Boomtown Festival (Day One): Music and Culture Collide to Rewrite the Festival Blueprint [Photos]

Boomtown is not just a festival; it’s an immersive experience that challenges the traditional boundaries of music events. In recent years, the festival organizers have chosen not to release the lineup until a couple of weeks before the event so that Boomtown draws in a crowd that values atmosphere and adventure as much as the music itself.

For those who are not familiar with the setup of Boomtown, here is a brief description (although you really do need to experience it for yourself to fully understand how it all works). The festival site is split into six districts (Coppertown, Old Town, Metropolis, Area 404, Botanica and Letsby Avenue), each with its own leadership vying for the votes of festival goers to become next year’s Boomtown Representative.

The intrigue doesn’t stop there—an elaborate, unfolding storyline allows participants to dive even deeper into this alternate reality. From mind-bending challenges and discovering hidden bars to interacting with actors and following cryptic clues, creating a world so detailed that it’s easy to lose yourself in its winding streets. As we explore Boomtown Chapter 3, it’s clear that this festival is about much more than just music; it’s about stepping into a beautifully crafted world where every detail, no matter how small, plays a part in this unusual narrative.

As I arrived for the start of the festival, music and heavy beats echoed from every corner of the site map. Each district mentioned above seemed to come with its own unique sound and attracted different audiences. For example, for those who love folk music or a good sea shanty, the Old Town was your place. Or if you like punk or alt rock music, Area 404 is the area for you. The majority of stages seemed to be aimed at those who were interested in dance or drum and bass music, with the largest stage (Origin) being a constant conveyor belt of incredibly talented DJs.

For me, Hangar 161 in Area 404 was my area. First up on my “must-see” list was The Menstrual Cramps. Their performance is loud and full of energy, but they make sure that their political views are even louder. With songs like “Class War” and “Neo Nazi”, they obviously had to mention the current state of affairs in the UK and around the world. They mentioned that they took to the streets in the anti-facist protests earlier that week that saw thousands of people outnumbering only a few right-wing rioters. While they kept raising several pressing issues of the moment, they did so in a way that made you feel compelled to take action. You can’t simply ignore these problems and hope they’ll resolve on their own.

Shortly after, I headed over to the nearby Engine House in Copperwood to see Fat Dog – a band that had been recommended to me by many. The five-piece band took the stage to a deafening roar from the crowd, immediately setting the tone for what was to come. The drummer, sporting a rubber dog’s head, added a bizarre, almost satirical touch to their appearance, while the rest of the band donned equally quirky costumes. Despite the playful exterior, their performance was anything but a joke. With raw energy and unfiltered attitude, they delivered a gritty, powerful set that had the audience captivated from start to finish.

I headed back to Hangar 161 for Deijuvhs who has been going from strength to strength in recent years, especially since supporting Limp Bizkit last year. This artist really pushes the boundaries of what rap, nu-metal and R&B can sound like whilst proving that the three styles can mesh together perfectly.

Hangar 161 was packed from the moment their set started, showing they were clearly a must-see act for many. As the music began, a large group of people rushed the stage, mics in hand, shouting and rapping as they moved energetically across the performance area. At first, it was hard to tell who the main artist was, with most of the people on stage rapping along to the music or interacting with the crowd. It wasn’t until about halfway through the performance that Deijuvhs emerged as the central figure. The performance seemed to settle into a rhythm at this point, where the music and thoughtful lyrics could finally be heard and enjoyed. Deijuvhs is a talented artist, and with a more refined live performance, he will become unstoppable.

I then headed over to the Grand Central station, one of the main stages at the festival, for a collaborative set with Grove and Bob Vylan. The pair are no strangers to working together since Grove released their single “STINKIN RICH FAMILIES” featuring Bob Vylan and having performed together in the past. Grove began the set, setting the tone with a dark and mysterious beat. Their fusion of dancehall, garage and punk can’t be compared to anything I’ve heard before. Grove has said that their music is based on the audience’s movement and reactions to the music. This was evident with the way that they danced across the stage and stared intensely into the audience whenever there was a slower part of the music.

Bob Vylan entered the stage after a couple of songs, beginning with his signature yoga-like routine. This moment of focus and quiet perfectly contrasted with the heavy music that followed. Grove and Bob Vylan delivered a powerful performance together, seamlessly blending their music to address pressing issues. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with, with both artists’ messages resonating with the crowd. The stage was adorned with a Palestinian flag, raising awareness for the ongoing conflict. Bob Vylan has advocated for the Palestinian cause for a long time now. They concluded their set with an unforgettable moment, crowd-surfing together while singing in unison, leaving the audience energised and inspired.

After the performance ended, I decided to explore the Old Town on my way back to Hangar 161. In the heart of the Old Town, performers were staging what seemed to be a lively debate about the upcoming vote for Boomtown’s next representative. They handed out flyers and urged festival-goers to shout and jeer at those involved in the heated exchange. Performers from nearby bars and hidden rooms joined in, enhancing the immersive atmosphere. For a moment, it felt like stepping back in time. At the end of the debate, the Old Town candidate, Rufus the Red, was wheeled away in a carriage with iron bars, resembling a cage or prison.

In almost perfect timing, as I entered Hangar 161, the incredible Delilah Bonn was just starting. I have wanted to see Delilah for some time now, but I have never managed to catch her – whether it was bad weather at Download Festival or an unfortunate clash on her tour, I was determined to catch her this time!

Kicking off her set with her hit song “Brat”, the stage came alive as she was joined by two guitarists, who transitioned between shredding their instruments and breaking into dance routines at different points in the set. Their energy had them leaping across the stage and riling up the audience, making it a very powerful start to her performance.

Delilah Bonn’s music follows themes of female empowerment, resonating deeply with her audience. Her lyrics often discuss strength, independence, and self-expression, making her a voice for women who refuse to be silenced. During her performance, this message was amplified as the crowd enthusiastically chanted along to her empowering songs. This year has been a great year for Delilah, and with the connection she is building with her audience, I am sure she will continue to make waves in the punk scene.

Last but not least, it was time for Viagra Boys on the Grand Central Stage. Viagra Boys brought their signature chaotic energy to Boomtown Festival, delivering a wild, fun set. Rumoured to have formed after meeting at a karaoke bar, the band has since become known for their satirical lyrics and raw, post-punk sound. The set was a whirlwind of moshpits and crowdsurfing, with fans feeding off the band’s infectious energy. Lead singer Sebastian Murphy took the intensity to another level, repeatedly diving into the audience and cheering alongside the crowd. His interactions blurred the lines between performer and fan, creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly matched the band’s irreverent style.

Boomtown Festival returns from August 6th-10th 2025, for ticket information head over to the Official Boomtown Website here.

Check out Lorna Leahy’s extensive photo gallery from Day One here:

Boomtown Festival (Day One) @ South Downs National Park (Winchester, UK) on August 9th, 2024

66 photos