An undercover investigation by The Times (UK) has revealed the open sale of illegal drugs at Boomtown Fair, a major UK festival, despite recent coroner warnings about the risk of fatalities.
The five-day festival, held near Winchester, Hampshire, attracts over 77,000 attendees. The Times reporter observed dealers advertising ketamine, MDMA, cocaine, and other substances, even accepting “contactless” payments, while security frequently failed to intervene.
The findings come months after 22-year-old Benjamin Buckfield died from taking ecstasy at Boomtown, the fifth suspected drug-related death at the event since 2011. Following the inquest, coroner Nicholas Walker issued a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report, warning that “an unchecked, open and free trade in unlawful drugs will create a risk of future deaths.”
Festival organizers emphasize harm reduction over zero tolerance and pledged cooperation with police and public health teams. However, Walker warned that without significant change, Boomtown remains a “dangerous enabling environment” for young attendees.
