Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're coming to a festival, market, live performance or another Hidden Beach event, you'll find answers to many of the most common questions below.

Individual events may have different arrangements, facilities or rules. Always check the information provided for the specific event you're attending, as event-specific information takes priority over this general FAQ.

Tickets & Entry

Are Hidden Beach events free?

Some Hidden Beach events are free to attend, while others require a ticket. Check the individual event page for details.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

For ticketed events, tickets may be available on the day or at the entrance, subject to availability.

Even where advance tickets have sold out, we may sometimes retain a limited allocation for sale on the door. This is not guaranteed and remains subject to safe capacity.

Can a free event become full?

Yes. Free entry does not mean unlimited entry. All events remain subject to the safe capacity of the venue or site, and we may temporarily or permanently stop admitting visitors once that capacity is reached.

Can I leave and come back?

Re-entry is generally permitted, subject to capacity and any restrictions applying to the particular event.

What time do the gates open?

Opening times, gate times and any last-entry times vary between events. Check the individual event information before travelling.

Can event times change?

We do our best to keep advertised performance and stage times as published. However, timings may occasionally need to change, including on the day.

Hidden Beach will always do its best to deliver an event as advertised, but programmes, performers, activities, timings, layouts and facilities may need to change due to circumstances outside our control.

Children & Families

Are all Hidden Beach events suitable for children?

No. Age requirements depend on the individual event and will be advertised as part of the event information.

Do children need to be accompanied?

Where children are permitted, they must be appropriately accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult unless a particular organised activity expressly states otherwise.

What should I do if I lose my child at an event?

Tell the nearest steward or member of Hidden Beach event staff immediately. Our safeguarding and lost-child procedures will then be followed.

Food & Drink

Is food and drink available?

Festivals and larger Hidden Beach events will normally have a selection of food and drink traders. The exact offering varies between events.

Can I bring my own food?

Outside food is generally not permitted at festivals. Exceptions may be made for a medical or specific dietary requirement. Where possible, contact hello@hiddenbeach.uk in advance.

Can I bring drinks into a festival?

Outside drinks are generally not permitted, with the exception of sealed bottled water. Free drinking water is generally available at our festivals.

Can I bring an empty reusable water bottle?

Yes. Empty reusable water bottles are permitted and can be filled at drinking-water points where provided.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No. Visitors cannot bring their own alcohol onto a festival site. Alcohol may be purchased from licensed bars or traders where available.

Do you operate Challenge 25?

Yes. Challenge 25 operates wherever alcohol is being sold. If you look under 25, please be prepared to show an acceptable form of identification.

What if I have a food allergy or dietary requirement?

Please speak directly to the individual food trader before ordering. Traders are responsible for information about ingredients and potential cross-contamination. Hidden Beach cannot guarantee that a particular dietary option will be available at every event.

What Can I Bring?

Can I bring a chair or picnic blanket?

Folding/camping chairs and picnic blankets are generally welcome at outdoor festivals, subject to event-specific restrictions. Staff may ask for items to be repositioned for crowd movement, accessibility or safety.

Can I bring a gazebo or shelter?

Gazebos, tents, parasols and other large temporary shelters are not permitted unless specifically authorised by Hidden Beach. Any authorised structures are subject to our event health and safety requirements.

Can I bring an umbrella?

Small personal umbrellas are permitted, although staff may ask you to lower or move them if they cause a safety or visibility issue.

Can I bring glass?

No. Glass of any kind must not be brought onto our festival sites. This includes glass bottles, jars, drinking glasses and other glass containers.

Can I bring fireworks?

No. Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, pyrotechnics and similar items must not be brought onto the site. Any professional pyrotechnics used as part of an event must be specifically authorised and managed as part of the event production.

Can I bring a sound system?

No. Personal PA systems, sound systems and large or amplified speakers are not permitted.

Can I fly a drone?

No. Drones and other remotely controlled flying devices are not permitted unless specifically authorised in advance by the Event Organiser.

Are bags searched?

They may be. Bag searches may be carried out for safety and security and to prevent prohibited items, outside alcohol or other restricted items entering the site. You may be required to surrender or dispose of a prohibited item before entering. Entry may be refused where appropriate.

Photography & Filming

Can I take photographs?

Yes. Personal photography and filming using phones and ordinary personal cameras is generally welcome. Professional or commercial photography, filming or professional equipment requires prior permission from Hidden Beach.

