Information & FAQs

Before the festival – 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday

Festival weekend – Friday 09:30-22:00, Saturday & Sunday 09:30-21:00, Monday 09:30-16:00

Telephone number 01743 892 800

Q – What is going on with planning for the 2021 festival in COVID-19 land?

A – We are busy planning our 2021 festival with coronavirus restrictions in mind but it’s still an evolving situation. We’re making plans to ensure that if there are still covid related restrictions in place, you’ll be able to enjoy a fun filled festival following the relevant Government guidelines.

Q – Will there be concert marquees this year?

A – We know some of our festival visitors feel uncomfortable with the idea of being inside marquees and so for 2021 we feel the safest option will be to have open air stages instead. You’ll need to bring your own chairs and picnic blankets.

Q – Will the advertised artists appear?

A – Unfortunately, artists from overseas will not perform at SFF2021. Red lists and quarantines have made it impossible for them to travel. So instead, we’ll be celebrating a totally fabulous British line up.

Q – Will there be a dance tent?

A – For 2021 only, we feel it will be safer not to have a dance tent. However, we will have a fabulous dance programme on the Village Stage and pop-up performances too. We won’t have as many morris teams as usual, but several local sides will provide displays etc.

Q – What will children’s activities be like this year?

A – Pandemonium! and Refolkus activities will be outside this year. Both areas will have some open sided bell tents or gazebos if we need a bit of cover.

Q – Will there be workshops including Tuneworks?

A – Yes we’ll have workshops but maybe not quite as many. We’ll use The Studio tent as usual but with the sides off. We may not use The Hub. A workshop programme will be added to our website in August.

Q – Will there be Open Mic sessions or Festival Fringe?

A – We won’t be hosting the open mic due to the enclosed nature of the venue and we’ve put our fringe events (pub sessions, dance parade and performances in town) on hold for this year. We don’t think it’s responsible to encourage large crowds to gather in small spaces and it would be impossible for us to manage these off-site events in a covid-safe way.

Q – Will Moongazing Hare still provide the beer?

A – Yes Moongazing Hare will manage the bars. They’ll bring their bar tents and more bar units so never fear, you’ll still be able to get your favourite tipple which pleases the organisers no end.

Q – Will catering be the same?

A – Our food court will be in the same area but more spaced out. We’ll have the same food tent as usual. Our stewards will clean the tables more regularly and we’ll provide bottles of sanitiser for you to use on the tables if you wish.

Q – Will we have the same horrible showers?

A – No, we’ve hired some lovely showers from Andy Loos. These will be cleaned more regularly, and we’ll provide bottles of sanitiser for you to use.

If you held onto your 2020 tickets, thank you! You don’t need to do anything except keep them safe and bring them with you to the 2021 festival.

Weekend wristband colours will indicate if you are entitled to camp or not so please make sure you book the correct tickets. Weekend tickets have 3 tiers. The earlier you buy your tickets, the cheaper they are. 

Each tier has a limited number of tickets and when they’re gone, they’re gone so please book early! When tier 1 tickets have sold out the price will automatically change to tier 2 and so on. See more pricing information here.

CONCESSIONARY TICKETS (adult weekend tickets only).

Prices are tiered and like all other tickets, when they’re gone they’re gone. Please continue reading to find out if you qualify.

Concession tickets are for people aged 65+ (men & women), full time students, people claiming Universal Credit (UC), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Customers requiring a carer may purchase a second weekend ticket at the concessionary price.

Please provide proof of entitlement when you collect your tickets, or the full price will be charged.

Wristband colours will indicate if you are entitled to camp or not so please make sure you book the correct tickets. 

Camping is available at the standard rate.

CHILD AND YOUTH TICKETS AND CAMPING FOR UNDER 18s

All under 18s tickets are priced according to age (0-4yrs go free). Camping is free for everyone aged 0-10yrs and does not need to be booked. See more pricing information here.

Youth 11-17yrs camping costs £11, available with weekend tickets only.

Under no circumstances will youths be permitted entry to Shrewsbury Folk Festival without adult accompaniment.

Wristband colours will indicate if youths are entitled to camp or not so please make sure you book the correct tickets. N.B. if camping is required the adult must camp with, or next to, the youth’s camping pitch.

If you think your age will be questioned, please bring personal identification.

