Boomtown Fair

Over 160 acts announced for Boomtown 2017

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Boomtown have just announced their first wave of acts for Chapter 9, showcasing the festival’s signature mix of expansive genres, with unique acts spearheading a vast roster of talent. Joining previously announced 2 Tone ska legends The Specials are; hip hop pioneers Cypress Hill, world infused London M.I.A., multi award winning Arrested Development, reggae superstar Toots and the Maytals, 90s legends Chaka Demus & Pliers, sounds from cult classic film with The Original Blues Brothers Band, folk-punk star Frank Turner, Bob Marley’s eldest son and founding member of the ‘Melody Makers’ Ziggy Marley and folk-rock act Newton Faulkner.

 

The 60,000 capacity Hampshire festival is the only fully immersive music and theatrical festival in the UK and have followed up their storyline trailer for 2017 by announcing over 160 artists spanning a huge variety of genres, including reggae, folk, jazz, world, dub, dancehall, ska, house, techno, garage and a whole lot more…

 

The world's biggest reggae stage, the Lion’s Den will again host some of the largest names in reggae, dancehall and hip hop. Long coveted ska legends The Specials lead the line up, alongside multi-platinum progenitors Cypress Hill, the unique sounds of M.I.A. blending world music with hip hop for an electrically conscious set. Returning to Boomtown for the first time since 2010 Toots & The Maytals will be bringing Jamaican spirit to the Lion’s Den stage and debut appearance by Ziggy Marley sees him following in the footsteps of many of his family members by making the Lion’s Den his home… Keeping things in the family with the Bonner Brothers, in the world of reggae music few families rival these brothers’ success featuring; Richie Spice, Spanner Banner, Snatcha Lion, Sheperd Bonner & Pliers, the latter of which will be bringing along his legendary sparring partner Chaka Demus! From stalwart legends to the new wave of roots reggae coming out of Jamaica, often referred to as 'the reggae revival' The Lion’s Den will be welcoming Raging Fyah, Jah9, Iba Mahr, Runkus alongside the scene's leading figure, Protoje.

 

"We've known about playing Boomtown for some time & it's been really difficult to keep it secret. Everybody has been saying 'it would be great if you played Boomtown' & all we could say is 'yeah'. Well, we are playing Boomtown …..YEAH!!!" The Specials

 

Moving on to the Town Centre stage, which pulls in genre leaders from across all the main stages into one melting-pot; Hampshire superstar, Frank Turner, will be back on home soil after his North American tour to rouse the audience with his anthemic folk-punk. Arrested Development’s alternative hip hop will again be welcomed back; there will be sunny Californian ska punk from Sublime with Rome, chest thumping gospel and uplifting sing along tunes from The Original Blues Brothers Band. Electronic dancehall infused metal band Skindred are set to whip the crowd into a frenzy, while Reel Big Fish will be throwing back some iconic ska-punk, along with the carefree, jam-centric good times from Slightly Stoopid, And lastly, but not least, one of the first ever bands to grace Boomtown’s Town Centre stage back in 2009, the much loved and admired The Wurzels will undoubtedly be a crowd pleaser among the Boomtown faithful.

 

One of the festival’s most visually stunning immersive street sets, The Wild West transports attendees back into a Western filled with saloons and cowboys, hosting some of the most internationally renowned folk and world at The Old Mines stage. Alabama 3 fuse country with house and spoken word, while Newton Faulkner’s percussive songwriting takes folk rock to a different level. Irish folk group Kíla leave spines tingling with seamless instrumentation and Congolese group Mbongwana Star bring Afro-house to the stage mixing percussion with bass.



Back for it’s second year, The Windmill, set in tranquil and exploratory Whistlers Green, harks back to the very first UK music festivals with a largely jazz line up consisting of some of the country's most respected new forward thinking jazz trailblazers such as: Mercury nominees GoGo Penguin, Portico Quartet, Soweto Kinch, and The Comet Is Coming; Mobo Winners Sons Of Kemet and the simply not to be missed all-female septet Nérija. And topping this soulful and thought provoking stage will be the dub poetry of Benjamin Zephaniah & the Revolutionary Minds.

 

The vibrant carnival district of Barrio Loco invites attendees to lose their inhibitions in a playground of festivity. Scene shapers Ben UFO & Mr Scruff & Joy Orbison will be playing an epic five and half hour collaborative set, in a one-off outing exclusive to Boomtown’s flagship house and techno venue Vamos. The celebration of dance culture doesn’t stop there and will also be welcoming founding father of Detroit techno Carl Craig, along with one of the UK’s greatest ever techno producers, who’s been crafting classic tracks for over two decades, Dave Clarke. As well as minimal house supplied by German duo Booka Shade performing live, and fellow German, Berlin based electro producer Boys Noize heading up the jam packed line-up which also includes the House Gospel Choir, Dusky, Monki, Solardo, and many more.

 

Over in Barrio Loco’s other main venue, Poco Loco, versatility and quality are the order of the day, with newcomer Loyle Carner’s ‘sensitive and eloquent’ hip hop with grime rapper A J Tracey providing a seamless flow over trap music. Other headliners include Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts, High Focus Records’; Ocean Wisdom and The Four Owls, plus more to be announced.

 

The awe inspiring Sector 6 stage will again be captivating the crowds with its stunning architecture and pyrotechnic displays alongside a fresh new soundtrack including; genre hopping bass loving Shy FX, Radio 1 resident Toddla T spreading feelgood carnival vibes, and Shogun Audio will be bringing the underground sounds of Bristol bass scene for a four hour takeover. More acts for Sector 6 still to be announced.

 

Newly upgraded multimedia hub of Bang Hai Tower, the festival’s biggest and most ambitious stage to date, will welcome dubstep originator, Rusko, self-formed and unequivocally adept garage supergroup TQD (Royal T, DJ Q & Flava D) going B2B with the formidable Bristolians My Nu Leng and Dread MC in a never before seen world exclusive and Exit Records will be hosting the cream of electronic music courtesy of the label takeover featuring D-Bridge, Skeptical, Alix Perez, Fracture and SP:MC. More acts to be announced.

