REPORTER Matt Rooks-Taylor is at Boomtown for the Hampshire Chronicle, here's how his first day went... 

Boomtown day one felt like "the calm before the storm".

My journey wasn't long, and the only traffic I encountered was at the venue itself.

Equipped with my trusty Hampshire Chronicle bucket hat, I queued in the blistering heat for roughly an hour and a half. I was grateful to myself for packing enough water.

However, I soon realised that I forgot to pack the bottle of sun cream I had ready next to my bag in the morning, a rookie mistake.

READ MORE: Live updates from Boomtown as the 2023 festival gets underway

Eventually, I got to the gates, and after a bit of confusion scanning my ticket, I was in. 

I knew I had a trek ahead of me, but I didn't realise just how big of a journey I would have to make to get to my campsite - a real test of fitness - but I just about passed.

On my travels, I walked through various campsites, and villages that I'm sure I will become familiar with as the week goes on.

Hauling my luggage across miles of Hampshire countryside, I felt a sigh of relief once I had it all set up.

SEE MORE: Boomtown festivalgoers urged to use 'life-saving' app whilst at event

That was until I realised I had left my sleeping bag in the car, and had to do the whole journey again.

So, by roughly 4.30pm I had set up camp and could relax.

I decided to explore, taking photos and videos as I travelled across the colossal popup town in the South Downs.

I'm not one to brag, but I received countless compliments about my bucket hat, I'm considering starting a clothing brand.

READ MORE: All the banned items for Boomtown 2023 (plus how much alcohol you can bring in)

Day one was essentially a day to set up and it was rather tame music-wise, with only a small number of artists performing - it really felt like the calm before the storm 

After chatting with other festival goers here, I'm convinced that the atmosphere will greatly pick up in the coming days.

Now, on to day two.