On a sunny Sunday, we decided to check out Boomtown, curious about the different stages and what the festival had in store. Having downloaded the app in advance and topped up their wristbands upon arrival, the check-in process went smoothly. After a quick ride on the minibus, we were dropped off at the site, eager to explore – by Charley Thompson.
Arriving early, the stages were still quiet, so we took the opportunity to walk around, explore, and get a feel for the layout. With food stands and bars scattered throughout the site, there were plenty of options to choose from. As the day progressed, the atmosphere became more lively. We made our way to Grand Central, where Dutty Moonshine Big Band was performing. Although we missed the first part of the set, we caught the end, and it was an incredibly entertaining jazz performance that left them regretting the late arrival.
Afterwards, we strolled through the Hidden Woods, enjoying the cool, shaded area. Along the way, we noticed people taking Polaroid pictures, which added a charming touch to the experience. Venturing to Origin, we accidentally got sidetracked by one of the festival’s quest storylines. We found themselves in a small room, surrounded by characters engaging with the crowd, though we weren’t particularly invested in the quest. Despite being handed some money and a leaflet by one of the characters, we weren’t quite sure what to do next but appreciated the immersive atmosphere.
Eventually, we made it to Origin, where Bou was performing. The highlight was when Bou brought out special guests, including Bru-C, which amped up the energy of the crowd, now swelling to thousands. After enjoying the music, we sought some shade at the Wrong Side of the Tracks and grabbed food from one of the nearby trucks to refuel.
For the rest of the night, we stayed at Origin, captivated by the visuals, lights, and fire displays. Although we missed the Earth Wind and Fire experience while at Origin, we left the festival feeling like Boomtown had been a unique and memorable experience, one we would definitely recommend to others.