Boomtown Fair 2016 Review

Boomtown Fair 2016

The first time in many years I have been left speechless for the majority of a weekend. This place, created by so many incredible artists, totally blew my mind from the second I arrived. A Boomtown virgin, the only words I had heard were those of hearsay from friends who were fans of past years. This festival is not for the fainthearted, it is more of an immersive theatrical experience than purely a music festival. But, whatever music tickles your fancy, Boomtown will serve it to you on a slightly messy plate.

From the favela of Barrio Loco, where the sun shined all day across the weekend, a highlight being Alfresco Disco playing to the fun-loving crowds- over to Lion’s den stage where the Reggae beats created a well deserved chill-out Sunday. There was not a moment where we felt without somewhere which was suited to the vibes of the crowds. In between sets across the weekend, actors would take to the stage and show off their incredible talents and tell tales of the town.

Attention-to-detail across all nine districts was totally overwhelming. I have never been anywhere like this place. As much as I craved more of my happy-go-to place of Disco, House and Techno at some points of the weekend, we did find a few smaller tents, which were our ticket to a few hours here and there of happy, camp beats. From zany China town to super, swanky Mayfair where every member of the crowd seemed to play a role within the ever changing story of Boomtown, every corner had hidden alley ways of moments that were indescribable. Charlie Brown’s apothecary was an absolute find, gangs and mobs causing havoc across Mayfair and a live brass band playing classics until the early hours. Definitely some of my favourite hours were spent dancing and watching the actors in this secret hangout. Hint: try find the secret entrances in Mayfair to uncover these gems.

Perhaps a little extra organisation wouldn’t have gone a miss with the packed out camping fields, and the entry to the festival, but the weekend was a total laugh and one which I will remember for a very long time.

Massive thanks to you, creators and crews of Boomtown Fair 2016.

By Frankie Salt