Boomtown 2025 review
We aim to be the pulse of student creative community and we love delving into the arts, underground culture and community events. We blend investigative journalism, photo essays, and personal narratives, capturing the spirit of student life in the Wessex area. This summer, our magazine sent me—an on-the-ground photographer—to document Boomtown, The Power of Now.
Our editorial team prides itself on immersive experiences. We aim not only to show you stunning festival visuals but to delve into the people, the history, and the moments that make Boomtown unlike any other event in the UK.
Boomtown’s Origins and Evolution
Boomtown Fair began as a renegade party in 2009, founded by Chris Rutherford and Luke Mitchell to fill a gap in the festival scene. Dissatisfied with one-dimensional lineups, they envisioned a living, breathing city where music, theatre, and storytelling coalesced into an alternate reality.
- First held at Speech House Hotel, Coleford, in August 2009.
- Relocated twice before settling at Matterley Estate near Winchester in 2011.
- Designed as eight immersive districts, over 50 hidden venues, and 12 main stages.
- Themes range from political commentary to environmental awareness, woven into a five-day narrative.
Over sixteen years, Boomtown has expanded from 1,000 curious revellers to nearly 77,000 attendees, six weeks of build time, and a month to dismantle. Yet it retains its original spirit of creative rebellion.
A Chance Encounter with Luke Mitchell
While exploring the dusty, colourful expanse between LetsBe Avenue and the Hidden Woods, I spotted Luke Mitchell, Boomtown’s co-founder, in a rare moment of quiet. He was waiting by a food stall, seemingly just another festival-goer.
In an impromptu mini interview, Luke admitted that massive crowds can feel overwhelming, confessing he sometimes longs to be at home with his family. Still, the tide of positivity he gathers from speaking to thousands each year shifts his perspective: when attendees share how Boomtown changed their lives, the surreal stress transforms into pure purpose.
Luke graciously posed for photos, shook our hand, and promised an in-depth interview before next year’s festival. He welcomed us back with the same warmth he offers every visitor—a reminder that the founders are as much part of Boomtown’s cityscape as its performers.
My personal Boomtown Experience: Accessibility and Inclusion
Managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Arthritis, and Anxiety
Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome means every joint hyperextends at the slightest misstep, risking dislocations. Arthritis compounds this with chronic inflammation, stiffness, and sharp pain. Anxiety can make crowds feel claustrophobic, turning excitement into a fight-or-flight response.
Yet Boomtown’s accessibility infrastructure, friendly crowds, and supportive staff transformed potential hurdles into moments of triumph.
Accessibility Highlights
- Accessible viewing platforms at all 12 main stages
- Clearly signed flat routes avoiding the steepest climbs
- Dozens of rest zones with shaded seating and water stations
- Accessible toilets and first-aid points every 400 m
Volunteers and fellow festival-goers often offered me a helping hand up slippery paths or an extra seat when I needed to pause. Their kindness reshaped my relationship with the landscape and gave me hope.
Weather and Terrain
Boomtown 2025 delivered mostly dry, warm conditions—ideal for photographers but testing on my achy joints. Here’s a snapshot of the Met Office’s forecast for Matterley Bowl (6–10 August):
| Date | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 6 Aug | 24 | 15 | Sunny intervals |
| Thu 7 Aug | 25 | 16 | Mostly sunny |
| Fri 8 Aug | 26 | 17 | Light breeze |
| Sat 9 Aug | 27 | 17 | Partly cloudy |
| Sun 10 Aug | 26 | 16 | Scattered clouds |
Steep grassy slopes between districts were firm and dry, but I planned my routes around the site map to conserve energy where my joints ached most. The temperature exceeded forecasts on each day, hitting 32 on the Sunday for Sean Paul’s set.
Musical Variety and Stage Productions
Boomtown’s strength lies in its musical diversity and theatrical flair:
- Over 600 artists across jungle, drum & bass, house, techno, afrobeat, funk, live bands, and more
- 12 main stages with bespoke set pieces
- 50+ hidden venues revealing surprise performances in forest clearings
I shot headline DJ sets under towering pyrotechnics, then slipped into woodland nooks for ambient electronica. The shifting energy kept my lens—and my spirit—constantly engaged.
Community, Staff, and Behind-the-Scenes
The festival’s staff proved overwhelmingly knowledgeable about accessibility:
- Gate teams promptly directed me to the nearest lift or ramp
- Medical volunteers checked in when they saw me seated, offering ice packs or elevating my leg
- Production crews paused set-up to ensure pathways remained clear
Their empathy and dedication underscored Boomtown’s ethos: this is a city built for everyone.
Meeting Ms. Dynamite at Lion’s Gate
One of my personal highlights occurred at Lion’s Gate. As Ms. Dynamite joined all the citizens in the crowd, she met me warmly, posed for the camera and flashed a warm smile. Without hesitation, she chatted and joked about how she still gets festival jitters, and thanked me for capturing her in her element. That exchange—shot in golden afternoon light—perfectly encapsulated Boomtown’s blend of professionalism and playfulness.
Final Reflections: Empowerment Through Access
Boomtown 2025 did more than host epic performances—it demonstrated how thoughtful design and genuine human connection can empower someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, arthritis, and anxiety to roam freely, camera in hand.
My essay for Wessex Student Magazine showcases not only the festival’s spectacle but the inclusive spirit woven through its officers, volunteers, founders and artists. If you ever doubt your limits, let Boomtown remind you that community, creativity, and compassion can turn any challenge into a headline moment.
I can’t wait to return next year—especially for that promised in-depth chat with Luke Mitchell, and a massive thank you to the press and media team who looked after us and made us feel so welcomed.