FAQs - 2011
Where’s my ticket/wristband?
Tickets will begin being sent out in mid-August.
All tickets will be exchanged for a wristband at the entrances to the festival.
If you haven’t received your tickets by Thursday 1st September please contact your point of purchase:
Ticketline: 0844 888 4410
Red Funnel: 0844 844 9988
Wightlink: 0871 376 1000
Big Green Coach: 0845 463 8361
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 1742
View Tickets: 0870 242 1235
See Tickets: 0871 230 0010
HMV Tickets: 0843 221 0100
I have a student ticket but I don’t have a valid NUS or ISIC card – will I get turned away at the entrance?
If you have a student ticket then you do need to have a valid NUS or ISIC card – no other student ID accepted. If you don’t have the valid ID then you will need to pay £10 at the box office which is the difference between a student ticket and an adult ticket.
I want to bring my children who are aged 12 & under – do they need a ticket?
All children aged 12 & under on 08/09/2011 will need a free child ticket and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 21.
Where can I get a Site Map?
Click here for the new 2011 site map.
You will need Adobe Reader to view it. If you don't have it, it's available to download for free from here
This map will also be available in the programme and laminate that you can buy when you arrrive onsite so please avoid printing it if you can. We like to save trees and so should you.
When can I get a timetable/line-up/programme?
Programmes are sold separately and are available to buy en route and at the festival. This year there will also be a mobile phone app available to buy. Artist line-up timings will not be published on this website prior to the event. Please be careful to only buy from authorised vendors.
What is the Bestival Phone App?
Click here for all the info and to get it.
When can I arrive / when do I have to leave?
Thursday 8th Sept: The car park will be open from 9am. The box office opens at around 11.30am and the campsites will open at midday.
Fri/Sat/Sun: Car park & box office open at 9am.
Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun: No entry into the site after midnight on any night.
Monday 12th September: Campsites close at 2pm and car parks at 4pm.
More info on the opening/closing times of each arena/field can be seen here.
Are there any age limits?
All persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied at the festival by a parent or guardian over the age of 21. Plus, no more than four under 18s are allowed per parent or guardian.
If you are lucky enough to look under 21 you might be asked for ID at the entrance and at bars as part of the Challenge 21 initiative - so please bring photo ID with you.
I’m arriving by shuttle bus/car/coach/campervan/taxi – where will I arrive on site?
Shuttle Buses: Shuttle Buses (from the ferry ports and island towns) will be dropping off and picking up at the Shuttle Bus Station very near to the main entrance to the campsites.
Taxi & Drop Off/Pick Up: You will be dropped off at the Robin Hill Entrance and will have a short walk through the Tomorrow’s World and The Magic Meadow fields towards the campsites.
Coaches: All Big Green Coaches will also drop off (& pick up) from the Robin Hill entrance as above.
Cars: Please look out for and follow the ‘Camping Car Park’ signs as you approach the festival and you will be directed to one of the main car parks near to the campsites.
We work very closely with both Red Funnel and Wightlink ferry companies to try and help reduce congestion at the ports on Monday. You must help to play your part by turning up for your scheduled ferry on time, but no earlier than 1 hour before your ferry time - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
When you are arriving and, more importantly, when you are leaving Bestival, please stay tuned in to Bestival FM on 87.7FM to get the latest traffic and travel info.
Campervans: Will be in the same place as last year. Please follow sign for ‘Campervans’.
Boutique Campers: Please look out for and follow the ‘Boutique Camping’ signs so you know where to park for easiest access.
How much is the car park?
Car Parking Tickets are payable when you arrive in cash at a cost of £10 until 6pm on Saturday and £5 thereafter. You only need to buy a ticket once and it will be valid for the whole weekend, no matter how many times you come and go.
Where can I buy a ticket for the Shuttle Buses and how much do they cost?
It is cheapest to buy your Shuttle Bus Ticket in advance from the Southern Vectis website. They cost £9 (NO LONGER AVAILABLE) and are valid for a return journey on the Bestival shuttle between Cowes, East Cowes, Fishbourne, Ryde and Yarmouth to the Bestival bus station.
If you didn’t buy one in advance then you will need to pay the driver £5 cash each way. Click here for further details.
When I arrive, can I set up camp anywhere?
Yes you can set up camp in any of the colour coded campsites but not in any of the main arenas.
You can only camp in the Boutique campsite or Tangerine Fields if you have booked prior to the event.
There is small family campsite which you can only gain access to if you are with children. You will be given a wristband when you 1st enter and will need that for the rest of the weekend to gain further access.
Check out more info on the new Campsite Hubs here:
Disability access camping is available and needs to be applied for prior to the event. More info here.
