Festival office opening hours
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 709935
Q – What is going on with planning for the 2022 festival?
A – If there are covid related restrictions in place in 2022, you’ll still be able to enjoy a fun filled festival following the relevant Government guidelines.
Q – Will there be concert marquees or open-air stages this year?
A – There’ll be a combination of open-air stages and open sided marquees. 70% of people indicated this would be their preference in our feedback survey. You’ll need to bring your own chairs and picnic blankets.
Q – Will there be a dance tent?
A – There will be a dance tent with the usual line up of ceilidhs, workshops, dance displays & more.
Q – What will children’s activities be like this year?
A – Pandemonium! and Refolkus will have a mixture of partially inside venues and outside activities again this year. Both areas will have open sided bell tents, gazebos or larger tents with two sides off.
Q – Will there be workshops including Tuneworks?
A – We’ll have plenty of workshops. We’ll use the Goldfinch and Siskin tents with two sides off. We may not use The Hub or The Songhouse. A workshop programme will be added to our website in August.
Q – Will there be Open Mic sessions or Festival Fringe?
A – We will be hosting the open mic sessions in 2022. We are working on pub sessions at the mo and more information will follow. There won’t be a dance parade in 2022. Morris teams will be back in town.
Q – Will Moongazing Hare still provide the beer?
A – Yes, Moongazing Hare will manage the bars. They’ll bring several bar tents (some larger than last year) 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. We’ll have the same open sided food tent as usual. Our stewards will clean the tables regularly and we’ll provide the chairs.
Q – Will we have the same fantastic showers?
A – Yes, those lovely showers from Andy Loos will be returning in 2022.
How to Book
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.
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).
Tickets and wristbands
If you held onto your 2020/21 tickets, thank you! You don’t need to do anything except keep them safe and bring them with you to the 2022 festival.
***NEW THIS YEAR***
Physical tickets are not being issued in 2022. An automated E Ticket will be emailed to you within 30 minutes of ordering. You’ll need to show your E-ticket, complete with barcode, on arrival. If your email doesn’t arrive within 30 minutes, please get in touch with Gigantic Tickets at customerservices@gigantic.com or give them a call on 0115 807 7900. Don’t forget to check your junk folder first!
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 three 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.
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 ticket 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)
E Ticket exchange & validity
Please keep your automated E Ticket very safe and bring it with you when you come to the festival. It will be scanned at the ticket office and wristbands issued. You can show your E Ticket on your mobile phone or bring a printed copy if you prefer.
Wristbands will be fitted on to your wrist at the ticket office 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 14:00.
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.
VAT
All ticket prices include VAT.
All tickets are subject to availability and terms and conditions.
Refund Policy
Refunds for medical emergencies, will be given consideration on written request by emailing info@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. This refund policy will be updated ASAP if Covid-19 becomes a problem in the future.
Important Event Date Clash
If the festival clashes with a holiday, wedding, christening or party etc. The festival cannot provide a refund for these reasons or anything similar.
Camping info & site opening times
Gates open for Thursday camping ticket holders from 15:00-18:00. Please note that Thursday camping tickets have sold out.
Please note that facilities on Thursday will be restricted to toilets and showers only. There are no Thursday events.
Gates open for all other weekend camping ticket holders on Friday from 07:00. 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.
Gates open for day ticket holders from 12:00 on Friday and 09:00 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Please note: stewards, artists, MCs, contractors and committee will be camping onsite when you arrive. It may look like a lot of people 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 £30 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.
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.
Free car park
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 26 August 2022. 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.
Festival site address and post code for Sat Navs
West Midlands Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF (do not post anything to this address).
Accessible facilities
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.
Salop Mobility
Salop Mobility are located next to the stewards’ office where you’ll be able to hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Babies and children
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.
How can I buy a souvenir programme or find out when artists are performing?
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 10th August but please note they will NOT be posted before 15thAugust. 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 20thth August) at the Visitor Information Centre, The Music Hall, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH.
SFF 2022 venues
We will have a mixture of open air stages and marquees without seating. Concert marquees will be open sided – please bring your own seats and picnic blankets etc.
What time does the music start and finish?
Friday 14:00-00:45, Saturday and Sunday 12:00-00:45, Monday 12:00-18.00. All timings are approximate.
Artists and programmed events
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.
Workshops
SFF will be running a large number of workshops that cover just about every aspect of the folk tradition. A workshop programme will be posted on the web site later in the year…usually mid-August.
Toilets, showers and washing facilities
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!
Recycling and green issues
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.
First aid and medical cover
You can access first aid treatment in the building situated right next to gate 2. Our medical team 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.
Where is the nearest train station?
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
By bus and coach
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.
Car share
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.
Bicycles
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.
Security, safety & lost property
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.
Animals
Ferrets, parrots, rabbits, cats and dogs…we’ve seen them all at SFF. Dogs must be kept under control and on short leads. Always clean up after your pets and don’t let them ‘go’ near our drinking water taps. Dog waste must be placed in the bin near gate 2 and NOT in our recycling bins (it upsets our recycling team!). Free poop bags are available from the campsite wardens.
Keep your dog a good distance away from speakers. Their ears are far more sensitive than ours, so loud music can stress them out and be potentially painful and damaging to their hearing. You can still enjoy the music, but make sure you’re somewhere your dog can enjoy it, too! For more tips and advice check out this link the PDSA’s Top tips for taking your dog to a festival.
Owners will be responsible for any damage caused by their pets. If your pet doesn’t have a friendly temperament, please don’t bring it!
Accommodation
Hotel and B & B details are available here or from Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre on 01743 258888 or email visitorinfo@shropshire.gov.uk
Catering, bars and the festival shop
There will be a great selection of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes from around the world including non-spicy British food too. Options may include pizzas, veg tarts, noodles, bean stew, Thai meals, Mexican wraps, Whitby fish and chips, healthy salads, quality beef burgers, veg platters, full English breakfasts, 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 Prosecco, gin and cocktails.
Our 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.
BBQs and fires
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
Due to a national shortage of gas we are unsure if we’ll be able to sell gas bottles this year. Please make sure you bring full bottles with you.
Cash machines
There are no cash machines on site but cash back is available at the bars.
Mobile phone battery charging
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 2021 you raised £108 – 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.
Free festival bus
Free buses are available at gate 1 to take you into town and back on Saturday and Sunday from 09:00-18:00. Buses leave the festival site every 15 minutes and stop at the Railway Station and in the High Street outside Starbucks. The final bus arrives back at the showground at 18:05.
Festival buses are very expensive to hire (£4K per year) and we’d be very grateful for donations (£2 per trip please).
Official photos, media, visual & audio promotion
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.
Craft fair
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.
Volunteer stewards
If you are interested in becoming a steward more information is here.
Images
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.