On August 6, 2025, Hampshire's Matterley Estate was graced by the return of magic. Boomtown Fair, where theater and dance music have intertwined for 16 years, made a vibrant comeback. For newcomers embarking on their first journey through the South Downs National Park, a realm of strange, alluring wonders awaited. Returning participants, drawn back to the festival's enchanting districts, discovered a new Boomtown — fresh yet resonating with the familiar sounds of its pre-COVID era.
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Boomtown, like many global music festivals, was significantly impacted by the pandemic. The diverse experience that its attendees had grown to cherish over the years had to be scaled down, leading to a major transformation that removed several cherished stages and districts. This post-COVID evolution began with Chapter One: The Gathering in 2022. Fast forward to 2025, and Chapter Four: The Power of Now ushers the festival back towards its former glory; bold and ambitious, true to its original ethos.
My first encounter with Boomtown took place in 2022. Enchanted, I've attended each year since. During that initial visit, I caught glimpses of the festival's past — why that year felt distinct, diminished, or somehow lacking. As a newcomer, those impressions were foreign to me; however, looking back, the changes in Chapter Four — many might claim a return to form — have validated those sentiments.
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From the moment the crowd surged towards the festival gates on Thursday morning, the most evident change was unmistakable. For the previous three years, Boomtown's capacity was limited to 66,000. This year, it jumped to over 76,000. This surge manifested in longer queues and busier security checks, resulting in a louder, noticeably more chaotic atmosphere. Yet, it remained manageable. The air was filled with a mix of anxious excitement and the thumping sounds of drum & bass from portable speakers, setting the stage for the days ahead.
While I waited for my wristband, one individual became particularly restless. “My mum does this every year!” he exclaimed, frustrated that she had sent him his car parking ticket instead of his festival entry ticket. As a joke, I suggested it might be time for him to manage his own tickets. Unsurprisingly, he retorted with a “F*ck off!” as his mum’s voice, amplified through his phone’s speaker, echoed my remark with a much harsher tone.
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Once through the gate, all frustrations dissipated as groups hurried towards their chosen campsites to set up alongside early arrivals from Wednesday. Deep in the heart of the Temple Valley site, one of pre-COVID’s familiar stages, Anara Forrest, called out. It marked the start of a nine-hour event hosted by the global dance music platform, Keep Hush, initiating the weekend’s pre-party — with pulsating bass serving as a testament to the resurgence of dubstep.
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Beyond the trees, Oldtown awaited. A long-time fixture at the festival, Oldtown returned to its traditional location atop the hill. Initially perceived as a jarring change, it became a perfect fit as the weekend progressed, keeping Eastern campers deeply engaged in Boomtown's universe as they moved across the site. Oldtown acted as an anchor, a timeless realm brimming with mischief and magic, where fire performed, and whimsical games awarded silly prizes.
The festival’s true splendor unveiled itself as Friday came alive. Among the highlights of the weekend are the opening and closing ceremonies, spectacles unique to Boomtown. For this year's opening, as the warm British summer sun beat down and a sea of revelers moved towards Lion’s Gate — this year's main stage, taking the place of the fiery Origin — The Power of Now captured the moment.
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As customary, the weekend's creators reflected on the state of the world, mainly rendered through the satirical characters leading its districts. The focus of this year’s opening ceremony highlighted our individual and collective potential to foster positive change through love and respect — “together we stand,” a message that reverberated throughout the weekend.
With a spark ignited, Chapter Four burst into life; the air filled with drum & bass, dubstep, and a variety of dance and live music; magic spread across the site as citizens engaged in lively exchanges, embarked on side quests to delve into the town's rich lore, and colorful characters populated the streets, assuring that every moment felt vibrant and alive.
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As night enveloped Boomtown, its grandeur illuminated the sky. Regardless of how often one roamed the festival grounds, the view of the town aglow from the hilltop was truly captivating. It could leave anyone momentarily speechless, appreciating the months of preparation required to create the weekend's reality.
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On August 6, 2025, enchantment arrived at Hampshire’s Matterley Estate. Boomtown Fair, where theatrical performances and dance music have blended for the past 16