Eastnor Castle FAQs
Q : Where is Eastnor Castle?
A : The park is located between Malvern and Ledbury within easy reach of the M50 (west off the M5 north of Cheltenham), approximately one hour's drive from Birmingham and Bristol, and around two and half hours from central London on a clear traffic day. Full directions are supplied on the rear of the tickets.
Q: Is it going to sell out soon?
A: This is unlikely due to the nature of the Eastnor site. It is the most spacious site we have ever used, so it has room for a larger capacity than we are likely to need. This is one of the reasons why we have made arrangements with Way Ahead to enable you to buy tickets to this event right up to the weekend itself; our on-site box office will also be selling tickets all weekend (see Eastnor ticket info page under Events).
Q : What time does the entertainment go on until?
A : The main stages are open from 12 noon to 1am Friday and Saturday and until midnight on Sunday, with the MediaMix tent finishing at 3am and the Art Trail at 2am. The 24-hour café will be open 24 hours (surprise) with Big Chill FM being piped through for insomniacs. If we were to apply to go later, we’d be seen very much as a ‘dance event’ (which we are not) and subject to a whole different and more rigorous set of license conditions from the local authority. We would also find things much harder with the tolerant local community.
Q : What is the nearest main line railway station and what would it cost from London?
A : The nearest station is Ledbury. Trains run from London Paddington either direct to Ledbury or with one or two changes. Changing does not make a significant difference to the duration of the journey, which is approximately two and half hours. There are two trains an hour leaving London Paddington, one leaving on the hour and one leaving at quarter to the hour. On Sunday evening, there is one train back per hour, leaving at ten minutes to the hour, and on Monday morning there is one train per hour, leaving just past the hour. A SuperSaver return costs £32.30. Booking in advance is recommended. For further information, call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 7484950.
Q : Is there a bus from London?
A : There is one direct service from London Victoria to Malvern link on Friday, leaving at 16:30 and arriving at 20:30. Return is via Birmingham Digbeth on Monday leaving 11:48 arriving 17:20. Cost is £23 return. General enquiries National Express 0870 580-8080. There will be a regular bus shuttle from Ledbury station to the site, leaving hourly. The shuttle will operate all day Friday, returning Sunday evening and Monday morning. Cost will be £3 per person each way. Alternatively, you might like to consider using the ‘Lift Share’ part of our Forum to see if you can find a kind soul to give you a lift.
Q : What time can I get on site?
A : 10.30am Friday. Please do not turn up before then as we cannot let you on site. If you are travelling towards the site on Thursday evening, please avoid pitching your tent nearby on private land without permission – this is likely to jeopardise our relationship with neighbours and possibly the future of our event. For those travelling long distances who may be looking for camping in the area on Thursday night, the nearest campsite is Rye Court Camping and Caravans, 01531 650237, which is located on the A348 just south of Hollybush (approximately 2 miles from Eastnor Castle). Call them to find out about availability. For other local accomodation in the area, try the local tourist offices. Malvern is on 01684 892289. Ledbury is on 01531 636147.
Q : Are dogs allowed?
A : No animals are allowed due to the wild deer, rabbits and birds in the grounds. It is also a requirement of the license.
Q : Can we bring a live-in vehicle?
A : Yes, at a surcharge of £10 – and it must have been booked in advance. You will not be able to camp in general camping, but in an area specifically designated for live-in vehicles.
Q : Is there wheelchair access?
A : Yes. We have some toilets for people with disabilities. Showers are accessible with support from a helper (such as one of our stewards).
Q : Can I camp next to my vehicle?
A : Given the peaceful surroundings, it would be a shame to have cars coming into the camping fields. However, aesthetics aside, we have to keep cars and tents separate for Health and Safety reasons. So the answer is no.
Q : Will there be food for vegans and vegetarians?
A : Yes, there will be a good range of stalls selling quality snacks and meals. Vegans and vegetarians will be amply catered for.
Q : Can we bring food into the camping areas?
It's okay to bring food into the camping areas as long as it isn't in glass bottles or containers and doesn't require a fire on which to cook it. Glass and fires are not allowed anywhere on site. This is to protect you, the surroundings and the animals that live here. The site is normally a deer park and we have to consider their wellbeing. We’re just there for the weekend – please don’t spoil it for them.
Q : Where can we buy alcohol?
A : There will be three full bars on site – one located near the Open Air stage, one located near the Sanctuary stage, and one located in the Club Tent – plus a Cocktail Bar. The bars will be open until 12.30am on Friday and Saturday and until 11.30pm on Sunday, except for the bar in the Club Tent, which opens at 6pm each day and closes with the other bars. If you require ‘take-outs’ the bars have containers, but can only serve during licensing hours. All pints £2.50 (Stella, San Miguel, Strongbow, Guinness), Spirits £2.50, plus champagne cocktails £4, softs £1. Alcohol may not be brought into the festival grounds. It’s okay, however, on the camping area, as long as it is not in glass bottles.
Q : Will Big Chill FM be broadcasting again?
A : Yes – this year on 87.7 FM – so bring a radio for night-time usage and tune in close to the site as you approach for travel updates.
Q : What is there for children to do?
A : The Children’s tent with all manner of entertainments for your little bundles of joy will be open between the hours of 4pm to 8pm on Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. At the Enchanted Garden, it proved rather popular with older chillers too…
Q : Is swimming allowed in the lakes?
A : The lakes are lovely but are not normally used for swimming. As such, they have not been passed by the local Environmental Health for that purpose.
Q : Warm showers again?
A : You bet! And this time they'll be even bigger and better!
Q : Cash machine?
A : Regrettably we have had some last-minute technical difficulties with this, so no, there won’t be a cash machine on site. So bring plenty of readies with you!
Q : What time does it all finish and what time do we have to leave site?
A : The entertainment finishes at 12 midnight on Sunday. The MediaMix will go on till 3am. Everybody must be off site by Monday lunchtime.
Q : Is it okay if I tape the music?
A : There is no unauthorised recording or filming allowed in the festival grounds unless you have a specific pass. All recordings remain the copyright of The Big Chill unless otherwise authorised.
Q : If I wanted to extend my stay in the area, what other attractions are there?
A : The Welsh borders are on the doorstep, with the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, the eccentric market town of Hay-On-Wye and Symonds Yat on the river Wye reachable in under an hour. Alternatively, head north west for the peaks Snowdonia, the stunning Barmouth estuary or the tranquility of the south Shropshire hills (Clun and Bishops Castle areas especially recommended). If heading south west, try the Gower peninsula near Swansea or Pembrokeshire for great beaches, or head straight down the M5 for Devon and Cornwall.
See you there!
How to buy tickets for Eastnor
Who will be playing at Eastnor
Find a lift on our Forum
[galleryurl=http://www.bigchill.net/gallery.html?id=14]Eastnor photogallery (now expanded)[/galleryurl]
Tags: camping, friday, hour, hours, london, site, sunday, tent
Posted in Festival | 2,523 views | Share:
| No Comments Yet »
SUNDAY 
SATURDAY 
FRIDAY 
