Boomtown announces first wave of artists for 2026 in its most diverse lineup yet

Boomtown has just dropped its biggest and most eclectic lineup to date for Chapter 5: Radical Redesign, taking over Hampshire’s Matterley Estate from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th August 2026. The first wave announcement spans more than 40 artists, from genre icons to underground trailblazers, marking what organisers call “the most ambitious version of Boomtown ever created.”

Headliners include Kneecap, Scissor Sisters, and Madness, alongside Skrillex, Four Tet, Faithless, Scooter, Shaggy, Marlon Hoffstadt, Eve, Mobb Deep, Groove Armada, Floating Points, 999999999, Sampa The Great, Vengaboys, and many more. The line-up covers everything from punk and ska to rap, techno, and dancehall, a reminder that Boomtown’s soundscape was never meant to be contained.

Public transport tickets go on sale on 30th October, with festival entry tickets available from 31st October via boomtownfair.co.uk/tickets

Speaking on the announcement, Boomtown co-founder Luke Mitchell said: “While bass music has dominated in recent years and will always be at our core, we’re making a conscious move to keep Boomtown musically diverse and unpredictable. Expect more live bands and more cross-genre adventures. That’s where Boomtown began, and it’s what keeps us on the truest path forward.”

Returning to headline the Lion’s Den stage a decade after their legendary 2016 set, Madness said: “Get ready people, as we are welcomed back to the Lion’s Den. It will be the 10th anniversary since we first and last played Boomtown in 2016… the crowd, the costumes, the madness was pure mayhem and magic. We are thrilled to be returning to open proceedings in 2026. Nuttier than ever!”

Fellow icons Scissor Sisters are equally ready to bring the chaos, saying: “Citizens of Boomtown, your Scissor Sisters are beyond jazzed to finally be bringing our circus to your town. We’re already dreaming of our steamy summer night together – you bring the Filthy and we’ll provide the Gorgeous.”

Belfast rap provocateurs Kneecap added: “If anyone knows of ‘a better way to live’, it’s the sound citizens of Boomtown… This one’s going to be special, see yis all there!”

Boomtown’s new chapter also brings major changes to the city itself. The 2026 edition will expand with new districts, reimagined stages, and more open green spaces - all part of its “Radical Redesign.” The legendary Lion’s Den returns to its original Temple Valley amphitheatre home, while the Hydro XL stage - the first hydrogen-powered stage at a major festival - doubles in size for next year’s edition.

Already crowned Best Festival Production three years running, Boomtown continues to push creative and environmental boundaries while uniting generations of ravers under one banner. With 50% of tickets already sold, this is shaping up to be one of the defining UK festivals of 2026.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest music and events content.