My friends are staying in the Boutique Campsite – can we camp with them?
Unfortunately not. No tents are allowed in the Boutique Camping Field.
My friends are staying in the Campervan field – can we camp with them?
Each campervan is allocated 9 x 6 metres of space, usually enough for an awning and/or a small tent. As long as you remain within their allocated pitch you can camp with them.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, you can bring in a reasonable amount of alcohol per person into the campsites for your own personal consumption (eg 1 case of beer/lager/cider and up to 1 litre of (decanted) spirits). To save on having to carry all your stuff in one trip you will be allowed to re-enter the festival site with alcohol on Thursday and Friday but only with a reasonable amount for personal consumption. You’ll be asked to leave any excess alcohol outside the event.
Alcohol cannot be brought into any of the main arenas/fields from the campsites. There are fully licensed bars available for you.
Please remember that glass is not allowed anywhere at Bestival so please make sure to decant anything you are planning to bring into the campsites into plastic containers before you arrive.
Are Chinese lanterns, flares, fireworks or campfires allowed?
No, we have a no naked flame policy at the festival and in the campsite. Fires, flares, fireworks etc will extinguished by the Isle of Wight fire service.
Can I bring a small BBQs or stove to cook food
Yes you can bring these but please use cooking equipment safely at least 3 meters away from all tents and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Is there phone charging available on site?
You will be able to charge your phone for free using solar power in the Tomorrow’s World Field. Charge and Store and Giglocker will also both be available in the campsite area.
Are there showers on site?
Yes these are located near the Turquoise Campsite (same place as all previous years), but be prepared for a queue. Unfortunately we can’t increase the amount of showers on site due to the island’s shortage of water. It’s probably best to do at off-peak times such as the afternoon when they are quieter.
Are there water points on site?
Yes there are plenty free water points located around the main arenas/fields and campsites.
I’m coming to Bestival alone and am worried...
Don’t worry. Bestival is ‘the’ friendliest festival out there. Also if you’re worried about camping alone then perhaps join in some of the fun on our forum and camp with the forum campsite, organised by ace ventura and rseamer. More info here.
Can I leave the festival site and then come back in?
Yes you will be allowed to re-enter the festival site as long as you have a valid wristband on. Please note there is no re-entry after midnight on any nights (no exceptions).
What’s happening on the Thursday?
This year there will be even more Fields and Arenas open than ever before on Thursday – the Stardust Field and Magic Meadow will be open from 5pm until 2am with a full bill of entertainment lined up for The Big Top brought to you once again by the incredible Back To The Phuture. More details here. You’ll be able to catch an incredible line-up including Santigold, Hercules & Love Affair, Blancmange, OneTwo and Mirrors on Thursday night! Also Tomorrow’s World field and The Grassy Hill will both be open from midday until 2am.
Are there lockers on site?
Yes there are. Leaving valuables in your tent can be risky so please make use of the Charge and Store and Giglocker will also both be available in the campsite area.
Can I bring my dog/cat/rabbit/gruffalo?
No pets or animals are allowed on site with the exception of registered guide dogs.
Please also check our full terms and conditions here.
Tickets will begin being sent out in mid-August.
All tickets will be exchanged for a wristband at the entrances to the festival.
If you haven’t received your tickets by Thursday 1st September please contact your point of purchase:
Ticketline: 0844 888 4410
Red Funnel: 0844 844 9988
Wightlink: 0871 376 1000
Big Green Coach: 0845 463 8361
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 1742
View Tickets: 0870 242 1235
See Tickets: 0871 230 0010
HMV Tickets: 0843 221 0100
I have a student ticket but I don’t have a valid NUS or ISIC card – will I get turned away at the entrance?
If you have a student ticket then you do need to have a valid NUS or ISIC card – no other student ID accepted. If you don’t have the valid ID then you will need to pay £10 at the box office which is the difference between a student ticket and an adult ticket.
I want to bring my children who are aged 12 & under – do they need a ticket?
All children aged 12 & under on 08/09/2011 will need a free child ticket and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 21.
Where can I get a Site Map?
Click here for the new 2011 site map.
You will need Adobe Reader to view it. If you don't have it, it's available to download for free from here
This map will also be available in the programme and laminate that you can buy when you arrrive onsite so please avoid printing it if you can. We like to save trees and so should you.
When can I get a timetable/line-up/programme?
Programmes are sold separately and are available to buy en route and at the festival. This year there will also be a mobile phone app available to buy. Artist line-up timings will not be published on this website prior to the event. Please be careful to only buy from authorised vendors.
What is the Bestival Phone App?
Click here for all the info and to get it.
When can I arrive / when do I have to leave?
