ever-evolving story, unfolding and growing each year.
“The aim of the game, if you choose to play, is to discover the stories unfolding all over the city – via the Daily Rag, on posters and billboards, at happenings on the streets, or by talking to characters.”
Boomtown, which has the tagline ‘bang goes normal,’ takes place near Winchester from August 7-11. Find all information at www.boomtownfair.co.uk
Main image: Lucas Sinclair
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