ALL UNDER 18s MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

FAMILY TICKETS (AVAILABLE WITH OR WITHOUT CAMPING)

2 adults and 2 children (5-10yrs)

2 adults and 1 child (5-10yrs) and 1 youth (11-17yrs)

2 adults and 2 youths (11-17yrs)

The team at Gigantic are currently working from home due to coronavirus so physical tickets aren’t being posted out at the moment.

Your automated confirmation email will be with you within 30 minutes of ordering. After 30 minutes, if you haven’t received your confirmation email, please get in touch with Gigantic Tickets at customerservices@gigantic.com. Don’t forget to check your junk folder first!

Gigantic Tickets staff are following government guidance and working from home and at present aren’t able to take bookings over the phone. Please email customerservices@gigantic.com and they’ll be in touch with you ASAP.

Tickets will be delivered by Royal Mail @ £2.50 per order to all addresses in the UK. A signature may be required.

Please note: Tickets are NOT being posted until Gigantic Tickets are able to work in their office.

Tickets are posted out in batches but usually within three weeks of ordering (see note above). If you feel like you’ve been waiting for ages, please email  customerservices@gigantic.com and they should be able to help you further.

Do you live outside the UK?

Tickets for customers residing outside the UK will be held for collection at the festival. For ticket booking queries please contact Gigantic Tickets on +44 115 807 7900 or email customerservices@gigantic.com Souvenir programmes are not available to addresses outside the UK.

You can buy tickets 24/7 online here.

Gigantic Tickets will manage all of our online and telephone ticket sales (see above). You can pay using Visa, Visa Debit, Electron, MasterCard, Maestro, Solo, and JCB cards.

We no longer accept cheques.

Automated confirmation emails are sent within 30 minutes of ordering. If you can’t spot yours, please check your junk or spam folder before contacting Gigantic Tickets on 0115 807 7900 or email customerservices@gigantic.com

Telephone orders can be taken from Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 on 0115 807 7900 (or +44 115 807 7900 from outside the UK).

NB see note above about Gigantic staff working from home.

We have revised our refund policy to reflect the national and local Covid-19 situation so you can book your festival tickets with confidence.

If you are unable to attend the festival for any of the reasons indicated below you can roll-over your tickets to 2022 (this includes 2020 tickets that have already been rolled over to 2021) or you can apply for a refund.

If you choose to rollover your 2020 or 2021 tickets to 2022 for any of the below reasons, you must tell us so we can put you on the right year list. Email info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk  Just make sure you look after your tickets and bring them with you to SFF2022 (August 26-27-28-29).

We know things can change at short notice, so we are making the refund process as simple as possible. If you bought ticket protection when you purchased tickets from Gigantic Tickets click more info within the confirmation email to view the terms and conditions. If you meet the criteria, you’ll be able to apply for a refund (please be aware most of these refunds will be dealt with closer to the event as per the terms)

Other refund requests can be emailed to info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Some refund types will require evidence.

Always include your full name and address and details of your ticket booking.

Please note that the refund policy applies to all ticketholders (including those who rolled over 2020 tickets to 2021).

Government imposed cancellation

If we are forced to cancel due to Government imposed restrictions (ie lockdown or if Shrewsbury is put in a tier that doesn’t allow mass gatherings) you can rollover tickets to 2022 or apply for a refund here info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.

I (or someone I live with) test positive for Covid-19 just before the festival

If you test positive for Covid-19 up to 10 days before the festival, please send a screenshot of your positive test result to info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Everyone in your household will also be self-isolating during this time so they will not be allowed on site either. You may rollover tickets to 2022 or request a refund.

I have Covid-19 symptoms immediately before the festival

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 (a new continuous cough, a temperature, or loss or change of smell or taste) please do not come to the festival. You can choose to rollover tickets to 2022 or apply for a refund. Please send proof that you have sought a test by sending a copy or screenshot of your test result to info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.

I’ve got to self-isolate

If someone in your household has a positive test result, or if you are told to self-isolate, please do not come to the festival. You can choose to rollover tickets to 2022 or apply for a refund. Please send proof of your isolation request or household members test result to info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.

I’m in lockdown

If your area is in a local lockdown or in tier 3 or 4, you will not be allowed on site. You can rollover tickets to 2022 or apply for a refund. Please send proof of your address to info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.

