MORE than 500 acts are set for one of Hampshire largest music festivals along with nearly 50,000 revellers.

BoomTown Fair, which returned to Matterley Estate near Winchester yesterday, is boasting more districts and madness than ever before.

Now in its seventh year, or chapter seven as the organisers call it, the festival got permission to expand last year.

It is split into nine different districts, separately providing music to suit all tastes, and culminating in a bonkers fantasy land where fancy dress is not encouraged – it’s required.

From the backstreet barbers in the Wild West to the glamorous ladies-who-lunch of Mayfair Avenue, there’s a plethora of characters waiting to take up residence in one of the unique areas of the ‘city’.

The 500 plus acts include Stephen Marley, Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello, Matisyahu, Barrington Levy, Squarepusher, Noisia, Spor, John Butler Trio, Less Than Jake and Infected Mushroom.

With so many districts, streets, venues and sideshows to take in the organisers have set up their own news channel dedicated to giving short bulletins about what’s going on in each of the districts.

The lawless Wild West district has doubled in size since its launch in chapter six, featuring more unsavoury characters who roam the streets waiting to corrupt visitors.

It includes The Wrong Side of the Tracks railway station, a general store of western wonders and The Gold Rush mine – the district’s premier watering hole.

For those who prefer a taste of technicolour, Barrio Loco is a passionate playground and home to BoomTown’s leader. Expect Circo Bassline with their Caba-rave among others.

Up the hill is Mayfair Avenue where revellers can join the one per cent in their tax-free haven or try to swindle them out of their money at venues such as Charlie Brown’s Casino. Cabaret, a roller disco and Candy Trash Beauty Boutique all feature as side shows.

The OldTown pirate port will tempt passers-by into its cobbled back streets where BoomTown Bobbies will roam ensuring law and order is maintained.

A colourful mecca of the digital age of gaming with a soundtrack of ska punk, known as DownTown, will see revellers lost in another dimension. Also home to ChinaTown, this district offers 4D gaming, live play with Mario in Dubtendo and a digital funfair.

DSTRKT 5 offers some of the dodgiest dives with the Asbo disco and old-school garage, whilst TrenchTown spreads throughout the city as a shared love of reggae, roots and dub culture.

Two districts, The Lion’s Den and Tangled Roots, have relocated to previously untouched areas and will keep the soundclashes they are famed for coming.

For workshops and chilling out head to Whistlers Green where there are trapeze, blacksmith and cider-making classes among others.

BoomTown also offers something for all ages, with KidzTown devoted to entertaining youngsters and introducing them to festival life.

BoomTown Fair at Matterley Estate is on now until Sunday August16. For more information, visit boomtownfair.co.uk.