Boomtown - festivalgoers praise event as mass exodus begins

Winchester Station was packed on Monday, August 17, as attendees began their journey home following the weekend of music and fun.

Jo Molloy and Zara McChang faced a long journey home to Edinburgh.

Jo said that Boomtown "was great", but "it was really hot".

She added: "It was a great festival.

"There was an eco-bond, there were a lot of people, rubbish and the like."

Jo Molloy (left) and Zara McChang (Image: Chris Atkinson)

Zara said that it was her first time attending the event.

She said: "It was so dusty.

"It was our first Boomtown; it was my first festival and my first time camping. I have not showered for five days, but it was a great time.

"There were so many people to speak to, which was lovely.

"I would come again."

Brenda Hackney (left) and Jamie Newman (Image: Chris Atkinson)

Brenda Hackney and Jamie Newman were heading home to Guernsey after spending the weekend at Boomtown.

Brenda said: "It was really good.

"It was really dusty and a bit hot, but we enjoyed it.

"It was our first time going."

Jamie added: "The sets were cool and the food was great."

Piper Major and Cody Newman, from York, said they enjoyed this year’s Boomtown.

Piper Major (left) and Cody Newman (Image: Chris Atkinson)

Cody said: "It was great.

"It was our third year this year. The festival was bigger and more spread out this year, but more tiring.

"The heat was unbearable."

Piper said: "On Friday and Saturday, the heat was a bit too much.

"My shoes are ruined! They started falling apart. I had to go to a workshop to have them repaired.

"We really liked Scissor Sisters.

"And Madness was great; I cried.

"My dad loves Madness, and he was gutted that I saw them before he did."

Clare Moore was preparing for the long journey back to Penrith, Cumbria.

Clare Moore (Image: Chris Atkinson)

She said: "It’s going to be a long day!

"It was a great festival. I had a brilliant time. This was my third time; I think I will be back.

"It was brilliant. I had so much fun.

"The weather was hot, but it is better than rain! The heat was hard work, so was the dust, but luckily I had a mask. The staff were really good with giving out water.

"I thought it was really well run. The volunteers were fantastic.

"It is sad to be leaving and going back to the real world."

Tom Cunningham, from Woking, enjoyed the event but said previous years were better.

He said the sets "were really good".

Rachel Taylor, from Lemington, said Four Tet was her favourite set: "I heard everyone on the shuttle bus back saying how much they enjoyed it."