Drivers are being warned to expect road closures and lower speed limits as Boomtown returns.
Boomtown 2026- Chapter 5: Radical Redesign will see 63,000 people at the festival on the Matterley Estate, between Wednesday, August 12 and Sunday, August 16.
Here are the road closures and speed limits to be aware of.
Key dates for disruption and closures
Saturday, August 8 to Monday, August 17: 40mph speed limits in place on the A272
Tuesday, August 11 to Monday, August 17: 40mph speed limits on the A31
Gap closures on the A31 will run from 3am on Wednesday 12 to 10pm on Monday 17.
On the A31 Westbound side, Lane closures and merges will be operation on the A31 Westbound during the festival.
Recommended reading:
-
New Junction 9 bridge opens to drivers after as M3 upgrade hits milestone
-
M3 motorway closures Southampton drivers need to be aware of this weekend
Those wishing to avoid the event entrances can use Lane 2, the offside lane.
On the A31 Eastbound side, there will be lane closures and merges on the A31 Eastbound on Monday August 17, use lane 1.
U-turns at the Ladycroft roundabout on the A31 will not be permitted for vehicles to proceed westbound on the roundabout or from the B3047 Alresford Road (except buses) on Monday, August 17, from 9 am-4 pm.
On Wednesday, August 12, Thursday, August 13, and Monday, August 17, roads local to the festival site may be subject to closure to help manage traffic and protect nearby residential areas from excessive congestion.
Residents wishing to use a road that is closed may approach accredited staff on duty at these locations to request access.
The South Downs Way footpath will be diverted from Monday, August 10, to Wednesday, August 19, inclusive. There will be signage in place signifying the diverted walking route around the perimeter of the event site.
The Cheesefoot Head Car Park will also be closed from August 10 to the 21.
As part of the M3 Junction 9 improvement works, the M3 northbound slip road from the Winnall roundabout will remain closed.
National Highways has said it is working with Boomtown to cut disruption as festivalgoers arrive and leave the site.
Peak traffic times
A272 running from the A31 to Rodfield lane
- Wednesday 12th August: 10:00 - 18:00
- Thursday 13th August: 10:00 - 18:00
- Monday 17th August: 08:00 - 17:00
A31 from M3 Junction 9/Spitfire Link to Alresford
- Wednesday 12th August: 10:00 - 18:00
- Thursday 13th August: 08:00 - 18:00
- Monday 17th August: 10:00 - 17:00
Rodfield Lane Between the A31 And A272
- Wednesday 12th August: 10:00 - 18:00
- Thursday 13th August: 08:00 - 18:00
- Monday 17th August: 10:00 - 16:00
Morestead Road and Longwood Road
- Monday 17th August: 08:00 - 16:00
Residents can call a hotline at 020 3781 7260 with any urgent queries, or email eventcontrol@boomtownfair.co.uk.
For more information, see: www.winchester.gov.uk/no-listing/boomtown-fair
Share