Travel
March 21st, 2007 by rui
Approximately 90% of the carbon footprint of an event like The Big Chill is generated by transport to and from the event. We are taking some steps to reduce emissions, and the first step is to encourage travel by public transport. We would strongly encourage you to think of your mode of travel and try to reduce your carbon footprint. The use of public transport is also another great way to meet new people on the way to the Festival.
By Coach
We are working with National Express coaches to offer an increased number of coaches last year. Coach travel offers a convenient, environmentally friendly journey to The Big Chill with many benefits…
A coach full of likeminded Big Chillers and festival sounds on the stereo (on certain routes) you’ll start the party early. There are pick-up points all over the country, and with someone else taking care of the driving on Monday morning, you can party as late as you like on Sunday night. Best of all are the warm fuzzies you get from knowing your journey generated less than 10% of CO2 of those who traveled by car.
The first 500 coach tickets, subsidised by 50%, have now sold out. For more information about coach travel, check http://www.nationalexpress.com/destinations/events/festivals/bigchill.cfm or download the leaflet.
By Train
Train travel to Big Chill is via Great Malvern station.
Central trains are running a normal service.
First Great Western – There are no direct trains from Paddington to Great Malvern and this will be the situation for the duration of the festival. For trains from Paddington to Great Malvern change at Didcot.
If traveling by train, aim to travel at off peak times, and check for latest information before you travel at National Rail (tel: 08457 48 49 50) or www.nationalrail.com.
A free shuttle bus will operate between the station and the festival site. Please follow signs when you leave the station to shuttle bus pick up / drop off area which is located about 300 m walk from the station.
Buses run on the hour and then every 30 mins past the hour.
Note: You may have to queue at peak times to get on buses (Check Big Chill FM 97.7FM for updates)
Shuttle bus times
Thurs – 10am to last train
Fri – 7am to last train
Sat – 9am to Midday
Sun – 11am to last train
Mon – 7am to last train
Train timetable information for your journey to and from the festival is available from www.nationalrail.co.uk or 08457 48 49 50 or Train Tracker 0871 200 4950
By Bicycle
In response to feedback after last year’s festival, free, secure weekend cycle storage will be available to anyone traveling to the festival by bicycle. Cycle parking will be located near the free lock ups. You will need to bring your own bicycle lock. Please e-mail us at cycle07@bigchill.net. Think you live too far to cycle? These guys came by bike last year – from Dublin!
General cycle information – www.sustrans.org.uk
By Motorcycle
In response to recent feedback we are providing hard standing areas. Please e-mail us at cycle07@bigchill.net to reserve your space.
By Car
Parking a car at The Big Chill will cost £5 per car (Green tax). If you do not have a car park ticket, don’t panic! You will be able to buy one when you arrive at Eastnor.
Money raised by the parking charge will go directly towards subsidising coach tickets and providing a free shuttle bus for train travelers. Any money left over will be split between a recycling programme and a Carbon offset scheme.
Please try to pre-plan and choose the car park that you would like to park in with your fellow chillers. Follow the relevant car park signs to you chosen car park. Detailed car travel directions are included with each ticket. If you have misplaced this leaflet, you can download directions from here.
Traffic routes have been designed with the Police and Council as the optimum routes to the festival. There will be certain roads closed around the site please do not try to drive down these as they are all dead ends and will not lead to the festival. The roads are closed to assist you on your journey and also to keep local residents happy!
Switch off GPS when you leave the motorway as the directions on all systems are incorrect. Display car park ticket well before you enter the site. When entering the car parking areas please show your festival ticket for each person in the car when requested, but DO NOT GIVE YOUR TICKET TO ANYONE UNTIL YOU GET TO THE BOX OFFICE AND EXCHANGE IT FOR A WRISTBAND.
The Big Chill Eastnor 2007 – Travel Information (pdf format)
If you are driving, please take as many passengers as you can. Splitting petrol and parking costs makes the journey less expensive for you, and reduces the number of cars heading to the festival, which means less CO2 going into our atmosphere. If you are driving to the festival and have space in your car – the liftshare forum offers an easy way for drivers and passengers all over the country to find each other.
Remember to tune into Big Chill FM (87.7FM) as soon as you leave the motorway for regular car travel information.
Don’t drive under the influence of drink when leaving the Festival. For more information visit www.brake.org.uk.
Drop off point and pick up points (Taxi)
If you have no alternative method of transport and have to use a taxi there is a pick up and drop off taxi collection point near the quiet camping car park entrance. Don’t be tempted to try to be dropped off nearer to the site. Your driver could get caught in traffic jams and you could well have to walk for miles. Please do not risk it
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for here please email us at info@bigchill.net.
Other Useful links
www.traveline.org.uk
www.transportdirect.info
Bus timetables in the UK – www.showbus.com/timetables
