Boomtown 2025: A Student’s Take on the Festival’s New Chapter
By the Wessex Student Team
As the dust settles on the Matterley Estate for another year, it’s time to look back at Chapter Four: The Power of Now. For those of you who have just finished your exams and are looking for one last blowout before the new academic year, Boomtown is the ultimate festival. This year, the festival felt like a turning point, both a grand celebration of its roots and a bold step into a bigger, more ambitious future. Was it a triumph of chaos and creativity, or did it lose some of its magic? Here’s our student-eye view.
From the moment you arrive, Boomtown is less of a festival and more of a living, breathing city. The queues, while a bit of a nightmare on the first day, eventually give way to a sprawling, intricate world. This year’s theme, “The Power of Now,” was woven into every alleyway and district. It wasn’t just a slogan; it was a call to action to get lost in the moment. The city was full of performers, protests, and a constant, chaotic energy that made every corner an adventure. This year’s event was so popular that tickets sold out in April, so if you’re planning to go next year, make sure you’re quick!
The music, as always, was phenomenal. Boomtown’s lineup is a genre-bending feast, and this year was no exception. With the introduction of the reimagined Lion’s Gate and the brand-new, hydrogen-powered Hydro Stage, there were more places than ever to discover new sounds. From the sheer euphoria of Sean Paul‘s Sunday headline set to the nostalgic grooves of Boney M, the main stages were packed. We loved the raw energy of The Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, which was a curveball for many but a huge hit for those in the crowd. For us, the real magic was in the smaller, more intimate venues. The aformentioned 4AM Kru at Grand Central, the jungle sounds in the hidden forest raves, and the unexpected sets at places like the Shamrock Bar and Hangar 161 reminded us why Boomtown is so special. It’s where you can discover your new favourite band at 3am in a place that looks like a post-apocalyptic bunker.
Beyond the music, the real headline act is the city itself. The increase in capacity this year was noticeable, and while some festival veterans felt it was a little too busy, it brought a new wave of energy. The interactive storytelling and theatrical elements were everywhere, from actors wandering the streets to mini-games that had you running between districts. A highlight for us was the sin-cleansing treatment in Oldtown—a perfectly weird and memorable experience. The festival also made some great improvements to the facilities, with cleaner flushing toilets being a massive win. You can’t underestimate how much a good loo can improve your festival experience! The weather was perfect for the five days, with sun throughout the weekend. However, this also created a downside: the constant dust clouds. This led to many people suffering from “Boom Lung,” a nasty cough that made a lot of people feel unwell after the festival.
The festival’s commitment to the environment was also a highlight. Despite the thousands of people who attended, the clean-up operation was swift and effective, restoring the Matterley Estate to its original countryside state in just a few days. Efforts like the £20 eco bond for campers who took their rubbish and tents home, and the introduction of the eco-friendly Hydro stage, showed that Boomtown is serious about its sustainability goals.
Overall, Boomtown 2025 was a spectacular, chaotic, and immersive journey. It’s a festival that requires stamina and a willingness to embrace the madness, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Next year is going to be better and bigger than ever before. It’s an essential item on any student’s festival bucket list.
