Boomtown Fair has announced a significant charitable investment of £161,710 into community projects and good causes, headlined by a landmark £100,000 donation to Winchester Hospice.
The Hampshire festival, which is currently preparing for its 2026 edition ‘Chapter 5: Radical Redesign’, revealed the figures today as part of its ongoing commitment to support the local area surrounding the Matterley Estate.
The donations follow a successful 2025 operational year and come as tickets continue to sell rapidly for the festival’s return from 12th to 16th August 2026.
Organisers stated they were “incredibly proud” to share the figures, which support a wide range of beneficiaries from early years education to national conflict charities.
While the substantial six-figure sum for Winchester Hospice is the standout contribution, the funding has been distributed across several key pillars of the local and national community.
The full breakdown of the £161,710 investment includes:
- £100,000 to Winchester Hospice
- £20,000 combined to eight neighbouring parish councils
- £17,500 to early years facilities at local schools and nurseries
- £11,930 to environmental charity Onboard Earth
- £7,280 to War Child
- £5,000 to Breakout Youth, supporting LGBTQ+ young people
A total of £20,000 has been shared between the eight neighbouring parish councils that surround the festival site, ensuring direct investment into the villages most impacted by the event.
In a statement on their partnership page, Winchester Hospice described the collaboration as bringing together “the festival’s unstoppable energy and creativity with the hospice’s vital care and compassion.”
They noted that the two organisations are “rooted deeply in community spirit,” with the funding helping to make a meaningful difference to local families facing terminal or life-limiting illnesses.
Beyond the financial contribution, Boomtown has committed to supporting its partners with “platforms, storytelling, volunteering, and year-round collaboration”.
For those inspired by the donation, the hospice is currently promoting several fundraising challenges, including a ‘Purple Night Walk’ in September 2025 and a trek along the Camino de Santiago in 2026.
This community investment sets a positive tone as the festival builds towards ‘Chapter 5: Radical Redesign’ in August 2026. The event promises major changes to the site layout and infrastructure, alongside a diverse lineup that already includes Madness, Scissor Sisters, Kneecap, and Skrillex.
The donation to Onboard Earth (formerly Ecolibrium) also highlights the festival’s continued focus on environmental sustainability, reinforcing the “green innovation” promised for the new Hydro XL stage.
Image credits:
Sian Herbert
Lucas Sinclair
Leora Bermeister
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