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Student dies from MDMA overdose at Boomtown Festival

Ben Buckfield, 22, died after taking MDMA at the Boomtown festival in Hampshire.

July 21, 2025 at 12:26 AM

Drugs were being sold like 'food at a market' at notorious music festival where university student died after taking MDMA, coroner says

The recent death of a university student at Boomtown festival brings drug culture into sharp focus.

Dangerous drug culture highlighted at Boomtown festival after student's death

At the Boomtown festival in August last year, a coroner revealed that drugs were being openly sold, likening it to food being sold at a market. Ben Buckfield, a 22-year-old film student, died after taking MDMA, making him the fifth death linked to the festival since it started in 2009. Coroner Nicholas Walker expressed concern about the festival's environment, which he described as allowing for blatant drug sales and a lack of supervision for young attendees. Ben's mother voiced her fears that without changes, more needless tragedies could occur at the festival, highlighting the ongoing risks related to drug culture in such events.

Key Takeaways

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Ben Buckfield's death underscores the dangerous drug culture at music festivals.

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Coroner Nicholas Walker raised alarms about drug sales at Boomtown.

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Five fatalities have now been linked to Boomtown since 2009.

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The festival environment allows easy access to illicit substances.

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Ben's mother advocates for urgent changes to ensure safety at festivals.

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Discussions about drug policy may influence future festival regulations.

"It seems to me that the most appropriate conclusion I can offer in this case is one of drug-related death."

Coroner Nicholas Walker concluded the inquest into Ben Buckfield's death.

"It's only a matter of time before there's another death or life-changing injury."

Ben Buckfield's mother expressed her concerns about festival safety.

"There was therefore a ready supply of drugs for Ben to buy."

Coroner Walker highlighted the accessibility of drugs at the festival.

"Ben was a glorious young man - funny, intelligent and caring - and a life not defined by that night."

Walker emphasized Ben's character beyond the tragedy of his death.

This tragic incident brings to light the alarming relationship between music festivals and drug use. Festivals often promote a carefree atmosphere that may encourage risky behavior, and the evidence from Boomtown suggests a troubling normalization of drug commerce. While organizers may take safety seriously, the reality is that environments like Boomtown can be dangerous for young party-goers who often feel invincible. As discussions about drug policies and festival environments develop, it is essential to consider how these events can evolve to prioritize health and safety without compromising the celebratory spirit of such gatherings.

Highlights

Ben Buckfield was a glorious young man, not defined by a single night.
The drug culture at Boomtown is a warning sign for future festivals.
Change must come to prevent further tragedies at events like Boomtown.
Young people deserve safer environments at music festivals.

Alarm over festival drug culture

The findings raise significant concerns about drug safety at Boomtown, highlighting risks for attendees. Continued fatalities may lead to stricter regulations for festivals.

The future of festival safety hinges on how organizers adapt to troubling patterns of drug culture.

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boomtown mdma drugs festival safety music health safety education

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