Autistic DJ Lands Boomtown Fair Set After Viral Festival Story

From First-Timer to Performer

Adam James, who performs as Adzo, attended Boomtown Fair alone for the first time after spending a year saving for the trip. A group of festivalgoers from Bristol approached him to borrow a tent mallet, then invited him to camp with them for the rest of the weekend. His father Andy wrote about the experience in a Facebook post that quickly gained traction online.

Andy told the BBC that the family, including James' sister—a Boomtown veteran herself—had been nervous about him attending solo. When James returned, the impact was clear. "He just run up to me crying," Andy said. "He said, 'I've found my people, I don't want to ever leave.'"

Boomtown Co-Founder Extends Invitation

James reunited with the Bristol group at a pub after the story began spreading. Boomtown co-founder Luke Mitchell reached out to Andy to arrange a DJ set for James, and a festival spokesperson later confirmed the offer for 2027.

The response has extended beyond Boomtown. James has received gig offers from other DJs and clubs, as well as an invitation to join a course through the Pete Tong Academy.

Community Support Grows

Before the festival confirmed James' set, his family launched a GoFundMe to help send him and the Bristol group back to Boomtown the following year, with any remaining funds going toward spending money. Andy said the outpouring has been especially meaningful given negative comments James has faced online in the past.

James will perform at Boomtown Fair in 2027, with the date to be announced.