HYDRO XL: Hydrogen-powered stage set for major Boomtown expansion

HYDRO XL: Hydrogen-powered stage set for major Boomtown expansion

Boomtown’s HYDRO stage will return for the 2026 edition as an expanded hydrogen-powered arena, now renamed HYDRO XL. The stage’s capacity has increased from 8,000 to 20,000, marking a 150% expansion, and will be relocated to the Downtown area, taking over the former site of the Origin Stage.

The stage is fully powered on green hydrogen using fuel cell technology, delivering emission-free energy while maintaining full-scale festival production. Originally introduced in a smaller format, the concept has now been redeveloped as one of the festival’s primary stages.

The HYDRO XL line-up includes Skrillex, Brutalismus 3000, Faster Horses, DJ EZ, SHERELLE, Azyr, VTSS, NOTION and Marlon Hoffstadt. A number of back-to-back sets are also scheduled across the weekend, including Eats Everything b2b TSHA, KILIMANJARO b2b Oppidan, Rossi. b2b Silva Bumpa, and Ross From Friends b2b Effy. Four Tet and Floating Points are set to perform a special live set.

The stage’s hydrogen system produces water vapour as its only by-product, replacing the need for diesel generators typically used in large-scale festival environments. The upgrade follows its initial debut, where the technology was tested in a smaller setting before being scaled up for 2026.

Boomtown’s 17th edition will take place from August 12–16 and is currently sold out, with resale options available.

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 Words: Steve John / Imagery: Lucas Sinclair