Boomtown returns to the Matterley Estate this week with around 75,000 people attending the music event until Sunday.

 

• Boomtown chapter one: the gathering

• 10th-14th August

• Most of the line-up kept a secret - Current only known headliner is sub focus

• Capacity of 76,999

• This is the first festival since 2019

• Around 77,000 people attended the last chapter before Covid struck, with that figure consisting of 58,000 ticket holders, 17,999 crew, artists, traders and guests, plus 1,000 local residents with day tickets. This is an increased maximum capacity of 11,000 from previous years, and the first time the festival has went ahead since the covid pandemic (the first time with a higher capacity, as this was approved to happen from 2020 by Winchester City Council). Application received 18 objections and only two in support.

• Many residents from villages near Matterley Bowl have been against the festival since it started

• Residents concerned with traffic issues which they believe will not be resolved by the festival organisers, particularly traffic on the A272

• Matterley Bowl is also part of the South Downs National Park, which has worried a number of people because of the ecological impact. Boomtown says caring for the environment is a key priority

• Extensive work with traffic management team CTM. CTM have worked with Glastonbury, with a higher capacity than boomtown, and had success; success which they will hope to work in Winchester as well

• Ahead of the festival, Boomtown has also launched its sustainability campaign for 2022, after being one of the first UK festivals to sign a Green Deal and commit to being Net Zero by 2025

• https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/20594484.boomtown-2022-road-closures-time-line-up-latest-news/

• Four people have died during the history of Boomtown festival (within a six-year period). All four cases have been drug related

• At the festival in 2016, there was a fire in one of the car parks which destroyed 80 vehicles; caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette, the smoke plume could be seen for miles.

• Important update issued on the Boomtown website on Thursday August 4 (updated August 5). Concern regarding the heat and current dry weather resulting in fires. As a result no fires are allowed at the festival (including stoves) and the festival organisers are asking people to be vigilant if they are smoking, and make sure they put their cigarettes out. There is also advice regarding camper van fires and ensuring to turn off cars when stationery while entering the festival

• Eight new “street venues” at the festival this year, which are made in an attempt to form new ways of theatrical interaction, showcase musical talent and entertain visitors

• Staff troubles at the last festival in 2019 with media reports of lots of workers unhappy with how they had been treated, with complaints of racial profiling, intimidation, and being treated like cattle

• Consistent problems queuing in years gone by, potentially a big issue this year given the current heat and dryness

• Noise problems investigated in the past following complaints from residents

• www.boomtownfair.co.uk

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