Boomtown Festival

Boomtown Festival 2026

From July 16-20, 2026, Boomtown Festival takes place near Winchester, Hampshire, transforming the Matterley Estate into an immersive, five-day experience set in the South Downs.

Music

With dozens of stages across themed districts, Boomtown showcases diverse genres including drum 'n' bass, funk, soul, reggae, electronic, dub, rock, and folk.

Entertainment

The festival city bursts with performances beyond music, featuring fire-dancers, acrobats, circus acts, puppet theatres, pop-up cabaret, and spontaneous dance parties.

Family Activities

Kidztown offers a dedicated mini-city for children, with puppet shows, arts and crafts workshops, and playful parades, making it a family-friendly event.

Community & Atmosphere

Boomtown fosters a creative, inclusive community with a strong focus on equality and sustainability. Expect themed chill-out zones, global cuisine with vegan and local options, light shows, fireworks, and an inspiring, ever-changing festival environment.

The festival site is at Matterley Estate, Temple Valley near Winchester (postcode SO21 1HW). The nearest train station is Winchester, about 5 miles north of the site. Many visitors find it easiest to take a train into Winchester: South Western Railway runs frequent services from London (Waterloo), Southampton, Portsmouth and other nearby cities. From Winchester Station, look for official Boomtown shuttle buses to the site; local taxis and ride-shares can also make the short trip. National Express and other coach companies often operate special festival buses into Winchester or directly to the festival during the summer. Using public transport is a great way to avoid the heavy road traffic on festival days.

If you travel by car, the Matterley Estate is easiest reached via the M3 motorway. From London, take the M3 west and exit at Winchester (then follow A272/A31 signs towards Alresford). From the south (e.g. Southampton or Portsmouth), join the M3 and take the same Winchester exit. Once off the highway, follow the official Boomtown signs or traffic marshals to the parking areas. On-site parking is available (with advance parking passes) but can involve a short walk to the campsites. To reduce congestion, consider car-sharing and plan to arrive early, as roads near the site become very busy during festival weekends.

The closest airport is Southampton Airport (about a 30–40 minute drive from Winchester), which offers flights within the UK and Europe. London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports are around 1.5–2 hours away by car; passengers can then take a train into Winchester (via London Waterloo). Bournemouth and Bristol airports are other options, depending on flight availability. Arriving via London or Southampton and then taking train/coach services to Winchester is often easiest. No matter your route, check transport schedules and leave extra travel buffer — festival dates fall during busy summer weekends.

Where you stay is up to you. Many people camp right on site — standard tickets include access to large tent villages and basic facilities. You can pitch a tent or park a campervan, or upgrade to a pre-pitched glamping tent, yurt or tipi. If you prefer not to camp, consider staying in the nearby city of Winchester or the village of Alresford. Winchester (5–6 miles away) has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, from budget chains to charming historic inns, while Alresford offers cosy countryside cottages and inns. Just remember to book well in advance, as rooms fill up fast during festival weekends. No matter where you sleep, you will be just a short drive or shuttle ride from the gates: carry a small flashlight (torch) for walking after dark and plan your return transit in advance.