 

This first headliners release covers just a few of the acts that can be found on eight of Boomtown’s 25 main stages. Full district announcements are still to come and will be released throughout February and March.

 

LINE UP SO FAR: (More to be released…)

 

Lion’s Den

Agent Sasco & Dub Akom Band / Big Youth & U-Roy / The Bonner Brothers (Richie Spice, Spanner Banner, Snatcha Lion, Sheperd Bonner feat. Chaka Demus + Pliers) / Cypress Hill / Earl Gateshead with Dawn Penn & Soom T / Gentleman’s Dub Club feat. Taiwan MC, Parly B & Eva Lazarus / Iba Mahr & Harar Band / Jah9 / Lutan Fyah / M.I.A. / Mr Vegas / Protoje / Raging Fyah / Runkus & The Old Skool Bond / Solo Banton & Horseman with The Upper Cut Band / The Specials / Stand High Patrol & Pupajim / Suns Of Dub feat. Randy Valentine / Stick Figure / Toots & The Maytals / Ziggy Marley

 

Town Centre

Arrested Development / Eskorzo / Frank Turner / Hepcat / Hoffmaestro / The Original Blues Brothers Band / Reel Big Fish / Sam & The Womp / The Showhawk Duo / Ska’N’Ska / Skindred / Slightly Stoopid / Smokey Joe & The Kid feat. Mystro / Sublime With Rome / Sugarhill Gang with Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio’s Furious 5 / Wax Tailor / The Wurzels

 

Old Mines

Alabama 3 / Beans On Toast / The Breath / Bukahara / Chris Wood / Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band / The Furrow Collective / Heymoonshaker / Kumbia Queers / Lakuta / Mad Dog Mcrea / Mbongwana Star / Newton Faulkner / Kila / Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band / The Showhawk Duo / 47 Soul

 

The Windmill

Benjamin Zephaniah & the Revolutionary Minds / Brinsley (Aswad) Forde MBE / The Comet Is Coming / Dub FX / GoGo Penguin / Jesse Royal / Nerija / Nomade Orquestra / Portico Quartet / Mike Love / SK Shlomo / Sons Of Kemet / Soweto Kinch / United Vibrations / Wrongtom meets The Ragga Twins

 

Old Town

Crash Nomada / Los Colorados / UFOSlavians

 

Rusty Spurs

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind

 

Hidden Woods

Nattali Rize / Nice Up! Takeover / Reggae Roast ft Brother Culture / Randy Valentine

 

Psychedelic Forest

Astrix / Ace Ventura / Berg / GAUDI / Juno Reactor / Ott & The All-Seeing I

 

Devil Kicks Dancehall

The Dreadnoughts / King Prawn / Legendary Shack Shakers / Planet Smashers

 

Chinatown Courtyard

The Dualers

 

Poco Loco

AJ Tracey / Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts / Dea Players Vs Problem Child / Donae'O / Elf Kid / Loyle Carner / MC Taiwan / Ocean Wisdom / The Four Owls

 

Vamos

Ben UFO & Mr Scruff & Joy Orbison / Boddika / Booka Shade / Boys Noize / Carl Craig / Dave Clarke / Dusky / House Gospel Choir / Monki / Solardo

 

Bang Hai Tower

Black Sun Empire / Break / Exit Records Takeover / Kill Box / My Nu Leng B2B TQD / Optiv & BTK / Phace / Redlight / Rusko / S.P.Y / The Prototypes

 

Sector 6

Butterz takeover (Elijah & Skilliam, Swindle & DJ Champion & MC Serious) / DJ Luck & MC Neat / Heartless Crew / Holy Goof / Mefjus B2B Emperor / Shogun Audio Takeover / Shy FX / The Heatwave / Toddla T

 

Robotika

Aphrodite / Caspa / Deekline B2B Ed Solo / Dub Phizix & Strategy / Freestylers / Gutterfunk Takeover (Dj Die, Addison Groove, Dismantle), Loefah / Mampi Swift / Randall / Ray Keith / Schlachthofbronx / Star.One / Storm / Utah Saints

 

Trench Town lineup announced for Boomtown

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For its penultimate Chapter 8 district line-up announcement BoomTown steps into TrenchTown, one of the festival’s most popular districts and the city hub of all things reggae, dub, dancehall and jungle. At its heart is the Lion’s Den, an ancient temple towering 40ft into the sky and the UK’s largest dedicated reggae stage.  Elsewhere in the district, the Hidden Woods stage is all about the beach party vibrations and deep into the woodland Tangled Roots celebrates sound system culture to the fullest, while all new stage The Windmill is the place to go to soak up laid-back folk, reggae, soul and funk sounds.

Topping Chapter 8’s monumental line-up are two acts who represent so much of BoomTown’s heritage and finally make their debuts at the festival; the legend that is Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and New Zealand dub dons Fat Freddy’s Drop. Joining them is a collection of previously announced reggae and dub big hitters; Morgan Heritage, Inner Circle, Tarrus Riley, Junior Kelly, Channel One meets Mad Professor, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, Little Roy and Mungo’s Hi Fi LIve, plus a fresh wave of additions that includes Pama International, Alaine and Dean Fraser with Blak Soil Band, Earl Gateshead, Kiko Bun, Hollie Cook andIQulah Rastafari.

Bashment fans will be getting their dutty whine on to dancehall queens Tanya Stephens and Soom T, The Heatwave alongside an explosive line-up of UK vocal talent including Big Narstie, Tippa Irie, General Levy, Flowdan, Rodney P, Demolition Man, Skibadee, Solo Banton, Serocee, Stush and Nadia Rose, plus Japanese soundsytem collective Part2Style and US producer6Blocc.