I don’t want to come anymore because of the new plans for SFF2021

You can choose to rollover tickets to 2022 or apply for a refund. Please email us by 31^st May 2021. This will allow us time to resell these tickets.

I purchased day tickets and want to change them to another day

Send an email with your request to info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk by 31^st May 2021 and we’ll arrange for you to change your tickets.

Refunds for medical emergencies other than Covid-19

Refunds for medical emergencies (except Covid-19), will be given consideration on written request by emailing info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. You are welcome to rollover your tickets to 2022 but please do tell us.

Any refunds requested in August will not be processed until after the festival as August is our busiest period and we are a small team. Rest assured that you will still receive a refund (if you have supplied adequate evidence) but it will not be until September.

Refund requests received after August will not be authorised.

If you chose to rollover your 2020 or 2021 tickets to 2022 for any of the above reasons, you must tell us so we can put you on the right year list. Email info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Please make sure you look after your tickets and bring them with you to SFF2022 (August 26-27-28-29). Thanks for your support…it means so much to us

If tickets are lost there will be no replacement; please put them in a safe place and remember where you’ve put them ;).

Please keep your tickets very safe and bring them with you when you come to the festival because you will need to exchange the entire ticket (both parts intact) for your wristbands when you arrive.

Wristbands cannot be issued without physical tickets unless you live outside the UK.

Wristbands will be fitted on to your wrist at the ticket office when you arrive and cannot be replaced if lost.

Wristbands are not transferable between different persons and must be displayed at all times.

Broken, copied or defaced wristbands are unacceptable and will result in access to the facilities being denied.

Friday

Tickets are valid from 12:00-01:00. Events start at approximately 17:00.

Saturday & Sunday

Tickets are valid from 09:00-01:00

Monday

Tickets are valid from 09:00-18:30

Timings are approximate.

Weekend

Tickets are valid from Friday to Monday inclusive. We open on Friday 07:00 for campers, 12:00 for non-campers.

 VAT

All ticket prices include VAT.

All tickets are subject to availability and terms and conditions.

Thursday camping

To stagger arrivals and reduce the number of people arriving on site at the same time on Friday morning we are offering a limited number of camping tickets at £20 per vehicle for those weekend camping ticket holders who want to arrive between 3pm and 6pm on Thursday August 26th. You can book Thursday camping here.

Please note that facilities on Thursday will be restricted to toilets only and there will be no catering or entertainment available until Friday

Otherwise, camping is available for weekend ticket holders only from Friday 07:00-Tuesday 12:00 (weekend ticket holders).

Please note: Gate 11 in Berwick Road will open at 06:00. You’ll be able to access ALL campsites from 07:00. Everyone (except pedestrians) arriving before 10:00 will come in through gate 11. No traffic permitted down Gravel Hill Lane until 10:00. People arriving on foot access the site through gate 2 in Gravel Hill Lane from 07:00. 

Please note: about 450 stewards, artists, MCs, contractors and committee will already be camping onsite when you arrive. It may look like a lot but we can guarantee no members of the public will be onsite and camping before opening time

Wristband colours will indicate if you are entitled to camp so please make sure you book the correct tickets. Camping costs £27 per adult and £11 per youth.

If you wish to camp you will need to book a weekend ticket with camping for each person. Camping is free for 0-10yrs and does not need to be booked.

If you need to add camping tickets to an existing order of weekend tickets, you can only do so by calling Gigantic Tickets on 0115 807 7900.

Camping is not available as a stand-alone ticket or with day tickets.

We allow reasonable size tents but do expect you to be considerate and not erect all the berths of a 15 berth tent when there are only two of you! Cars can be parked by tents, caravans, camper vans and motorhomes etc. and can be moved on and off site unless the weather is very wet. Awnings and gazebos are permitted but again please be considerate with the space you use. Camping pitches are not pre-bookable. There is no electric hook up available. Camping is not permitted in the car park field. We have designated quiet, late night and family areas. The campsite is suitable for seasoned and novice campers alike and is completely flat with roadways throughout the site.

Ample free car parking space is available for people who are not camping. Camping is not permitted in the car park field. Car parking is available from 12:00 on Friday 27 August 2021. You can leave your car with us all weekend if you wish but please remember we can’t be held responsible for any loss or damage.

