Coroner voices fears over 'open and free trade' of drugs at Boomtown after death
Benjamin Buckfield died last summer after taking MDMA at the festival near Winchester
A coroner has highlighted concerns over an "unchecked, open and free trade" of drugs at Boomtown after a 22-year-old bought MDMA at the festival and died.
Benjamin Buckfield took the drug in powder and pill form at the music event outside Winchester last summer.
He collapsed at the festival and was taken to hospital where he died on August 11 "due to the toxic effects of the drugs", an inquest found.
A coroner has called on Boomtown and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to take action to prevent more deaths.
Nicholas Walker, area coroner for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton, said in his report that he has "taken into account" the changes made by the festival and the police force for Boomtown 2025, which is due to kick off on Wednesday.
Mr Walker said: "I heard evidence that illegal drugs were freely available to purchase at the festival.
"One of Ben's friends described how dealers would walk through the campsites shouting the names of the drugs they were offering to supply.
"I was told this took place as regularly as every 20 minutes and that they saw nothing done to try and disrupt this trade.
"I am concerned that an unchecked, open and free trade in unlawful drugs will create a risk of future deaths."
He continued: "I heard evidence that those found bringing unlawful drugs in to Boomtown are not ejected from the site unless they are considered to be carrying quantities that are consistent with being a drug dealer, or they have associated dealer paraphernalia.
"Those who are found in possession of unlawful drugs who are not considered to be dealers have their drugs confiscated and are allowed entry on to site.
"I am concerned that as a consequence there is no disincentive for festival-goers who attempt to take drugs in to Boomtown and that the policy gives rise to a situation where those who have had drugs taken from them will want to replace them.
"I am concerned that these factors give rise to a demand for, and a market in, the sale of illegal drugs at Boomtown.
"I heard evidence from a senior officer of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary who was Gold Commander for Boomtown who also expressed a concerned about this policy.
"I am concerned that this, combined, with the first concern, give rise to risk of future death."
Police said they have worked with organisers to "strengthen" their ability to "disrupt anyone suspected to be involved in supplying drugs".
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said: "My thoughts remain with the family of Benjamin Buckfield, following his tragic death after attending last year's Boomtown event.
"Public safety is our absolute priority. We work to national guidance around policing large festivals and events, and do so in close collaboration with key partners, including the event organiser.
"We acknowledge the concerns raised in the Coroner's Prevention of Future Deaths report, and will continue to discuss these with the event organisers before providing a response to the coroner within the required timeframe.
"As part of our forward planning for this year's event, we had reviewed last year's plans and worked with the organisers to implement measures which strengthen the event partnership's ability to disrupt anyone suspected to be involved in supplying drugs."
Boomtown has been approached for comment.
The festival and police must respond to the report by September 26.