Boomtown Fair Chapter 11: What’s Hot for Families

 

 
Babes about Town will be back** at Boomtown Fair this summer and we can’t wait. The line-up at BOOMTOWN FAIR CHAPTER 11 is crazy hot – check the poster (and there’s more to come).

 

 
Ms Lauryn Hill, The Streets, Prophets of Rage, Chase & Status, Salt-n-Pepa, Groove Armada, Kate Tempest, Slaves, UB40, Chronixx, Supercat, Ms Dynamite, Horse Meat Disco, Carl Cox, Four Tet… More than 500 musical acts will appear over 5 days, playing to crowds of 66,000+ across the city’s 12 districts.

 

Boomtown Fair Chapter 11: A Radical City

 

 
The theme for Boomtown Fair Chapter 11 is ‘A Radical City’, with a mission to raise awareness of green issues. The goal is to limit the festival’s impact on the environment, and to encourage citizens to be more earth-friendly within Boomtown and the world at large.

Last year at Boomtown Fair turned into a bit of a wash out (please, rain gods, spare us for 2019), yet we still had a whale of a time.

 

 
It was our first experience of glamping in Boomtown Springs, the theatrical zone that’s part campsite, mostly VIP party spot. Boomtown Springs has its own pool and nightclub, along with a bevy of hosts to entertain you morning, noon and night. If the sound of a baseline thud thudding into the early hours doesn’t sound like your bag of tea, then perhaps stick to the family campsites over by Kidztown, on the other side of the city.

 

Family Fun at Boomtown Fair Chapter 11

 

 
Kidztown is its own separate enclave, sort of a festival within a festival. Here, your munchkins will enjoy setting up their own bank accounts and getting stuck into a variety of activities. Anything from wacky experiments in the Lab Science tent, to romping in the Wild Wood Forest School.

There are woodwork shops, circus toys and skills, a Krafty Kidz tent, puppet shows, sandpit, mini cinema, even a post office. If your kids are really little, they probably won’t want to leave Kidztown as there’s so much to keep them busy.

 

 
However, there’s tons of family-friendly action throughout Boomtown. Whistler’s Green is the chillest area, where you can watch gigs on small stages, and take part in drumming sessions or crafty workshops. Standing at the top of the hill, you get a fantastic view of the sprawling Boomtown, throbbing with life, colour and creativity.

 

Boomtown Fair Chapter 11: The Story Continues

 

 
One of the things my boys loved most about the festival is its spirit of invention. Wild characters in costume draw you into a fantastical world. Every year at Boomtown presents a new chapter in an evolving plot. You can come dressed as someone in the story, or create your own alter-ego. Imagination is at the heart of this festival and it’s that sense of ‘anything can happen’ that appeals to even the youngest visitors.

“Is Boomtown family friendly? Definitely, although you have to pick your moments. It’s not as kid-focused as Camp Bestival, but neither is it as insane as some people claim.” – Uju

Read more about Our Experience with Kids at Boomtown Chapter 10.

 

 

If you’re thinking about making the ride to Boomtown Fair Chapter 11 (and what a ride), here are some helpful tips for families:

Top Tips for Families at Boomtown Fair Chapter 11

• Arrive as early as you can to camp in prime spots and get your bearings. You can even book for Wednesday entry, when it will be a lot less crowded and easier to find your way around.
• Need a little luxury? Invest in glamping. It’s pricey but worth it, and better for the environment than most disposable tents!
• You’ll need a super sturdy buggy (all-terrain) if you want to move around a lot, as the site is huge and very hilly too.
• Get the kids some fitness bands/step counters so they can compete with themselves or each other over steps (rather than moaning about having to walk long distances)!
• Make sure your camping gear is solid and water-tight, as heavy weather will ruin your kit (and your sleep) if you’re in a lightweight tent.
• There are lots of delicious food stalls however it can get expensive for brekkie, lunch and dinner. Pack some of your own grub if you can – check out my Festival Food packing list.
• Younger kids will benefit from pull-ups at night (even if they’re potty-trained, accidents happen). For mamas, I recommend a Travel John and/or a She Wee.
• Bring ear defenders, fairy lights (great for buggies and trolleys), glow sticks, torches, raincoats and wellies. Don’t forget ear plugs for nighttime.
• Have you got a Find my Phone app on your mobile yet? Get it sorted.
• Bum bags aren’t cool but boy are they handy at a festival, for kids and adults alike.
• If possible, go with another trusted adult (or group of adults) that you can tag team with for evening childcare duties. The Downtown areas of the festival aren’t open to kids ages 12 and under after 7pm. Teens can hang until 10pm.

See you at Boomtown.

Boomtown Fair is at Matterley Estate, Hampshire, SO21 1HW (Winchester rail). Recommended travel by coach (National Express), train or car share. Kids aged 12 and under go FREE, but require a ticket. VISIT WEB SITE

**We are official bloggers at Boomtown Fair, all opinions are my own.