Repping the ragga junglists and dubwise DnB heads are the likes of Congo Natty feat Congo Dubz, Tenor Fly & Iron Dread, Benny Page vs Ed Solo, Aries, Dreadsquad & Blackout JA plus Uncle Dugs dropping a ‘Jungle Renaissance Rinse FM set’.

Full TrenchTown Line-Up:

Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley, Fat Freddy's DropMorgan Heritage, Inner Circle, Tarrus Riley, Junior Kelly, Tanya Stephens, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, The Heatwave presents Showtime feat. Big Narstie, Tippa Irie, General Levy, Flowdan, Rodney P, Demolition Man, Skibadee, Solo Banton, Serocee, Stush + Nadia Rose, Congo Natty feat Congo Dubz, Tenor Fly & Iron Dread, Little Roy (Battle For Seattle), The Skints, Mungo's Hi-Fi Live Band feat. YT, Charlie P, Eva Lazarus + more, Channel One Meets Mad Professor,Benny Page Vs Ed Solo, Zion Train, Prince Fatty & Horseman, Soom T, Pama International, Alaine and Dean Fraser with Blak Soil Band, Earl Gateshead, Kiko Bun, Hollie Cook, Wrongtom & The Ragga Twins, Dreadsquad & Blackout JA, Aries, Laid Blak, IQulah Rastafari, ManuDigital, Part2Style, Uncle Dugs ‘Jungle Renaissance Rinse FM set’, 6Blocc, Sticky Joe & Cheshire Cat, Stagga & Ras Robbie, Baby Dub, Skitz, Joe Burn, Jinx in Dub, The Resonators, onlyjoe, Eva Lazarus, Backbeat Soundsystem, Illbilly Hitec ft. Longfingah, Kelvin 373 + Born On Road, Delhi Sultanate & Begum X, Unit 137 Sound System + Lionpulse Sound System AKA Lion Unit, Fleck, Dope Ammo, AAA Badboy, Amabadama, Donette Forte & Urban Lions, General Roots, General Skank, Samsara, Dubheart, Disorda, Danny T & Tradesman, Jam Jah feat. Lion Art, Leo Samson, J-Man Selecta, CHIEF ROCKAS, Daddy Nature, Escape Roots feat. Tom Spirals, Mattykore, Fat Stash, The Mr Bassie Band, Captain Accident, Arrival Sound, Steel City Rhythm, Rubberdub Soundsystem, Countryman Soundsystem, Titan Sound, Kaotik Kartel, Prank Dancehall, Shanti Squire & MC Little Tree

Boomtown District lineups for 2016

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We have the lineup's announced for the following area's at this years Boomtown!

  • Chinatown
  • Sector 6
  • Psychedelic
  • Barrio Loco
  • Wild West
  • Mayfair
  • Old Town
  • DSTRKT 5

Chinatown

BoomTown’s seventh district announcement enters ChinaTown, the festival’s centre of technology and trade. Have your senses stimulated from all angles, with intense aromas, neon lights and detailed shop facades creating a vibe of mystery, mayhem and music.

Full ChinaTown Line-Up:

Madness, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Mad Caddies, Asian Dub Foundation, The Selecter, Bad Manners, Neville Staple Band, The Slackers, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Chainska Brassika

Leftover Crack, Senser, Street Dogs, Big D and the Kids Table, Jaya The Cat,

Talco, Inner Terrestrials, Culture Shock, Sonic Boom Six, The King Blues, Mischief Brew, Banane Metalik, The Peacocks, The Brains, The Filaments, New Town Kings, Chewing On Tinfoil, Wonk Unit, The Bar Stool Preachers, Vanilla Pod, Faintest Idea, Firepit Collective, Smokey Bastard, Ruby Throat, Dogshite, In Evil Hour, Casual Nausea, Rags Rudi, Intercity Crazy Train, Skaciety, Last Gang In Town Soundsystem

Ska Vengers, Will & The People, The Riffs, Spred The Dubs, By The Rivers, Buster Shuffle, Caravãna Sun, Goldmaster Allstars, The JB Conspiracy, Land Of The Giants, Bombskare, Magnus Major, China Shop Bull, Wombo Orchestra, Cut Capers, Mad Apple Circus, The Meow Meows, Counting Coins, Smiley & The Underclass, The Majestic (Ska Set), Count Skylarkin', Karl Phillips and the NGF Rejects, The Stiff Joints, The Activators, Cartoon Violence, Millie Manders, THE TiPS, Dizney Rascal, Last Edition

Days N Daze, The Lagan, Ratbag, Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One, The Roughneck Riot, Matilda’s Scoundrels, Cistem Failure, 2 Peas in a Pod, Hello Mabel, Ed Ache, Joe Yorke, Mercurius Rising, EFA Supertramp

Sector 6

Every revolution needs an HQ, and BoomTown Chapter 8’s uprising will be bubbling away in the brand new Sector 6! Located in the heart of the district is a power station commandeered by masked revolutionaries, leading their charge to a bass-heavy spectrum of garage, grime, bassline and dubstep.

Full Sector 6 Line-Up:

AC Slater, Barely Legal, Boom Sound Takeover: Big.Bad.Soundsystem / Fleck / Gardna / Jinx in Dub / Kreed / Parly B, Chris Lorenzo, Deadbeat UK, Deep Medi Takeover: Mala / Gorgon Sound / Commodo / Gantz / Rider Shafique / Sun of Selah, Diemantle, DJ Die, DJ Zinc, Foundation: Sticky b2b Scott Garcia & Lady Chann, GotSome, Hybrid Theory, Juma MC, Kry Wolf, Madam X, Melé, MJ Cole, Ms. Dynamite, Newham Generals, Om Unit, So Solid Crew: Lisa Maffia / Romeo / Mega / Asher D, Special Request (XL Recordings), Truth, Wonka-Vision, Zed Bias Soundsystem & MC Trigga

Psychedelic Stage

BoomTown’s fifth line-up announcement for Chapter 8 takes a trip into its Psychedelic world. Supported by three of the UK’s top Psy promoters, IllumiNaughty, Tribe of Frog and Elixir of Life, its three stages are spread across the city and unite crews, artists and party people from all over the international Psychedelic Trance, Progressive Techno and Hi-Tech community.  

