PREVIEW:

Boomtown Fair, Matterley Estate, Winchester

Returning once again to the Hampshire countryside, the larger than life Boomtown Fair music festival will be held from August 9 to 12.

The impressive live acts topping the bill and the sheer scope of musical genres on offer perfectly sum up the evolution of the ​60,000 capacity​, multifaceted music and theatrical event over the past decade.

Joining the ​Gorillaz​ as headliners are South African trio ​Die Antwoord, ​‘Rollin’ rap-rockers​ Limp Bizkit, ​three time Grammy winner​ Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals, ​returning Godfather of reggae ​Jimmy Cliff, ​soulful vocals and African polyrhythms from ​Amadou & Mariam, ​downtempo trip hop from ​Morcheeba, and anti-austerity punk music from ​Sleaford Mods​, seamlessly mirroring the festivals own immersive storyline and political undertones; ​plus​ over ​200 more acts ​across the 27 ‘main’ stages, nine theatrical districts and forest parties on this initial release.

On top of the eclectic music line up, Boomtown puts equal importance on stage design and theatrical storylines, with the ‘city’ split into nine unique districts.

The experience within these different zones take ‘citizens’ on a journey into the future, back to the past and across a spectrum of alternative realities through film set-esque environments including; the dystopian nuclear power station of Sector 6, the bohemian circus of Oldtown and technological advancements of the Metropolis quarter.

The myriad of potential adventures are never ending within this surreal, escapist fantasy land for all ages.

Organisers of the festival said: “Those in attendance can expect to be taken on a journey of live and electronic music around the UK underground, via global stars and grassroots talent from over 50 countries across the world. Those of any age, young and a little less young, first timers or Boomtown stalwarts, there is something for everyone."

Resale tickets and Wednesday entry festival and traveller packages are still available, but all other options are now sold out. To purchase tickets, go to boomtownfair.co.uk.