Farr Festival is an electronic music festival held within an uninhabited forest in Hertfordshire, England.
From humble beginnings in 2009 Farr Festival has evolved from a small gathering of like-minded friends into one of UK’s leading electronic music festivals. Bringing an array of international musical talent to the tranquil environment surrounding Farr Festival.
Taking place between Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th July 2018 the ninth edition of Farr Festival will see us venture deeper into the woods, boasting new stages, daytime experiences and of an eclectic medley of producers, selectors and performers to warm your ears.
Previous performances include Todd Terje, Booka Shade, NAO, Omar-S, Floating Points, John Talabot, Gilles Peterson, Ben UFO, Midland, Joy Orbison, Helena Hauff, DJ Koze, Mount Kimbie, Move D, Prosumer, Tama Sumo, Bicep, Andrew Weatherall, George Fitzgerald, Daniel Avery, Jackmaster, Sophie, Heidi and a whole lot more.
Key to the success of Farr Festival is its size. Whilst we’ve slowly increased this to accommodate the growing demand for a piece of the magic, we look to 2018 as a year to refine all the best bits of the last eight years. We can’t wait to have you along for the ride.
The Farr Forest
The Farr forest was planted in 1980 as an orchard for wild animals and game cover for the winter months. When we discovered The Shack in our woodland, we knew that this would be the heart of Farr Festival. For the original Woodland Warriors who have been with us since the start, you will (just about) remember it. In case your memory needs shaking, it was a broken down caravan that we converted into a stage. We got such good use out of The Shack that it died a sad death when the floor fell in.
Our converted caravan may be gone forever, but the Farr forest remains stronger than ever and expanded for 2018 to its biggest size yet! For just one week a year, Bygrave Woods comes to life and is adorned by twinkly lights, colourful bunting and of course YOU – the Woodland Warriors. Without it, Farr would not be what it is today. Long live cinder trees.
Newnham Village & The Local Community
Here at Farr we work hard to work alongside the local community of Newnham Village and the surrounding areas. We use local contractors for recycling and stewarding as well as inviting the locals to get involved with the festival. 95% of our waste is recycled through a local company. Having the local community behind us means everything and we will endeavour to keep it that way.
Community Hotline
If you are a local resident and would like to contact us regarding any concerns or complaints, please call us on [REDACTED]. We will log all calls and the feedback will help us to continually improve the experience of the event to local residents. Where possible we will take actions to rectify any problems as soon as we can over the weekend.
Farr Festival 2018 App
This year we are delighted to announce that we have collaborated with Woov to present the official Farr Festival 2018 App (iOS + Android), which we hope will make your experience at Farr even better!
Getting Here
Farr is located less than an hour from central London, straight up the A1 by car. There are also regular train services from Kings Cross to Stevenage and Baldock, which take between 20 and 30 minutes.
Train
Baldock is the closest station to Farr Festival and a direct service runs from London King’s Cross to Baldock regularly, it takes roughly 40 minutes.
This year we are offering a Shuttle Bus Service from Baldock station to Farr Festival, details of which can be found HERE.
If you would rather book a taxi, it takes roughly 10 minutes from Baldock train station to the festival site (depending on demand and traffic). However there is no taxi rank at the train station, so best to use Uber. Letchworth and Stevenage stations are also close by.
Shuttle Bus
Our shuttle bus service is the easiest and cheapest option to get to Bygrave Woods from Baldock train station. For full information click HERE.
Car
Postcode for SAT NAV: SG7 5JX
- Approaching Newnham from London take the A1M motorway northbound towards Peterborough and leave the motorway at junction 10 for Stotfold and Shefford.
- At the roundabout beneath the motorway bridge, take the third exit and join the A507 towards the Baldock service station.
- At the next roundabout take the second exit and continue to follow the Great North Road A507.
- In approximately 50m turn left onto the Newnham Road and follow the road to Newnham/Ashwell.
- After driving a further 0.3 miles you will reach the junction in Newnham Village where you turn right.
