Boomtown calls itself 'the UK's maddest city' and it really is. From the ASBO disco in downtown to the Arcadia stage there is something for everyone. The festival is split into different parts of town; down town, old town, Mayfair and getto-way, with each 'neighbourhood' having its own quirky charm and character.

Boomtown 2012 from edwin fox on Vimeo.

The design of the festival is unrivalled by any other. Attention to detail is staggering, and around every corner there is something unexpected and sometimes unbelievable, be it tight rope walking robbers stealing from the bank in Mayfair or the imaginary bus complete with driver, conductor and an OAP. 

Just when you think you've seen all there is to see, you wonder up the hill to find the suburbs, a whole new area with chill out tents, massage areas and much more to explore. And then a short fall through the trees will take you to a hidden forest rave and beach bar. It's hard to find the words to describe the aesthetics at boomtown; you have to see it to believe it.

Once you've soaked up the atmosphere and explored the surroundings, you'll probably be in the mood for some food. There is an astonishing variation in types of cuisine ranging from full on delicious roast dinners at Harefields Bakery, jam on toast at Tea and Toast and pasta at the Italian kitchen, which feels like you have just stepped into one of the back streets of Rome. We were also guilty of losing a bit of cash to the non-food traders, where you could find anything from hippy waistcoats or gold bling. 

The facilities onsite were good with plenty of toilets and some showers. There was a cash machine onsite but the queues were constant the whole weekend. They had several boutique camping areas, Hotel Bell Tents had a big site out in the suburbs and Podpads were just outside the main area.

And then of course there's the music at Boomtown which is why many people frequent this crazy city every year, in every nook and cranny there is a different DJ or band to suit every individuals musical taste buds. We saw Natty play in the Lions Den which had a seriously chilled vibe, quite a contrast from the bustling town streets. Krafty Kuts played on the Arcadia Stage which was pretty hectic and the biggest crowd we saw the whole weekend.  

Our highlight was the surprise performance on Sunday from Jimmy Cliff in the town square. After 3 days of mayhem everyone welcomed his super chilled set. He got the crowd swaying and strangers dancing together, there was a great atmosphere and it was a great end to the weekend.

Last but by no means least is the highly anticipated Arcadia stage, we had heard things about it but we were not fully prepared for what we were about to see. We had seen the stage earlier in the day, which was impressive by itself, a large metal spider with dj booth in the middle. But in the dark with all of the lights it suddenly became even more impressive. Waiting for the show to the start the crowd was growing and the anticipation was in the air. It started slowly with the music building and the lights flickering, until there was a huge explosion and fireball. That's when the music really kicked in and the trapeze artists appeared, what followed was a mixture of a circus performance and pyrotechnics show, that was amazing to watch. 

The festival was a great weekend of crazy people, even crazier scenes and great fun. Whether you want to get falsely married, attend your own fake funeral or just have a relaxing sauna, you really can do anything here.

Review & Photos Jo Fenttiman and Anna Brown