Boomtown Festival (Day Two): A Day of Exploration & Punk Rock in the Sunshine [Photos]

Boomtown Festival 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.

On the second day of Boomtown Festival, I made a beeline for the Grand Central Stage to catch Meute, the techno marching band renowned for their innovative covers of Ibiza dance anthems. The stage was creatively arranged like bleachers, providing a fitting backdrop for the eleven-piece ensemble. As the sun beamed down, Meute’s brass-infused renditions filled the air, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. Their unique blend of live instrumentation and electronic beats gave an almost calm start to the festival. A perfect band to watch in the glorious sunshine!

I then managed to catch a snippet of Opus Kink on the Engine House Stage. They’d drawn a huge crowd, and they sounded incredible. They’re a quirky group with a funky sound. Although they describe themselves as post-punk, I’d suggest giving them a listen if you enjoy music with a good groove.

After that, I was eager to explore the Hidden Woods section of the Boomtown map. On Friday night, the area had been so crowded that they stopped letting people in by the time I arrived, so I made it a priority to check it out while I could. The Hidden Woods provided a refreshing escape from the intense sunshine, with the trees offering just the right amount of shade. Brightly coloured lanterns and fairy lights hung from the branches, transforming the shady area into a vibrant, enchanting space. Stairways and bridges lead to platforms throughout, offering different views of the Hidden Woods stage and new paths to discover this magical area.

At that moment, the legendary Johnny Osborne was performing on a stage set at the edge of the wooded area. Johnny Osborne, one of the most iconic figures in Jamaican reggae and dancehall, rose to fame in the late seventies. The serene atmosphere of the woods provided the perfect backdrop for his performance, offering a peaceful escape from the thumping techno beats of the main arena. Attendees soaked in the music, either lounging on available chairs or relaxing on the sand-covered ground, enjoying the warm, summery vibe.

Up next was the Dutch alt-rock group De Staat at the Engine House Stage in Copperwood. Another really quirky band, they are clearly seasoned veterans when it comes to live performances. The five-piece band rocked up in grey suits, something I’m used to seeing on the commute into work, but they strutted on with such confidence that I knew we’d be in for a ride. Lead singer, Torre Florim, encouraged the crowd to move in and gestured to everyone to cheer. The other musicians spun and kicked from the very start. There was no need for a warm-up for this band.

Final act of the night was the incredible Soft Play, another band I have been itching to see for some time. The duo, made up of drummer Isaac Holman and guitarist Laurie Vincent, played a mixture of old and new songs, playing lots of new tracks from their latest album, Heavy Jelly. Dark red lighting, smoke and fire were used to add to the punk music, creating an incredible atmosphere that the crowd loved.

Laurie climbed onto the barrier on multiple occasions with his guitar, playing intricate riffs up close with those at the front of the audience. The highlight of the night came when he took it a step further, crowd surfing with his guitar, still playing as he was carried by the fans. The entire performance was a thrilling spectacle, leaving everyone buzzing long after the music had ended.

Boomtown Festival returns from August 6th to 10th, 2025; for ticket information, visit the Boomtown website here.

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

Boomtown Festival (Day Two) @ South Downs National Park (Winchester, UK) on August 10th, 2024

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