- Now continue on to Newnham Road for a further 0.1 miles and you will find Newnham Hall on the left hand side of the road. Please turn right onto the stone road.
Motorbikes & Bicycles
If you are coming by motorbike you will need to purchase a parking permit upon arrival, please remember to bring cash. Push bikes are also welcome, you’ll be able to lock up your bicycle at a bike rack located between the Box Office and car park.
FAQ’s
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. You should find details of everything you need to know below, if not, then drop us a message through our Facebook page.
OPENING TIMES
Farr Festival gates open at 10:00 on Thursday 5th July 2018 with Box Office opening at 11:00 and music commencing at 14:00. Campsite OPENS at 12:00 on Thursday 5th July and CLOSES at 12:00 on Monday 9th July. All set times are published on our Timetable.
Upon arrival you will be directed to the Box Office. Please bring ID, driving license or passport to confirm your identity. Entry will not be granted to the festival if you do not arrive within the Box Office hours listed below:
Box Office Hours
- Thursday 5th: 11:00 – 23:00
- Friday 6th: 10:00 – 23:00
- Saturday 7th: 10:00 – 23:00
- Sunday 8th: 10:00 – 16:00
Festival Arena Hours
- Thursday 5th: 14:00 – 02:00
- Friday 6th: 10:00 – 06:00 (Saturday Morning)
- Saturday 7th: 10:00 – 06:00 (Sunday Morning)
- Sunday 8th: 10:00 – 23:00
Music Hours
- Thursday 5th: 14:00 – 02:00
- Friday 6th: 13:00 – 06:00 (Saturday Morning)
- Saturday 7th: 13:00 – 06:00 (Sunday Morning)
- Sunday 8th: 12:00 – 23:00
Campsite
- OPENS: Thursday 5th: 12:00
- CLOSES: Monday 9th: 12:00
Ticket Types & Official Outlets
Farr Festival is an 18+ event and offers weekend and day tickets. Disabled access is also available. Only buy tickets through authorised ticket sellers; Farr Festival, Festicket and RA.
E-Tickets
Upon successful payment of your ticket you will receive an E-Ticket. Please download this to your phone before arriving to the festival as 4G / 3G is limited on site. If you has misplaced your ticket, you can find and download a fresh copy HERE.
Ticket Refunds
We do not offer refunds for ticket purchases unless the event is cancelled in which case we will refund the ticket price minus the booking fee and any other charges which we cannot recover. This is fully outlined in our Terms & Conditions during purchase and is an industry-wide standard.
Group Tickets
If you are attending Farr Festival as a group and are arriving at alternate times or days please take note of the following.
Group ticket attendees should all enter together with the named ticket holder. If you are unable to enter at the same time, the named ticket holder can provide a copy of their official ID (passport or driving license) and pass this onto the non-named ticket holders to present at Box Office and Security.
If there are any issues with entry, the named ticket holder must meet in their guests at Box Office. Please remember you MUST arrive within Box Office opening hours to collect your ticket. If you are late you will not gain entry into the festival.
Ticket Resales
We do not support the resale or transfer of Farr Festival 2018 tickets. Each ticket is named, if the name does not match the ticket holders ID then you will not gain access to the festival. Unlawful resale of a ticket is grounds for seizure or cancellation of that ticket without refund or other compensation.
Bear in mind that e-tickets can be duplicated, the purchase of second hand tickets is strongly discouraged. We will not be held responsible for any issues on the door if the primary ticket holder is not present.
SECURITY
Your safety is our utmost concern. Our priority is, and always will be, making people safe at Farr Festival. We are in constant consultation with the local Police, council and our own security experts as we carry on with preparations for Farr Festival 2018.
We have taken on board feedback from last year and worked hard to iron out any kinks. The festival perimeter, arenas, backstage and offsite areas are all robustly controlled and managed by professional security personnel.
