Boomtown 2026 review: Surely the best party in the world

Boomtown 2026, situated in the South Downs National Park near Winchester, is an immersive theatre show and music festival that has established itself as perhaps the world's best immersive theatre experience. The festival, which takes place once a year, attracts around 75,000 attendees and features a diverse line-up of electronic music artists, including drum 'n' bass, house, and bassline bands, as well as commercial acts such as the Vengaboys, Scissor Sisters, and Shaggy.

Booming attractions include several themed districts, such as Old Town, Metropolis, Area 404, and Copperwood, each with its unique vibe and immersive experiences. The Old Town, for instance, features a corporate satire and a nostalgic supermarket, while Area 404 is a dystopian wasteland filled with abandoned technology. Copperwood, on the other hand, is home to brass and folk bands.

The immersive storytelling at Boomtown is exceptional, with hundreds of actors driving the narrative, which revolves around an evil corporate space company exhausting Earth of its natural minerals, and a hippy uprising attempting to overthrow the overlords and regain the planet. The festival's motto encourages breaking free from silos and standing up to corporate overlords, although the messaging can sometimes feel contradictory or thin.

Despite the inconsistencies in the core message, the overall atmosphere is undeniably wholesome. The festival encourages sustainable practices, with litter bags being collected for a £20 deposit, and a genuine sense of care and responsibility is evident throughout. With over 65,000 attendees, the Lion's Den stage is a highlight, adorned with impressive pyrotechnics.

The festival, which began as a small independent gathering in 2009, has since expanded to 65,000 capacity and is expected to undergo a "radical redesign" in 2026, solidifying its position as the biggest site yet.