Full Psychedelic Line-Up:

Hallucinogen / Hilight Tribe / Neelix / Shpongle – Simon Posford DJ set / GMS / Skazi / 1200 Micrograms / Orb Sound System / Ozric Tentacles /

JOOF / Alok / GAUDI / Dino Psaras / Tsuyoshi Suzuki / Hypnocoustics / Parasense / Hedflux / Monk3ylogic / Dirty Saffi / Nick Sentience / Liquid Ross / Driss / Nigel Shiva Valley / Tortured Brain / Logica / DJ Moon / Mack / Nikki S / Shakti / ThallOm / Lemon Tree

Brainiac / K.i.M / Sinerider / M-Theory / Illegal Machines / Illegal Sensations / Filterheads / Neuroplasm / Big Scary Monsters / Ben Coda / Continem / CIMI / Divination / Occular / AudioFire / James West / Aardvark / Subliminal

System/ Spinney Lainey / Svess /Xymox / Pieman/ Geo/ Psychosonic / Dr G

Loose Connection / Apollyon / Skyhighatrist / Act One / Refried Dreams / Cheryl Catawumpas / Krosis/Final Form / N.Vader / Life Path 9 / Allycat / Cybernetic Ghost / Stalic Overdose / F'da F'da

Barrio Loco

BoomTown’s Chapter 8 line-up announcement schedule reaches the festival’s Latin quarter, Barrio Loco. A neighbourhood that rarely sleeps, its revolutionary spirit and carnival atmosphere run deep through its streets! The infamous Bassline Circus brings their 360° outdoor show 'Athletes of the Night', and in addition to the district’s bass-heavy hub Poco Loco an all-new stage plays host to a bill of house and techno trailblazers.

Full Barrio Loco Line-up:

Alfresco Disco, Billy Kenny, B.Traits, Dead Players, Derrick Carter, Derrick May, Devvo, DJ Craze, DJ Format & Abdominal, Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon, DRS (Live), Flux DJs, Foreign Beggars, Friend Within, Gardna, Jackmaster, Jenna & the G's, JFB, Jman, Jus Now, Levelz, Mouse Outfit, Mr Woodnote & Lil Rhys, Nightmares On Wax, Octave One (Live), Pharaohe Monch – Live Band, Red Eye HiFi with Kathika, Fox, Shadow Child, Shapes DJs, Skream, Sparkz & Kiva, Reeps One – Live AV Show, Submotion Orchestra, Swindle (Live), White Bully (Live), Will Clarke

Wild West District

Yeehaa! BoomTown’s Chapter 8 district announcements reach the Wild West, a raucous ex-prospecting settlement populated by cowboys, showgirls, bounty hunters and bandits, and ruled by the no-nonsense Sheriff. Away from the district’s dusty trails and ramshackle saloons, three main stages dosey-doe day and night to a rootin’ tootin’ line-up of Folk, Bluegrass, Ska and World music.

Full Wild West Line-up

Imelda May, Afro Celt Sound System, Ojos de Brujo, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Seth Lakeman, Lau, Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate, Steve N Seagulls, Larry & His Flask, Shooglenifty, Raghu Dixit, Dhol Foundation, Beans On Toast, Mokoomba, The Brother Moves On, Afriquoi, Ferocious Dog, Skinny Lister, The Turbans, 3 Daft Monkeys, Fitty Gomash, Pronghorn,

The Boot Hill All Stars, Johnny Cage & Voodoo Groove, Skimmity Hitchers, Gaz Brookfield & Ben Wain, Sam Green and The Midnight Heist, The Hot Sprockets, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam 6, Seven Little Sisters, The White City Shakers, Severed Limb, Screamin Miss Jackson & The Slap ya Mamma Big Band, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Showhawk Duo, Cat Ratchers, Dead Plants, JC's Hopeless Sinners, Trailer Trash Orchestra, The Back Wood Redeemers, Wessex Pistols, Buffalo Skinners, Captain Cactus & The Screaming Harlots, Gin Bowlers, Dana Immanuel & The Stolen Band, Curst Sons, Dusk at Dawns, Dead Plants, The Inbredz, The Scribes, Afro Cluster, Junior Bill & The Scallies, The Future Dub Project, Crinkle Cuts, Euphony, The Piratones, Pachango, Iguanas, Key Lime Pi, Josephine & The Artizans, Eat The Evidence, Vegetable Collective, Feel Good Culture, Easy Stride Band, MoCara, The Barefoot Bandit, Zegema Beach, King Solomon Band, Lily Mi, Sam Evans Band, Henge, The Maitree Express, Feelgood Experiment, Selby And The Dharma Blitz, Fast Decline, Echo Town, Primo Nelson

Mayfair District

Fresh off the back of BoomTown’s first major headliner release and OldTown district announcement, the festival has unleashed the full bill for its Mayfair district; a playground for the upper echelons of BoomTown society, where bankers, socialites, aristocrats and secret societies rub shoulders. The well-heeled theatrical high-jinx of Mayfair plays out whilst housing the biggest electro-swing and vintage remix line up in the world.

