NEW for BoomTown Chapter 8, the festival’s hub for craft, creativity, eco-living and sustainability, Whistlers Green, has united with KidzTown and expanded into greener pastures.

Featuring a whole host of new stages, cafes, chill-out areas, activities, workshops and education spaces, the area offers a family-friendly haven to soak up sounds, enjoy some rest and relaxation, pass on skills and learn all kinds of new ones.

Among the area’s latest additions is the Windmill Stage, where funk, soul, reggae and folk music are the order of the day, featuring the likes of Craig Charles, Banco De Gaia, Prince Fatty feat. Horseman, Will Varley and Smoove & Turrell.

For laid back, acoustic roots vibes, the always-popular Floating Lotus stage will host acts including Stick In The Wheel, The Rubber Wellies and Sound of the Sirens, plus a late night chill-out café.

Building on Whistlers Green’s commitment to all things eco-friendly and sustainable, the green innovations and campaigns area has introduced the new Speakers’ Corner.

A platform for engaging, entertaining and welcoming talks, comedy and debate, its aim is to educate, inform and raise awareness of important social, political and environmental issues.

For those keen to turn their hand to new talents, challenge themselves with creative crafts and get involved with all kinds of interactive activities, the workshops and skills spaces of Whistlers Green are the places to do it.

From learning to play the ukulele or build a rocket stove, to magic tricks, aerial circus skills and trades such as blacksmithing and jewellery making.

Citizens wishing to indulge in a soothing massage or treatment for mind, body and soul should visit the Healing Place, or check in to the beautiful surroundings of the Coyote Moon luxury spa, which features an acoustic music stage, sauna, hot showers and a private garden.

KidzTown offers the festival’s younger Citizens a massive array of fun-filled, experiential and educational activities to get stuck into.

From learning woodland skills in the brand new Forest School to participating in the incredible BoomTown Carnival, and playing in among the newly built streets and houses of KidzTown, children can take ownership of their neighbourhood and have their voices heard, making a positive contribution to the wider community.

At the heart of KidzTown is the Sandcastle Stage, where an eclectic line-up of music, dance and comedy will keep the whole family entertained.

Artists this year include Joe Driscoll, Laid Blak and Professor Elemental, plus theatre and workshops from Dreams & Whispers, Panic Circus, Tumble Tots and many more.