Town (noun) – A built up area with a name, defined boundaries, and local government. Applying this concept to a festival is ambitious, daring almost, but for nine years now the immersive world of Boomtown has been forged on the innocent land of the South Downs National Park. A carnival; a circus; an elaborately themed foray, into a world that bridges the gap between fantasy, and reality.
“It’s a space of colour, creativity and an exploration into how to make the world a better place.”
The defined boundaries of Boomtown encompass a varying selection of Districts, eleven in total, whose workings, operations and structure are as unique as they are immersive. From Sector 6, to Bang Hai Towers, and DTSRKT 5 to Old Town, all eleven areas offer experiences into the unknown. Be it banks supplying an exchange of currency, to law courts sentencing criminals, these immersive venues litter the districts, providing revellers with the chance to fully involve themselves into the inner theme of Boomtown itself.
But this year, the machine can not be stopped. The reach of the Bang Hai corporation has expanded, it’s hold on society has grown, and it’s CEO, sat atop the Bang Hai Towers, looks onto into the crowd with gusto, knowing no one can challenge the corporations supremacy. Until a familiar face walks through the crowd…
The Metropolis
Onto the most important aspect: the lineup. While most prominently known for it’s foray into the dub/bass scenes, the house, techno and disco aspects are certainly alive and thriving. Charlotte De Witte and Enrico Sanguiliano are our top picks from the techno scene, both of whom will be making their Boomtown debut. And where they are playing couldn’t be better: in the forest. That’s a peach. A forest party with two of techno’s titans? We’re in. For that disco feel look no further than Scotland’s Denis Sulta, whos Sulta Selects showcase will be bringing Cassy, Mella Dee and Or:la to The Metropolis, but be weary of missing Chicago native Honey Dijon. In fact, we’d advise you plan things carefully, because from Simian Mobile Disco to Dusky, to an Edible takeover featuring a debut back to back from Eats Everything and Josh Wink, The Metropolis tent is home to some true talent indeed.
And that’s just our pick of the top acts from the house and techno scenes! From drum and buss to dubstep, and ska to bassline, Boomtown is a world where everything goes. There really is something for everyone, and it’s a festival where it’s not just about electronic music. Forest parties, live bands, MCs, theatre, circus acts, and even poets. The list is endless, offering an experience that’s as daring as it is thrilling. It’s more than a festival, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
Boomtown Chapter 10: The Machine Cannot Be Stopped descends upon Matterley Estate from August 9th till August 12th. Link to resale registration here.