Sonic Boom Festival celebrated in Government's national music strategy

Sonic Boom Festival has been included as a case study in the Government's newly launched Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music, which sets out a national strategy for supporting music across the UK.

Burton's free, one day music festival, was highlighted in the report as a glowing example of the power of grassroots music in action, recognising the festival's role in driving local music opportunity and cultural regeneration.

The recognition reflects a shared commitment between the Council, Sonic Boom Music CIC and the wider Burton Music Collective to invest in grassroots music and back the belief that talent and opportunity should exist everywhere, not just in major cities.

Since launching in 2024, the collaboration, with investment from East Staffordshire Borough Council and Arts Council England has seen Sonic Boom Festival grow into a flagship event for the town, taking over 10 spaces across Burton town centre and attracting more than 10,000 music fans.

The festival has featured headline sets from The K's in 2024 and Everything Everything in 2025, alongside more than 80 local and national acts.

The festival's TURBO youth training programme, delivered in partnership with Burton and South Derbyshire College, has supported more than 50 young people into hands on technical experience and behind the scenes access to the festival, helping to build the next generation of talent and industry skills in the town.

Cllr Paul Walker, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Cultural Development, said: "Being featured in the Government's national music plan is a real moment of pride for Burton upon Trent.

“It's confirmation that the investment and belief we've put into grassroots music here is making a genuine difference, not just to the town, but as an example of collaborative delivery.

“Sonic Boom Festival was built on the conviction that music and opportunity belong in every community, and this recognition is a tribute to everyone, from Sonic Boom Music CIC to the Burton Music Collective and the young people coming through TURBO programme, who have helped to make that belief reality."

Chris Baldwin, co-founder of Sonic Boom Music CIC, said: “We were thrilled to see Sonic Boom Music CIC featured as a case study in the Government's new national plan for music, proof that when supported, music is transformative.

“East Staffordshire Borough Council, Arts Council England, local businesses, musicians, and local champions from across our communities all back not just the events, but the exciting ecosystem that proves that when we all work together, there's nothing we can't achieve.

“Building an inclusive infrastructure and developing local talent is the difference between just putting on a festival and creating a meaningful way forward. Thanks to the council's continued backing and Arts Council England's investment, we've been able to keep growing.

“This is just the start of what our grassroots scene can achieve, and we are excited for what comes next.”

Sonic Boom returns to Burton upon Trent on 12 September. The full line up and partners will be announced closer to the date.