All our security staff are fully trained and licensed to meet rigorous SIA (Security Industry Authority) standards and the company we use are ACS accredited. We have uplifted the dedicated and friendly SIA team working the campsite security 24/7. They are there to help and ensure the safety of everyone in the campsite. If you see anything suspicious please report it to them. See it, Say it, Sorted!
Upon arrival everyone will be processed by our security team before entry is granted to enter the site. Vehicle checks are mandatory for everyone.
Please bear in mind that ALL GLASS products are not permitted on site. Banned items include; lighter gas, spray paint and strictly no nitrous oxide. Other banned items include hammers, tools, knives including Leatherman / Swiss Army style tools, acid based cleaning products, marker pens and gas canisters. Rubber mallets are acceptable.
If you have a query about what you can bring, please send us an email to double check.
CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION
Farr Festival is located in the heart of rural countryside, surrounded by cornfields, wild grass and woodlands. Our campsite is a 10-minute walk from the festival, so you can get away from the music and get some sleep.
The campsite is situated on a grassy field, with great drainage if the rain starts to pour. The campsite closes on Monday 9th July at 12:00 – All campers must be off site by 12:00. Please note NO fires, gas stoves or BBQ’s are allowed.
Due to the hot weather we are experiencing, you may bring a 2-4 person Gazebo. The campsite ground is hard, there is minimal shade in the campsite (no trees) and we strongly advise you to bring sun cream, drink plenty of water and wear a hat.
What type of tent should I bring?
We have no stores on site selling tents or camping equipment. We suggest that you bring a suitable sized tent, which is 100% waterproof and robust enough to accommodate both yourself and your friends. Make sure you tie it securely down!
Can I bring a Gazebo?
Due to the hot weather, Gazebos (2-4 persons) are allowed to be erected in the campsite. However tents take priority, if our security ask you to take yours down, please do so.
Can I light a fire?
NO naked flames, fires or BBQ’s are allowed on site. We’ve got loads of food stalls for you to devour instead. If you see a fire anywhere report it to a member of security immediately.
Are there lockers?
We do not have have lockers to store large bags or rucksacks. If you want to lock up your valuables, such as your phone, head over to Charge And Store for some low-cost ethical mobile charging and secure storage from their custom-built truck.
Aerosol Products & Glass
Aerosol based products are allowed into Farr Festival – WE DO NOT ALLOW GLASS OF ANY KIND into the festival or campsite. Please do not bring any expensive perfumes or colognes as these will be confiscated by security.
Toilets & Showers
There are NO free showers at Farr Festival. Hot Shower passes are available to buy HERE, this will give you unlimited access to hot showers across the weekend. Please remember to bring a towel and your preferred shampoo, shower gel and whatever else you need use to scrub up.
There is also no access to electricity. You can charge your mobile phone or camera at Charge And Store. Porta-loo style toilets are located throughout the festival main arena and campsite.
Is there free access to water?
YES we have free cold water points throughout the campsite, so you can rehydrate, brush your teeth and wash those sins away.
Can I bring my pet?
NO pets are allowed on site.
Boutique Camping
For those of you looking for the crème de la crème of camping, head over to Hotel Bell Tent (SOLD OUT) to see what we have on offer.
DISABILITY ACCESS
Wheelchair Access
- General Admission entry through a separate entrance.
- Access to an extensive range of bars, food concessions in the main arena.
- Use of accessible toilets.
- Fold up chairs will be provided with priority for the customer with disabilities.
- A pass providing access to the above will be issued on entry, upon presentation of a ticket and proof of disability.
Personal Assistant Pass
- This pass is limited to one per paying customer and is provided free of charge at the time of booking event tickets.
- The pass is issued on entry to the festival, upon presenting the Personal Assistant Ticket.
- The Personal Assistant pass is interchangeable during the event, so if customers come in a group it can be swapped with other members of the party.
Blue Badge Parking
- Blue Badge Parking ticket is limited to one per paying customer, subject to availability.
- It is provided free of charge at the time of booking event tickets.
- The Blue Badge Parking ticket is valid with presentation of a blue badge, matching Photo ID and event ticket on arrival.
