Festival Guide
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PLACES TO STAY
Please visit the following website for places to stay in the area during the festival. www.visitforestofdean.co.uk
TRANSPORT
Free car parking is available in the field adjacent to the festival site.
Pedalabikeaway will be providing bike stands at the event so that you have somewhere to leave your bicycle.
Lydney Dial-A-Ride will be putting on a special showcase bus, you will be able to book your space by calling them on 01594 843809 but please book early.
CROWDS
The festival does get very busy especially at peak times which is between 11am – 3pm. If you do not like crowds we advise that you visit us either when the event first opens at 10am, or you leave it until after 3.30pm ( but run the risk of your favourite producers selling out!)
BABY CHANGING & FEEDING FACILITIES
There are baby changing and feeding facilities available within the festival; these are based within the pavilion and contain a table and chairs for your use.
DISABLED VISITORS
Wheelchair access – The event itself is on grass and a wheelchair user may require assistance – which is readily available.
Disabled toilets can be found in the pavilion, in the field, and in the Speech House Hotel during the Food and Drink Festival.
Disabled car park spaces (for disabled badge holders) can be found in the car park
DOGS – Can I Bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs on a lead are allowed in the festival grounds, but NOT in the food marquee or anywhere food preparation is taking place ( except guide dogs).
FIRST AID
There are trained personnel on site throughout the day, if an incident occurs within the event we urge you to go to the information point at the entrance.
TOILETS
Toilets can be found in the field during the event.
VEGETARIANS & VEGANS
There is a wide range of vegetable products and vegetarian food for you to sample.
COACH PARTIES & GROUPS
Can I bring a coach party or other group? Yes, coach parties – and other groups – are welcome, but please help us to help you by contacting us in advance. Discounted prices for groups available (for 15 people or more) please either contactus@forestshowcase.org or call 07980 357 747
CREDIT CARDS
Do you take credit cards? Many individual vendors do take credit cards, but mobile signals can vary on site so it is always useful to have cash with you!
At the entrance payments for admission needs to be made with cash, Online ticket sales are available for payment by credit or debit card. We suggest that you buy your tickets online in advance in order to avoid queues at the busiest times.
WHY DO YOU CHARGE FOR ENTRY?
Staging this major event incurs considerable costs. We don’t receive any funding for the Forest of Dean District Council, the only support we do get is a small amount of funding for specific projects.i.e. Children’s cookery workshops.
We need to charge for entry to generate funds to pay for costs such as marquees, site set up, staging, kitchens, insurance, health and safety, security, marketing, and so on.
Every year the Festival attracts thousands to the Forest of Dean who shop and stay over in the area benefiting local businesses, the hospitality sector and the community. It has also helped put the Forest of Dean on the map as a foodie area which, in turn, boosts tourism to the area too.