Elvana, 999999999, Kneecap, Diffrent, Sampa The Great, Brutalismus 3000, and Antony Szmierek—have all been announced as part of the first wave of artists for Boomtown Festival 2026.

Bringing together legends and trailblazers across genres and generations, Boomtown is set to host its most ambitious event ever at the Matterley Estate, Hampshire, from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th August 2026.

Today's first wave announcement reveals an electrifying and unprecedentedly diverse line-up for Chapter 5: Radical Redesign, alongside ambitious plans for an expanded, nature-harmonious new city build

The headlining names for 2026 mark a major return to the festival's roots of diverse musical discovery. Belfast’s politically charged trio Kneecap will be joined by the highly-anticipated return of New York's glam-pop icons Scissor Sisters. Ska legends Madness will bring their "house of fun" back to the Lion's Den, a decade after their last memorable set.

The electronic music landscape is equally star-studded with genre-defying maximalist producer Skrillex and the visionary Four Tet. British dance pioneers Faithless will celebrate their 30th anniversary at the festival, while German happy hardcore ravers Scooter will make a highly anticipated Boomtown debut. The bill is further boosted by the unapologetic Jamaican showman Shaggy, fearless boundary-breaker Ashnikko, and US rap innovator Eve

Across the dance floors, the line-up unites influential forces spanning the best in house, techno, garage, drum & bass, jungle, 4x4, dub, and more. Drum & bass royalty Shy FX is set for a true homecoming, alongside heavy hitters Wilkinson and Kings of the Rollers. Hard-hitting techno comes from 999999999, Brutalismus 3000, and the euphoric trance of Marlon Hoffstadt, while electronic veterans Groove Armada and forward-thinking master Floating Points – Live promise unforgettable sets.

The live music selection is equally potent, featuring heavy hitters Skindred, punk powerhouses High Vis and Big Special, ska heroes Bad Manners, and US rap from Princess Nokia and Sampa the Great. Look out for unforgettable party moments from Vengaboys and the sensational Elvis-Nirvana tribute, Elvana.

Festival Co-Founder Luke Mitchell commented on the new direction: “Musically - 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.”

Beyond the music, 2026 ushers in Chapter 5: Radical Redesign, promising the most imaginative version of the city yet. The blueprint includes ambitious expansion and major site changes, finding harmony with its home in the South Downs National Park.

Key site developments include:

• The much-loved Lion’s Den Stage finally returns to its fabled home in the Temple Valley amphitheatre.
• Hilltop will reclaim its role as the festival’s creative core, filled with live performance, theatre, and breathtaking spectacles.
• Downtown will plunge deeper into the wildest dance music, featuring Hydro XL—a groundbreaking development of the world’s first hydrogen-powered stage, doubling in size to showcase a forward-thinking line-up of techno and 4x4.

“This time with more space to breathe – more nature, more woodland, more hidden places everywhere,” Luke Mitchell added, stressing the core vision: “Fragmentation isn’t destruction, it’s transformation. By breaking what we know, we uncover new ways of being.”

Ticket Information

With a record-breaking 50% of tickets already sold for the 2026 event, demand is exceptionally high.

• Public Transport Tickets go on sale Thursday 30th October.
• Festival Entry Tickets go on sale Friday 31st October.

Don't miss the chance to step into Boomtown's bold new era.

Boomtown takes place at Matterley Estate, Hampshire, Wednesday 12th – Sunday 16th August 2026.

For tickets and more information, visit: www.boomtownfair.co.uk/tickets