The first Sonic Boom Festival, developed by East Staffordshire Borough Council and Sonic Boom Music CIC has been declared a huge success after music lit up Burton upon Trent with thousands of residents and visitors descending on the town centre on Saturday 14th September.
The festival, made possible with financial support from East Staffordshire Borough Council and Arts Council England featured a main stage, with local and national touring artist, including Burton Band DECO and headlined by The K’s, a series of Aftershock gigs hosted at venues across the town and a learning programme for young people interested in getting into the industry.
The independent festival followed the sell-out success of the Burton Music Collective’s celebration of live music in November 2023, as part of the council’s ambitions to rejuvenate Burton upon Trent’s new music scene, inspired by its rich music heritage.
Cllr Paul Walker, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Cultural Development, said: ‘It was tremendous to see thousands of residents and visitors enjoying the talented local and national artists on the main stage, right in the heart of Burton upon Tent. The festival exceed all our expectations and with the support people showed to Aftershock events, it’s sent a new lease of life through the Town.
Sonic Boom CIC Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Andi Jepson, said: “It was a day Burton will remember for a long time. We’ve put our town back on the map for new music with a nationally significant festival.
“So many people attended, not only the Sonic Boom Festival but also the Aftershock events and people travelled from all over the UK to join in.
“Thanks to East Staffordshire Borough Council for their massive efforts and for supporting new music, and to all the local businesses who made the event possible. We showed we can match any festival for production quality and line up with an added friendly Burton welcome.
“A big thanks also to all the local artists and venues who kept the party going into the night. It really was an inclusive celebration of grass roots and independent music, with a completely eclectic mix of genres and styles, so there was something for everyone. We hope to do it all again next year!”
Following the festival, Sonic Boom CIC are asking residents and visitors for their feedback, this can be done by visiting www.sonicboomfestival.co.uk or https://forms.gle/E7CExbvqcGAoDS5w7
NOTES:
About Sonic Boom Festival
Sonic Boom Music Festival was presented by Sonic Boom Music CIC - a not-for-profit formed by a Burton-based filmmaker, Andi Jepson, and Burton-based musician, Chris Baldwin.
The festival was produced by Sonic Boom Music CIC and East Staffordshire Borough Council, made possible with financial support from East Staffordshire Borough Council and public funding by Arts Council England.
The festival is fiercely independent (not sponsored by any brands) and produced and curated by local new music fans.
For more information visit: www.sonicboomfestival.co.uk
Socials
https://www.instagram.com/sonicboommusicfestival
https://www.facebook.com/sonicboommusicfestival
https://www.tiktok.com/@sonicboommusicfestival
https://x.com/SonicBoomFest
https://open.spotify.com/user/313qiihcnz7ssyevcrfunabjtxjm
Sonic Boom Festival Main Stage
The K’s headline
Nubiyan Twist
DECO
Divorce
GIRLBAND!
88 Miles
The Public Eye
Host: DJ Chris Hawkins from BBC 6 Music