PC:BBC
A spokesperson for Boomtown Fair subsequently confirmed that Adam had been asked to play a set at the 2027 festival. The stage and performance times will be announced once programming for next year’s event has begun, according to the BBC. The invitation followed the public response to Adam’s experience and his growing opportunities to perform at music events. His set will give him the chance to appear at the festival where he first met the group who welcomed him.
Adam James , a 23-year-old autistic man from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, has been offered a DJ set at Boomtown Fair in 2027 after attending the music festival alone and befriending a group of strangers.
His father, Andy, later shared a social media post thanking the “lads from Bristol”, which was seen by millions. Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I wasn’t very confident in myself, but as soon as I was with them, I was fine. The festival’s co-founder, Luke Mitchell, commented on a BBC video about the story, saying it had “circled the Boomtown office with absolute joy”. Mitchell then asked Adam’s father: “Can we fix up a DJ set for Adam next year?”
The aspiring drum and bass DJ met the group when they asked whether he had a mallet to help put up their tents before inviting him to camp with them. The story caught the attention of Boomtown Fair’s co-founder, leading to the invitation. Adam described how meeting the group helped him feel more comfortable during his first festival experience. He also explained why their decision to include him had meant so much to him, adding: “They could have just ignored me, but the fact they saw I was on my own and took me in was just amazing. Adam’s story also reached the organisers of Boomtown Fair. He also highlighted the importance of festivals in bringing people together, stating: “Stories like this are why festivals are so incredibly important.
Adam’s experience at Boomtown Fair, which began with attending his first festival alone, has since led to new friendships, bookings and an invitation to perform at the 2027 event. Because adam had faced cruel comments online in the past, his father said the response had been particularly meaningful. The BBC reported that he had received numerous offers from DJs and clubs inviting him to attend their events and perform at their venues.
Speaking to the BBC, Andy said: “He’s become very resilient, but he’s such a lovely bloke. Andy also described the public reaction as “absolutely amazing” to see and said he had watched his son’s dreams come true. The response to Adam’s story extended beyond the festival invitation. He was also invited by the Pete Tong Academy to join a DJing course, providing another opportunity to develop his skills in the field of music. He added: “It means so much to me and his Mum too.