Full Mayfair Line-up

Parov Stelar, Molotov Jukebox, The Correspondents (Live Band), Smokey Joe & The Kid feat. Mystro, Electric Swing Circus, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, The Carny Villains, The Sweet Life Society, Big Swing Sound feat. Hypeman Sage, Eugene The Cat, Sound Nomaden, Swingbot, Savages y Suefo, Pep’s Show Boys & Sebastian Röser ft. Rosantique, DJ Chris Tofu, Renegade Brass Band, Brass Funkeys, Temple Funk Collective, LLareggub Brass Band, The Zen Hussies, Gypsies Of Bohemia, Unexpected Guests feat. Professor Elemental, Jenova Collective, DJ Louie Prima, Chicken Brothers, Madame Electrifie, CatJam, The Church, Daytoner, Little Violet, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam 6, Wombo Orchestra, Barbarella's Bang Bang, Manieres des Bohemiens, Mr Tea & The Minions, Swingers, Immigrant Swing, Rum Buffalo, World's Tallest DJ, The Rumpsteppers, BMVT, Jass B'Stards, Madame Barducci and The Goudzy Guitar, The Imperial Works, Antelope, Chameleon Mime, DJ Eliazar, Swing Dance Classes

Old Town District

Following BoomTown’s massive first major line-up release, the festival kicks off five weeks of artist announcements for the nine districts that make up the weird, wild and wonderful fabric of the city. First up it’s the ancient pirate port of OldTown, the festival’s longest standing district that plays host to The Jolly Dodger, a 90-ft pirate ship and the OldTown main stage.

Full OldTown Line-up

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

DSTRK 5 Lineup

Full DSTRKT 5 Line-Up:

Towering over D5 is the incredible nine-storey Bang Hai Palace, a flame-throwing heavy bass mecca and the city’s most striking skyline spectacle.

RAM Records Showcase: Calyx & Teebee / Audio / Teddy Killerz, Roni Size & Krust present Full Cycle, Dub Phizix, Calibre, Critical Sound: Mefjus / Ivy Lab / Kasra / Emperor / Enei / Sam Binga / Foreign Concept, My Nu Leng, TQD (Royal T, DJ Q, Flava D), DJ Hype & Hazard present 20 Years of Playaz, Born On Road (Aries, Kelvin 373, Stivs, Gold Dubs), Taiki & Nulight, MCs: DRS, Dynamite MC, Strategy, 2Shy, Skibadee, LX One, Carasel, Dread MC Angerfist, Dr Peacock, Guigoo, Radium, Vandal, Counterstrike, Cause4Concern, Cooh, Machine Code, The Outside Agency, Pattern J, The Speed Freak, Pisko, Djipe, PRSPCT Takeover: Fragz / Dolphin / Sinister Souls, Therapy Sessions Takeover: Hallucinator / Fortitude / Robyn Chaos, Block Dodger, Al Twisted, Mandidextrous, Dataklysm, DJ Michael Barrymore, Irritant Sounds, Subliminal Audio, DNA, Requiem Soundsystem

The Upbeats, Koan Sound, Stanton Warriors, Krafty Kuts, Altern8, Plump DJs, A.Skillz, The Heatwave, The Nextmen, Chimpo, Mella Dee, Slipmatt, Inspected Records: Billain / Culprate / Monuman (Emperor) / Sorrow / Inspector Dubplate, Shades of Rhythm, The Squire of Gothos, Itchy & Skratchy DJs

IGORRR, Bong-Ra, Ruby My Dear, 0=0, B Key, Smyla, Ghost, Dr. Bastardo, Pants and Socks, Dave Skywalker, Jungle Syndicate, Amen-Tal

Mayfair District lineup announced for Boomtown Fair 2016

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Fresh off the back of BoomTown’s first major headliner release and OldTown district announcement, the festival has unleashed the full bill for itsMayfair district; a playground for the upper echelons of BoomTown society, where bankers, socialites, aristocrats and secret societies rub shoulders. The well-heeled theatrical high-jinx of Mayfair plays out whilst housing the biggest electro-swing and vintage remix line up in the world.

Joining previously announced scene-leaders Parov Stelar, Molotov Jukebox and The Correspondents (Live Band) on the Town Centre stage is the big band/big bass sound of Dutty Moonshine Big Band.

 At the centre of the Mayfair action is The Ballroom, one of the longest established BoomTown venues and populated by the high-rolling city elite. Among those setting things off here is French vintage remix heavy-hitters Smokey Joe & The Kid featuring British hip-hop hero Mystro, UK electro-swing 6-piece Electric Swing Circus, Italian swingers The Sweet Life Society, the unmistakeable Balkan stomp of Bristolian favourites The Carny Villains and dastardly duo Big Swing Sound featuring Hypeman Sage.

 Elsewhere on Mayfair Avenue, The Bandstand is the place to hear all manner of brass band deviations, including Sheffield funk 8-pieceRenegade Brass Band, the Bronx hip-hop inspired, New Orleans-tinged, North Walian attitude of Llareggub Brass Band, and the UK-meets-Louisiana vibes of Brass Funkeys and Temple Funk Collective.

Full Mayfair Line-up

Parov Stelar, Molotov Jukebox, The Correspondents (Live Band), Smokey Joe & The Kid feat. Mystro, Electric Swing Circus, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, The Carny Villains, The Sweet Life Society, Big Swing Sound feat. Hypeman Sage, Eugene The Cat, Sound Nomaden, Swingbot, Savages y Suefo, Pep’s Show Boys & Sebastian Röser ft. Rosantique, DJ Chris Tofu, Renegade Brass Band, Brass Funkeys, Temple Funk Collective, LLareggub Brass Band, The Zen Hussies, Gypsies Of Bohemia, Unexpected Guests feat. Professor Elemental, Jenova Collective, DJ Louie Prima, Chicken Brothers, Madame Electrifie, CatJam, The Church, Daytoner, Little Violet, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam 6, Wombo Orchestra, Barbarella's Bang Bang, Manieres des Bohemiens, Mr Tea & The Minions, Swingers, Immigrant Swing, Rum Buffalo, World's Tallest DJ, The Rumpsteppers, BMVT, Jass B'Stards, Madame Barducci and The Goudzy Guitar, The Imperial Works, Antelope, Chameleon Mime, DJ Eliazar, Swing Dance Classes

Boomtown Fair announce the Old District lineup for 2016

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Following BoomTown’s massive first major line-up release, the festival kicks off five weeks of artist announcements for the nine districts that make up the weird, wild and wonderful fabric of the city. First up it’s the ancient pirate port of OldTown, the festival’s longest standing district that plays host to The Jolly Dodger, a 90-ft pirate ship and the OldTown main stage.