FOOD & DRINK
What type of food is available at the festival?
Vegetarian, meat, fish, smoothies, shakes, wraps, we’ve got you covered. Check out our ‘Food & Drink’ section to see what our food vendors have in stock to tempt and tantalise your taste buds.
Can I bring my own food and alcohol into Farr Festival?
You can only bring food and drink into the campsite. We allow 12 cans of beer / lager / cider per person OR 6 cans of beer / lager / cider and 1 bottle of wine (decanted into a plastic bottle) per person. Spirits are strictly prohibited.
You are not allowed to bring any food or alcohol into the main festival arena (bottled water is fine). Bins are provided at the gates to dispose of any items. Also, NO GLASS. Please decant drinks into a plastic bottle before arriving at the festival.
We have food and drink stalls in the campsite and festival area, check out our ‘Food & Drink’ section to see what our food vendors have in stock to tempt and tantalise your taste buds.
Will the food and drink be reasonably priced?
We make a special effort to keep our prices competitive with what you’d expect in London.
What time does the bar open?
Thursday: 14:00 – 00:00
Friday 10:00 – 04:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 04:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00
VEHICLES & TRANSPORT
Farr Festival is located deep in arable countryside. All vehicles access the site via a bumpy farm track; leave the sports cars at home! Please bear in mind that we operate a one way system, at time it can get busy. Please be patient during these busy periods, pack loads of water and what the AC up to the max!
Can I park my car at Farr Festival?
Car parking is available at Farr Festival. All drivers must buy a car park pass, priced at £20 per vehicle, upon arrival. Motorbikes can park for £5. Please bring cash!
The car park is a 15 minute walk from the campsite. If you cannot carry everything in one journey, you may return to your car at the discretion of our security team. Returning to your car after that point is forbidden.
Can I re-enter Farr Festival?
Yes, you can leave the festival and return. However you may not bring in additional food and alcohol. Your car will be searched by our security team again.
Can I bring my camper van?
We have non-electrical 3m x 5m grass pitches available. A 3 metre gap must be preserved at all times between camper vans, to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
Each pitch includes space for a single vehicle and one of the following:
– Single awning
– Small trailer
The following facilities are/aren’t available:
– No hook-ups for water, gas, electricity or chemical disposal.
– Portaloos available on-site.
– Water stations available on-site.
MISCELLANEOUS
I’m a member of the press – who do I need to speak to?
If you’d like to attend Farr Festival to review or feature us, please complete Press Accreditation. For all other enquiries email Damo Jones at Tandem PR.
How old do I have to be?
Strictly 18+. Please bring official proof of age to guarantee entry (driving license or passport).
Can I take or sell drugs?
Absolutely not! All illegal drugs are strictly banned at Farr Festival. This includes legal highs and nitrous oxide aka laughing gas. If we suspect any unlawful usage or dealing of drugs at Farr Festival then our security staff will detain you and will pass you over to the Police.
Be smart – Check to see how drugs effect your body HERE.
What should I wear?
Anything you want! If you need inspiration then why not have have a scroll through our Instagram channel.
Will cash machines be available on site?
ATM’s will be available across the festival site and you will be able to pay via card at our bars and some food outlets.
What happens if I fall ill?
We do not have a pharmacy at Farr Festival. However we do have fully qualified medics on site. Please remember to bring all medications with you. If you do fall ill, notify a member of staff or security guard to take you to the medical tent.
What happens if I lose my things at Farr Festival?
If you loose something at Farr Festival please report it immediately to our Campsite Office. All unclaimed items found at Farr Festival will be delivered to the Farr Festival office.
Alternatively email [REDACTED] starting Tuesday 10th July 2018, with a description of what you’ve lost. If we can locate the item we will return the item to you. You will be required to pay for postage and packaging.
We will keep hold of lost items until Tuesday 31st July 2018.
Still have a question?
Hopefully we’ve answered all your questions here. If not, please send us a message on Facebook.