West Midlands Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF (do not post anything to this address).

Our stewards will do all they can to ensure you enjoy the festival, just shout if you need any help. Battery charging is available for electric scooters and wheelchairs; arrangements can be made with our campsite wardens and a donation to Hope House would be greatly appreciated. Please be aware that we will do our level best to keep your equipment safe but we can’t be held responsible for any loss or damage. You may need a Radar Key to use the toilet and shower facilities; these can be hired from our onsite ticket office at £10 each.

There is a designated camping area (not bookable in advance but big enough to accommodate everyone) situated close to performance areas and accessible toilets and showers. The whole site is totally flat and has tarmac roadways. Car parking space is reserved for Blue Badge holders.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters will be available to hire from £10 per day, located opposite Sabrina Marquee. To book in advance please call 01630 654381 or during the festival weekend 0776 681 6003.

Our lost child point is in the First Aid building right next to gate 2. Please ensure children in your care are fully supervised at all times on the festival site and at children’s sessions, events or entertainments.

There are baby changing facilities at the Pandemonium! children’s area. SFF is breastfeeding friendly and parents are welcome to feed anywhere on the site. However, if they would like some shelter from the scorching sun (we can dream!) we have a feeding area in Wee Folkies zone.

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ORDER A PROGRAMME IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE UK.

Artist’s performance days are listed on the Who is on When page. A very basic programme will be available on our website in mid-August. If you live in the UK you can buy a souvenir programme online until 17:00 on the 10^th August but please note they will NOT be posted before 15^thAugust. Please do not order a programme if you think you’ll be on holiday during potential delivery dates. Programmes will be available to buy when you arrive at the festival.

If you live locally, programmes will be available (from the 15^th August) at the Visitor Information Centre, The Music Hall, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH.

Concert venues are open air stages without seating – please bring your own seats and picnic blankets etc.

Friday 17:00-00:45, Saturday and Sunday 12:00-00:45, Monday 12:00-18.00. There will be a teatime break on Saturday & Sunday during sound checks. All timings are approximate.

We make every effort to present the advertised programme but cannot guarantee that artists will perform at any particular time, or at all, and in the event of unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to present alternative performers and if necessary, re-programme events or concerts.

SFF will be running a number of workshops. A workshop programme will be posted on the web site later in the year…usually mid-August.

Free showers are available 24hrs a day. Please queue patiently and be as quick as you can so other people can use them and not miss any of the shows. Certain times of the day are busier than others. If you choose peak times you will encounter queues (there are plenty of ‘quiet’ times). Although the showers are connected to the main water supply pressure can be unreliable so please be patient.

Drinking water taps must not be used for washing up dishes or yourselves. Please fill a suitable container and take it back to your tent or caravan. Chemical loo waste (caravan toilets) must be emptied into the Elsan points. Under no circumstances must you clean your toilets with the drinking water taps and do not empty them into the temporary loo blocks – the chemicals don’t mix!

We will be working with the Zero Waste Events team from Cwm Harry again this year to ensure that we maximise recycling at the same time as maintaining a clean and tidy site for everyone. We’ll have a clearly labelled waste separation system in place to enable you to recycle easily and the Zero Waste Events team will be on hand to answer questions and help you.

If you need minor medical ailments dealt with at the festival, we have a high quality first aid response team including paramedics on hand to help. You can access first aid in the building situated right next to gate 2. Alternatively, they can be contacted by any steward with a radio. In an emergency never hesitate to dial 999 from a mobile phone telling the operator that you are on the West Mid Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF.

Shrewsbury railway station is situated in Castle Gates which is only 10/15 mins walk from the festival site. For directions and maps from the station go to our main menu or click here. National Rail enquiries can be contacted on 08457 48 49 50 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk

The National Express run coaches into Shrewsbury, please call 08705 808080 or go to www.nationalexpress.com

For details of bus routes and times within the county, please call the Shropshire Traveline on 0870 6082608 or contact a Tourist Information Centre.

We are working with www.gocarshare.com to help people share car journeys. It’s a great way to save money if you are driving or to get to the festival on the cheap if you need a lift. It’ll help you cut carbon and as it’s built around Facebook, you can find people who like the same music or who have friends in common. You can add your journey here.