Shivering the timbers of The Jolly Dodger is a collection of some of the world’s finest exponents of gypsy, Balkan beats, Klezmer and pirate music. In addition to the already announced Babylon Circus and Los de Abajo, prepare for the Hungarian ‘speed folk freak punk’ of Bohemian Betyars, the turbo-charged Czech-American world-fusion of N.O.H.A and arriving from France, jazz-metal trio Les Yeux d'la Tête and Balkan electro-punk pioneers Fat Bastard Gang Bastard Gang Band, plus many more…

Full OldTown Line-up

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

Away from the many artists gracing the OldTown main stage, the district comes alive in its magical, meandering back streets and rum-soaked taverns, where salty sea dogs and land lubbers alike revel to a soundtrack of sea shanties and pirate folktales. An unmissable theatrical spectacle comes courtesy of The Invisible Circus in their Battle for BoomTown show.

Join the OldTown online community here and keep up-to-date with all BoomTown news via Facebook and Twitter, or sign up to the BoomTown Chronicles via the website. 

LINE UP SO FAR:

Town Centre

Asian Dub Foundation, Babylon Circus, Bad Manners, Beardyman, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Leftfield, Levellers, Mad Caddies, Madness, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Molotov Jukebox, Parov Stelar, The Correspondents (Live Band), The Selecter, The Slackers

Lion’s Den

Benny Page vs Ed Solo feat. Darrison, Channel One meets Mad Professor, Congo Natty feat. Congo Dubz, Tenor Fly and Iron Dread, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Heatwave presents Showtime, Inner Circle, Junior Kelly, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, Little Roy, Morgan Heritage, Mungo’s Hi-Fi (Live), Solo Banton, Soom T, Tanya Stephens, Tarrus Riley, The Skints, Zion Train

Old Mines

Beans On Toast, Dhol Foundation, Imelda May, Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate, Lau, Los De Abajo, Mokoomba, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Ojos De Brujo, Seth Lakeman, Shooglenifty, Skinny Lister, Steve ‘N’ Seagulls

The Jolly Dodger

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

The Windmill

Craig Charles, Prince Fatty feat. Horseman

Psychedelic Forest

Gaudi, GMS, Hallucinogen, Highlight Tribe, Neelix, Ozric Tentacles, Shpongle, Skazi

Hidden Woods

Manudigital

Devil Kicks Dancehall

Big D & The Kids Table, Leftover Crack, Sonic Boom 6, Talco, The Dickies

Poco Loco

Foreign Beggars, Pharaoh Monche, Submotion Orchestra, Swindle Live

Mi Casa

B Traits, Derrick May, Friend Within, Jackmaster, Octave One (Live), Shadow Child, Skream

DSTRKT 5:

Bang Hai Palace

Audio, Calibre, Calyx & Teebee, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Dynamite MC, Hype b2b Hazard, Krust, Mefjus b2b Emperor, My Nu Leng & Dread MC, Roni Size, Teddy Killaz, TQD (Royal T, DJ Q, Flava D)

Sector 6

DJ Craze, Deep Medi Takeover, Derrick Carter, Diemantle, DJ Zinc, Melé, MJ Cole, So Solid Crew, Zed Bias Soundsystem and MC Trigga, Om Unit

Robotica

Koan Sound, Shades of Rhythm, The Upbeats

Muuti’s Scrapyard

Angerfist, Cause4Concern, Chris Liberator b2b D.A.V.E The Drummer, Dr. Peacock, Guigoo, The Outside Agency, Radium, The Speed freak

Jungle Syndicate

Bong-Ra, IGORRR

Madness, Damien Marley, Fat Freddys Drop and more added to Boomtown 2016 lineup

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BoomTown Fair has announced the first batch of headline artists for Chapter 8 of the fully immersive, genre-spanning festival. The headliners include three acts who have been at the top of the BoomTown wish list since day one and represent the musical foundations of the trailblazing independent festival: UK ska powerhouse MADNESS, reggae royalty DAMIAN ‘JR GONG’ MARLEY and New Zealand 7-piece dub specialistsFAT FREDDY’S DROP.

Over the 11-14th August, 50,000 citizens will descend on the Matterley Estate, Winchester amid a theatrical narrative of revolution, across nine individually themed city districts with a soundtrack covering all bases of the musical spectrum. Joining Madness in the Town Centre, prepare forFun Lovin’ Criminals’ block-rocking fusion of hip-hop, funk and punk, British electronic luminaries Leftfield and festival outlaws the Levellersdelivering their political brand of folk-rock. Back by popular demand are 2-tone ska heroes Bad Manners and California ska-punk legends Mad Caddies, keeping energy levels high alongside 10-piece French ska rockers Babylon Circus, Austrian electro-swing pioneer Parov Stelar and the superhuman mouth-driven music of Beardyman.

The Lion’s Den has cemented its reputation as the UK’s biggest reggae stage, and its Chapter 8 lineup features a suitably all-star cast of reggae, dub and dancehall VIPs. Entering the Den alongside Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and Fat Freddy’s Drop is another of BoomTown’s most requested acts and one of the first ladies of dancehall; welcomed back to the festival with arms wide open, Tanya Stephens. Straight out of Jamaica, we proudly host prominent reggae artists and committed Rastafarian vocalists Junior Kelly and Tarrus Riley, plus Inner Circle andMorgan Heritage, iconic bands whose sounds resonate as strongly in 2016 as they have throughout their extensive careers.

