Boomtown Fair 2012: photos and features

Scenes from around the Boomtown site
Matterley Estate, nr. Winchester, Hampshire, UK [map], 9th-12th Aug 2012

Set in beautiful rolling countryside a few miles out from Winchester in Hampshire, Boomtown Fair is an independent festival, free from the usual dreadful corporate sponsorship and branding.

With a capacity of 20,000, there was loads of room on site, and the organisers had wisely decided to spend their budget putting on a magnificent experience rather than forking out for a handful of superstar acts and then bunging in a load of burger vans.

The line-up was eclectic and interesting and included The Beat, Dub Pistols, The Beat, Pronghorn, Skatalites, Tanya Stephens, Asian Dub Foundation, Balkan Beat Box, Jah Shaka, David Rodigan, Zion Train, Stanton Warriors, The Urban Voodoo Machine, The Meteors, Trojan Sound System, Mungos Hi Fi, General Levy, Stanton Warriors, DJ Hype, Sick Note, Gypsy Hill, Chris Liberator, Shy FX, JFB, Ed Solo, SL2 and surprise guest Jimmy Cliff.

As well as the top notch DJs and acts, there were loads of quirky sideshows, bars, clubs, performers and spontaneous events to be seen, making this one of the very best festivals I've ever been to. It was ace!



A big heart looking over Boomtown.



Looking down over the main arenas.



The weather was fantastic all weekend - so hot in fact that some people didn't appear to have bothered to bring a tent.









In the beer tent. It was Westons cider all the way for us!



The fabulous Police Rave Unit.





The first urban75 meet, complete with the eye-catching '75'-branded yellow bag!





Heading into town for the night.



Solo drummer guy.







This was our fave place for food - top veggie fare!





Town centre main stage.



Incredible fire act.





The Meteors onstage.








Late night coffee.



Outfit!







'Hurry up and get me out of here'!





Lego men backstage.





Here comes the jailhouse on wheels.












Some friends!







Snowdome ice bar.










The cave folks!



Not entirely sure what's going on here.







Tipi field at night.




Out on the town.














A big heart.





In the tea room.









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