For those of you who bring bicycles, thank you, it helps keep cars off the road and reduces our carbon footprint. There are no specific areas where you can leave bicycles but one side of the festival perimeter is a chain link fence which bicycles can be chained to.

SFF has a reputation for being a family friendly festival with a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy music, song and dance. Our security team is here to make sure you stay safe and that our event remains as friendly as ever. To help us, please look after one another and take care of your valuables by keeping them out of site and locked in your car. Please don’t leave valuables in your tent. Lost property should be handed into and collected from our ticket office onsite before you leave the festival. If you have any lost property queries, please email info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Six weeks after the festival lost property will be taken to a local charity shop.

Ferrets, parrots, rabbits, cats and dogs…we’ve seen them all at SFF. Dogs must always be kept under strict control and on short leads. Always clean up after your pets and don’t let them ‘go’ near our drinking water taps. Free poop bags are available from the campsite wardens. Owners will be responsible for any damage caused by their pets. If your pet does not have a friendly temperament, please don’t bring it!

Hotel and B & B details are available here or from Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre on 01743 258888 or email visitorinfo@shropshire.gov.uk

There will be a great selection of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes from around the world including non-spicy British food too. Last year’s caterers offered crepes, goat curry, pierogis, pizzas, salads, veggie tarts, salt beef raclettes, noodles, chipotle chicken, chicken fricassee, bean stew, toasties (the best we’ve ever tasted), Thai meals, pulled pork baps, Mexican wraps, Caribbean jerk chicken, Whitby fish and chips, pie & mash, healthy salads, quality beef burgers, veg platters, full English breakfasts, veggie burgers, sweet and savoury crepes and so much more.

We also have local farm made ice cream, speciality teas, real coffee, juices and smoothies. Moongazing Hare provide four real ale bars stocking all your favourite tipples plus a Prosecco, gin and cocktail bar.

Pomona Grocery (festival shop) will be selling newspapers, eggs, bacon, sausages, bread, milk, tea, coffee, sugar and other staples that make up the camping cook’s larder.

There really should be no need to go hungry or thirsty!

And, of course, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink into the festival.

Off the ground BBQs and braziers are permitted but open fires on the grass are not allowed.

Having a barbecue should be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. But cooking over hot coals can be hazardous.

Be aware of what you’re doing, it’s easy to be distracted when you have family and friends around you whilst cooking.

Make sure that your barbecue is in good working order.

Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of emergencies.

Make sure your barbecue site is flat and well away from tents and caravans.

Keep children and pets away.

Never leave the barbecue unattended.

Remember your barbeque will become very hot do not move it during operation.

Do not use spirit or petrol for lighting or relighting use only recognised firelighters.

Never put ashes straight into a rubbish bin. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.

Do not use as a source of heat (inside a tent or any enclosed or partially enclosed building) as you run the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning which can be lethal.

Gas barbecues

Bottled gas barbecues need special care when being turned on and off.

Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.

Change gas cylinders in the open air.

When you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls, to ensure any gas in the pipeline is used up.

Gas bottles will be available for sale near the Berwick Bar.

There are no cash machines on site but cash back is available at the bars.

Mobile phones can be charged in the steward’s office on Fri, Sat & Sun 10:00-22:00 and Mon 10:00-16.00. Please bring your own charger. Each charge costs £2 which will be donated to our charity partner Hope House. In 2019 you raised £461.98 – thank you.

Please be aware that we will do our level best to keep your equipment safe, but we can’t be held responsible for any loss or damage.

There are no activities in town this year and because of that we’ve made the decision not to run festival buses this time…they are simply too expensive.

Ticket holders consent to inclusion in official photographic, visual and audio promotion of the festival. Festival photographers and social media volunteers are easily identifiable – they will be wearing blue tabards.

Our Craft Fair offers all manner of things from semi-precious silver jewellery, children’s books & games, pottery, glassware, hats, bags and shoes etc. Many of the stalls will be offering unique items with a high percentage of craft workers presenting their own handmade products. Roots Records will be selling our artists CDs (you can even get them signed). And for those special treats make sure you visit the music instrument stalls where knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help.

If you are interested in becoming a steward more information is here.

We believe that all third-party images on this site are free of copyright but if you own the rights to any image, please contact us and we’ll remove it immediately.

These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without prior notice.