Will Hidden Beach take photographs or video at events?

Photography and filming may take place at our events for promotional, editorial and social-media purposes. If you have a concern, please speak to a member of the event team.

Dogs

Can I bring my dog?

It depends on the event.

Festivals: Dogs are not permitted, except for guide and assistance dogs.

Open-air markets and similar events: Dogs are generally welcome, subject to event-specific restrictions.

Always check the individual event information before bringing a dog.

Facilities

Are there toilets?

Festivals will normally have toilet facilities, including accessible toilets. Facilities at smaller events and individual venues may vary.

Is there drinking water?

Free drinking water is generally provided at festivals.

Is phone charging available?

Phone-charging facilities are generally available at larger festivals. Exact facilities vary between events.

Is there an ATM or cash machine?

There are generally no cash machines or ATMs on site. If you wish to use cash, please bring it with you.

Can I pay by cash?

Festivals generally accept both card/contactless payments and cash, although individual traders may have their own payment arrangements.

Are there lockers?

No. We do not generally provide lockers or secure storage. Visitors are responsible for their own belongings, and Hidden Beach cannot accept responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

Safety, Medical & Welfare

Is first aid available?

Yes. Festivals have clearly identified first-aid or medical provision. If you need assistance and cannot locate it, speak to a steward or member of event staff.

Is welfare support available?

Larger festivals have welfare provision for visitors who are unwell, overwhelmed, vulnerable or need non-emergency assistance.

Can I bring medication?

Yes. Essential personal medication is permitted. If unusual medication or medical equipment could raise questions during an entry search, we recommend contacting us in advance.

What happens in bad weather?

Our outdoor festivals generally continue during ordinary poor weather. Health & Safety, Security and the Event Organiser collectively assess conditions and relevant risk factors and determine whether an event can safely continue or needs to be modified, suspended or cancelled.

Can I smoke or vape?

Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated outdoor areas.

Can someone be refused entry or removed?

Yes. Hidden Beach reserves the right to refuse entry or remove someone where necessary because of unsafe, abusive, threatening or disruptive behaviour, excessive intoxication, failure to follow reasonable safety instructions or other behaviour that may put themselves or others at risk.

Accessibility

What accessibility facilities are available?

Accessibility arrangements vary depending on the venue and event. If you have a specific accessibility requirement, check the individual event information and contact hello@hiddenbeach.uk in advance where you need further assistance.

Are accessible viewing areas provided?

Larger festivals with stages will normally provide accessible viewing provision. Exact arrangements will be published with the relevant event information.

Do you offer essential companion or Personal Assistant tickets?

For paid events, a free essential companion/Personal Assistant ticket is available where someone requires a companion because of a disability or access requirement. Follow the accessibility information for the particular event to arrange this.

Travel

Is parking available?

Parking arrangements vary between venues and events. Check the individual event page before travelling.

What about public transport, taxis and drop-off/pick-up?

These arrangements are specific to each location. Where relevant, travel, taxi and drop-off information will be provided with the individual event details.

Camping

Can I camp at a Hidden Beach event?

Only where camping is expressly advertised as part of the particular event. Unless the event information specifically says camping is available, assume overnight camping is not permitted.

Lost Property

I've lost something. What should I do?

Speak to event staff while you are still on site where possible. For enquiries after an event, email hello@hiddenbeach.uk with a description of the item and details of the event.

Getting Involved

Can I volunteer at a Hidden Beach event?

Yes. Visit the Volunteer section of the Hidden Beach website for information and the relevant registration form.

How can I trade at a Hidden Beach event?

Registration forms for traders will be available on the Hidden Beach website for appropriate events. Check the relevant event information for current opportunities.

How can I perform at a Hidden Beach event?

Use the relevant performer/application form on the Hidden Beach website.

Can my business sponsor or partner with Hidden Beach?

Yes. Businesses and organisations interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities can email hello@hiddenbeach.uk.

Event-Specific Information

Do these answers apply to every Hidden Beach event?

This FAQ provides our general guidance. Hidden Beach produces events of different sizes and types at different venues, so individual events may have additional or different requirements.

Where information published for a particular event differs from this FAQ, the event-specific information takes priority.

If you're unsure about something that isn't answered here, contact hello@hiddenbeach.uk.