About

SONIC BOOM FESTIVAL IS WAY MORE THAN JUST A FESTIVAL
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‍Sonic Boom Music Festival is produced by Sonic Boom Music CIC — a not-for-profit organisation based in Burton upon Trent, using music to drive regeneration, build opportunities, and put culture back at the heart of our town.

It began in 2023 with a month-long celebration of live music across Burton. Over fifty artists took part, and every event — from folk and ska to Bangladeshi ragas and psychedelic prog — focused on original and emerging talent. Shows sold out, and fans come from as far as the US.
The Burton Music Collective was born, and the idea grew.

In 2024, the first Sonic Boom Festival took over Burton town centre. More than 6,000 music fans came. BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins hosted the free main stage in the Market Square. The K’s headlined, joined by Nubiyan Twist, DECO, Divorce, Girlband, Eighty Eight Miles and The Public Eye. It was an unforgettable day — nationally attended, locally delivered, and completely independent.

“Last year’s festival was unbelievable with an outstanding lineup. 2025 Sonic Boom is supersized. The energy and atmosphere will be next level… Sonic Boom Festival is doing it right!”
‍Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6 Music

“It was awesome, such a good day and so well organised. Please please please do this again next year. Massive thanks and well done to all involved”
2024 festival attendee

“From a gig goer for over 20 years, I’ve got to say this is has been one of the best run festivals I’ve been too, great lineup of bands, bar and toilets ran smoothly with no issues, no long queues, I would have gladly paid for this event.”
2024 festival attendee

“Great festival for all the family. Well done to the organisers, we had a blast.”
2024 festival attendee
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“I’m not from Burton but this was an amazing event for the town and the local economy. A fantastic mix of artists of which every one went down really well. I’ve got an interest in grassroots music and events like these are an incredible way to get the message out there.”
2024 festival attendee

Alongside the festival, we ran a youth training programme pilot. TURBO was immediately oversubscribed, and a cohort of young people completed Bronze Arts Awards — getting hands-on experience and access behind the scenes at a major festival. In 2025, TURBO grows to 30 learners, supported by Burton College.

"A fantastic opportunity to get involved in the industry and to see how a live event is run smoothly by industry professionals." 
2024 TURBO participant

"I'm dyslexic and have Dyspraxia. The course leaders did a great job in accommodating my hands-on learning style. I've already recommended you to my friends." 
2024 TURBO participant

"This was a great program for getting to try everything in the industry to see what you like to do." 
2024 TURBO participant

We’re laying the foundations for a permanent grassroots venue in the town: a creative hub with a live room co-working and training facilities. It will be the year-round heartbeat of our scene — a base for emerging talent and a destination for national touring artists.

SONIC BOOM MUSIC CIC News

‍We’re longlisted for the 2025 Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs — one of just 20 selected from over 500 applications nationally.

We’re finalists at the 2025 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards ​​in the 'Public/Private Partnership' category, recognising the Council’s strategic collaboration with Future Yard CIC and Sonic Boom Music CIC

We’ve been invited to Merch Market in Manchester, joining stalls from New Order, The Charlatans and Inspiral Carpets. We’re also taking over the iconic Band on the Wall in July for a one-off Manchester vs Burton quadruple headliner,  co-curated by Chris Hawkins.

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‍Get Involved

‍Sonic Boom Music CIC is a community led not-for-profit, powered by collaboration with artists, educators, funders, audiences, and volunteers.
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If you’d like to be part of this story — or help us write the next chapter — we’d love to talk. ‍We’re seeking aligned organisations, sponsors, and collaborators to help us grow a sustainable music economy in Burton.

‍Donate

‍Support our festival and youth programme with a one-off or monthly donation. Donate now

Volunteer
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Help make the festival amazing, support our year round events, or join our creative crew. Volunteer now

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF MUSIC TO CHANGE A TOWN.