Now firmly settled in its new location, The Old Mines stage will be showcasing the best in folk, world and roots music, headed up by the unique rockabilly-blues sounds of Irish vocalist Imelda May, UK folk favourite and 2005 Mercury Music Prize nominee Seth Lakeman and one of the most respected world fusion bands on the planet, Afro Celt Soundsystem. Reunited nine-piece Catalan collective Ojos de Brujo are guaranteed to turn the Mines inside out with their hip-hop tinged take on flamenco, and off the back of a number of sold out shows across the UK and Europe, US group Nahko And Medicine For The People bring their alchemy of folk, reggae and hip-hop. 

BoomTown’s Latin district Barrio Loco will be in full-on carnival mode as ever, with the Poco Loco stage rocking to the sounds of New York hip-hop giant Pharaoh Monche and British genre-benders Foreign Beggars, back after smashing the BoomTown Winter Gathering to bits. The all-new Mi Casa stage caters for the house and techno heads, welcoming Detroit pioneers Derrick May and Octave One (live) and UK DJs du jourJackmaster, Skream and Shadow Child.

With the towering Bang Hai Palace on its frontline, DSTRKT 5 will blow minds even further in 2016. Causing mayhem on the Bang Hai stage are takeovers from some of the biggest brands in drum and bass; Critical Music and Ram Records, plus Full Cycle celebrating 20 years in the game with Roni Size and DJ Krust reuniting on the decks. More drum and bass legends feature in the form of DJ Hype b2b DJ Hazard, withCalyx and Teebee bringing their brain-melting six deck show.  Representing the cream of the bass music crop on Bang Hai is Bristol boys-done-good My Nu Leng & Dread MC, and garage super-group TQD (Royal T, DJ Q and Flava D).

Elsewhere in DSTRKT 5, three brand new stages will be firing out signals from across the electronic music continuum. The dystopian android vibes of the Robotica stage will be soundtracked by supersonic beats and bass from Koan Sound and Nightmares on Wax, while the revolution HQ stage Sector 6, hosts innovators from both sides of the pond; DJ Craze and Derrick Carter fly in from the USA, and So Solid Crew,Newham Generals and a Deep Medi takeover fly the flag for UK homegrown sounds. Those craving harder and faster BPMs will find sanctuary in Muuti’s Scrapyard, where the likes of Angerfist, Dr. Peacock and Radium will unleash hardcore rave carnage.

After the huge success of the Psychedelic Forest in Chapter 7, the area returns with a lineup of scene-leading artists, with the likes of Gaudi,Neelix, Shpongle, Skazi and Hallucinogen showcasing the finest in psychedelic trance, techno, breakbeat and ambient.

Boomtown Fair – Chapter 8 2016 tickets on sale tonight

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Although, for most, it may feel like the adrenaline levels have only just settled after the jaw dropping, sensational climax to BoomTown’s Chapter 7; where the mega structure of Bang Hai Palace well and truly rose and smashed through the glass ceiling of previous UK festival stages in an epic finale. Before anyone’s really had the time to figure out what on earth happened in that field in southern England back in August, the tickets for the next instalment of the UKs most theatrical, escapist and truly immersive festival are back on sale from 7pm this evening for Chapter 8: ‘The Revolution Starts Now’! Who knows what this next chapter has in store for the citizens of BoomTown, but it’s going to be pretty big!

All tickets will be available from www.boomtownfair.co.uk/tickets/festivaltickets from 7pm this evening and as always the tickets are split into different tier brackets with the aim of making it as affordable for as many as possible:

Tier One – £135*

Tier Two – £150*

Tier Three – £170*

(*plus Booking Fee & Eco Bond)

Heading back to the Matterley Estate, Nr. Winchester between 11th – 14th August, BoomTown will once again display it’s totally unique mix of underground music genres, film-esque set designs, streets populated with live action characters and an atmosphere that throbs with excitement and bewilderment in equal measure.

The line-up for the 2016 event will be announced in early 2016 but historically the first and second tier tickets fly out within minutes after release and are snapped up by thousands of citizens eager to get back to the city they call their home!

Here’s the official after-video from Chapter 7 to relive all the happenings and get ready for all the Chapter 8 has in store: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZE8JbW3L9o

BoomTown Fair 2015 Review

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Widely known as one of the wildest and most immersive experiences around, BoomTown Fair is one of the UK’s fastest growing music festivals. This year marked BoomTown’s seventh year in Winchester, selling out with a huge 38,000 people ready and rearing to explore the pop-up wonderland.
 

Having not seen many familiar names on the line-up and with this being my first BoomTown, I went into this experience pretty blind.I travelled to the site using public transport and ended up having one of my most valuable experiences of the whole weekend on the shuttle bus there. The atmosphere was intense, people were anxious to see the site appear over the hill, and talk was all about the weekend ahead. Every single person on the bus announced they had barely looked at the line-up, they couldn’t tell me who the ‘headliners’ were and they couldn’t tell me who to look out for. Instead they gave me the best advice I could have asked for: “BoomTown isn’t about the line-up, it isn’t about the headliners. Go in there and immerse yourself in the whole experience, think of the music as the soundtrack to your weekend and go wherever it takes you”. Most of them even favoured the smaller, quirkier areas over the main attractions and insisted I spend some time walking around. Taking my fellow BoomTown citizen’s advice, I did exactly this.

This pop-up city nestled in the rolling hills of Winchester is split into nine districts across three areas of the festival (HillTop, DownTown & Temple Valley). From Wild West to DSTRKT 5, China Town to Mayfair Avenue, everywhere boasts impressive set designs and strong narratives dating back to the festival’s origins in 2009. You find yourself being ushered along by “policemen” in OldTown, only to then stumble into Grandma’s Living Room and play bingo with other festival goers. Needless to say the weekend was laden with these surreal experiences in every district, leaving you feeling a little lost when all is said and done.



Somewhat hidden within these city walls are the stages. Like every district, each stage is themed depending on where it stands; each one an incredible set up. Some particularly impressive stages are the Lion’s Den; a huge temple themed stage that shoots fire when night descends, Bang Hai Palace; what can only be described as an oriental super palace lit from top to bottom with red and yellow neon lights, and Boombox; quite literally a giant boombox that glows as it pumps DNB through monstrous surround sound.

 

The weekend boasted some impressive musical names such as gypsy swing cyberpunks Caravan Palace who had the crowd jiving and jumping from start to finish. The global musical mastery that is Gogol Bordello tore up the Town Centre on Sunday night giving the BoomTown citizens something to remember. A particularly impressive set was Shy FX feat. Stamina MC at the Lion’s Den. Having seen this innovator of dance music before at a much smaller venue, it was incredible to see the transition from a sweaty tent to one of the main stages at BoomTown. Stood at the top of the hill where the Lion’s Den is situated, you could admire a sea of people bouncing, skanking and having the time of their lives. The atmosphere was electric as Shy continued to hit the crowd with classic after classic, Shake Ur Body being a particular highlight; smoke spilled from the mammoth stage and worked hand in hand with the strobes to create the ultimate raving experience. Other amazing acts across the weekend included: reggae master Stephen Marley, Ska-Dub-Punk group Dub Pistols (whom have actually won awards for their exceptional live performances), experimental Drum ‘n’ Bass multi-instrumentalist Squarepusher, with strobe lights to match his obscurity. Soulful blues and roots gang John Butler Trio provided a much needed break from the manic happenings elsewhere, while Mali’s Songhoy Blues stole my heart with their lively desert blues performed with upmost sincerity. More notable names were: The Carny Villains, Rubber Duck Orchestra, Born on Road Showcase and Noisia.

 

 

Some of my fondest memories of the weekend were visiting all of the side attractions that make their way to the festival. Long pathways lined with gypsy caravans and tipis, inside people were receiving palm readings, massages, yoga classes, wood crafting and wicker basket making lessons; the list was endless. Policemen can be seen taking part, staring at a black and white spiral wheel experiencing what can only be described from his facial expression as a sober acid trip. These side attractions keep the drunken masses smiling and add a little something special to the festival; there are vibes of a buzzing community and a sense that most of the vendors know each other from elsewhere. Its places like this that for me, make a real festival.
 

 

 

Boomtown announce House in the Woods Stage for 2015

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With just under 30 days to go until BoomTown open their gates for what promises to be the biggest and wildest chapter to date, the UK's largest independent festival is about to get that little bit bigger with the announcement of yet another area, complimenting 24 stunning themed main stages across a huge festival site.

Located deep within the numerous woodlands spread throughout BoomTown, House In The Woods will encapsulate the innovators and dreamers behind the best in house, disco, techno and boogie with a curated line-up from four of the UK’s most influential tastemakers.

Further igniting the house-heavy vibes on Friday will be renowned Bristol natives Shapes, who’ll be teaming up with underground trailblazers Flux to bring two legendary figures from the underground dance scene to the hallowed BoomTown turf. A Guy Called Gerald has continuously re-writing the rule book for dance music and will be showcasing his History Of House Set under the mesmeric woodland skies. The night gets even bigger with pillars of the underground dance world Horse Meat Disco stopping by to deliver a set of deep house nuggets.

On Saturday, it’s the turn of infamous Bristolian crew Alfresco Disco to take the reins for an unpredictable night of breath-taking beats. Alongside their acclaimed residents will be a unique headline set from Raf Daddy of The 2 Bears, who have set the scene alight in recent years with two acclaimed studio albums combining two step, house, hip-hop and soul. It’s a night destined to live long in the folklore of BoomTown.

After a weekend of rhythmic debauchery, it will fall to the mighty Electric Minds to shake House In The Woods one last time with a night bursting with mavericks of the underground dance world. Iconic Electric Minds boss Dolan Bergin will be on hand to oversee a line-up that includes the dynamic Amir Alexander, who will be transporting the loyal residents of BoomTown to the gritty sounds of modern America and celebrated “outsider” Pangaea appearing in the midst of a worldwide touring schedule that has seen his nostalgic drum and bass sound reach thousands. Topped off by an appearance from George Levings (Commix) new musical project Endian, The House In The Woods is likely to shake BoomTown to its knees.

Boomtown Fair Tickets almost sold out

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From August 13-16th 2015, Matterley Bowl in Winchester will play host to BoomTown Fair – a fictional pop-up city where post-apocalyptic Mad-Max meets Burning Man in an immersive playground of creativity, life imitating art, interactive sideshows and live theatre.

Since its inception in 2009, BoomTown Fair has become one of the top 10 largest festivals in the UK and is the only one with an ingeniously manufactured storyline containing it’s own mayoral elections, citizen passports and convoluted political history. It is this, the underpinning storyline that gives the UKs most immersive independent festival the scope to mix cowboys with pirates and aliens with Aztec temples, across their 22 themed main stages and the countless smaller shop fronts, hidden beaches and forest parties…

BoomTown’s sprawling metropolis provides a temporary haven of hidden surprises, pulsating music and immersive audio-visuals to allow each of its thousands of citizens to go on an ultimate voyage of discovery within the labyrinth-esque streets. With a soundtrack of ska, folk, gypsy, reggae, world, punk, pirate, disco, electro-swing, jazz, blue-grass, breaks, bass, jungle, techno and a whole lot more. Even if visitors to the Fair only came for the music, as is the calling card for most traditional music festivals, the sheer array of musical masters to uncover is huge!!

Chapter 7 will see BoomTown unveil their brand new visually spectacular new colossus of a centre-stage for DownTown; The Palace, which is set to be the UK’s largest immersive festival dance arena, bringing with it a powerhouse of a bass line up and some of the worlds biggest names in drum ‘n’ bass, jungle and garage