Thursday 8th Sept: The car park will be open from 9am. The box office opens at around 11.30am and the campsites will open at midday.
Fri/Sat/Sun: Car park & box office open at 9am.
Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun: No entry into the site after midnight on any night.
Monday 12th September: Campsites close at 2pm and car parks at 4pm.
More info on the opening/closing times of each arena/field can be seen here.
Are there any age limits?
All persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied at the festival by a parent or guardian over the age of 21. Plus, no more than four under 18s are allowed per parent or guardian.
If you are lucky enough to look under 21 you might be asked for ID at the entrance and at bars as part of the Challenge 21 initiative - so please bring photo ID with you.
I’m arriving by shuttle bus/car/coach/campervan/taxi – where will I arrive on site?
Shuttle Buses: Shuttle Buses (from the ferry ports and island towns) will be dropping off and picking up at the Shuttle Bus Station very near to the main entrance to the campsites.
Taxi & Drop Off/Pick Up: You will be dropped off at the Robin Hill Entrance and will have a short walk through the Tomorrow’s World and The Magic Meadow fields towards the campsites.
Coaches: All Big Green Coaches will also drop off (& pick up) from the Robin Hill entrance as above.
Cars: Please look out for and follow the ‘Camping Car Park’ signs as you approach the festival and you will be directed to one of the main car parks near to the campsites.
We work very closely with both Red Funnel and Wightlink ferry companies to try and help reduce congestion at the ports on Monday. You must help to play your part by turning up for your scheduled ferry on time, but no earlier than 1 hour before your ferry time - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
When you are arriving and, more importantly, when you are leaving Bestival, please stay tuned in to Bestival FM on 87.7FM to get the latest traffic and travel info.
Campervans: Will be in the same place as last year. Please follow sign for ‘Campervans’.
Boutique Campers: Please look out for and follow the ‘Boutique Camping’ signs so you know where to park for easiest access.
How much is the car park?
Car Parking Tickets are payable when you arrive in cash at a cost of £10 until 6pm on Saturday and £5 thereafter. You only need to buy a ticket once and it will be valid for the whole weekend, no matter how many times you come and go.
Where can I buy a ticket for the Shuttle Buses and how much do they cost?
It is cheapest to buy your Shuttle Bus Ticket in advance from the Southern Vectis website. They cost £9 (NO LONGER AVAILABLE) and are valid for a return journey on the Bestival shuttle between Cowes, East Cowes, Fishbourne, Ryde and Yarmouth to the Bestival bus station.
If you didn’t buy one in advance then you will need to pay the driver £5 cash each way. Click here for further details.
When I arrive, can I set up camp anywhere?
Yes you can set up camp in any of the colour coded campsites but not in any of the main arenas.
You can only camp in the Boutique campsite or Tangerine Fields if you have booked prior to the event.
There is small family campsite which you can only gain access to if you are with children. You will be given a wristband when you 1st enter and will need that for the rest of the weekend to gain further access.
Check out more info on the new Campsite Hubs here:
Disability access camping is available and needs to be applied for prior to the event. More info here.
My friends are staying in the Boutique Campsite – can we camp with them?
Unfortunately not. No tents are allowed in the Boutique Camping Field.
My friends are staying in the Campervan field – can we camp with them?
Each campervan is allocated 9 x 6 metres of space, usually enough for an awning and/or a small tent. As long as you remain within their allocated pitch you can camp with them.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, you can bring in a reasonable amount of alcohol per person into the campsites for your own personal consumption (eg 1 case of beer/lager/cider and up to 1 litre of (decanted) spirits). To save on having to carry all your stuff in one trip you will be allowed to re-enter the festival site with alcohol on Thursday and Friday but only with a reasonable amount for personal consumption. You’ll be asked to leave any excess alcohol outside the event.
Alcohol cannot be brought into any of the main arenas/fields from the campsites. There are fully licensed bars available for you.
Please remember that glass is not allowed anywhere at Bestival so please make sure to decant anything you are planning to bring into the campsites into plastic containers before you arrive.
Are Chinese lanterns, flares, fireworks or campfires allowed?
No, we have a no naked flame policy at the festival and in the campsite. Fires, flares, fireworks etc will extinguished by the Isle of Wight fire service.
Can I bring a small BBQs or stove to cook food
Yes you can bring these but please use cooking equipment safely at least 3 meters away from all tents and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Is there phone charging available on site?
You will be able to charge your phone for free using solar power in the Tomorrow’s World Field. Charge and Store and Giglocker will also both be available in the campsite area.
Are there showers on site?
Yes these are located near the Turquoise Campsite (same place as all previous years), but be prepared for a queue. Unfortunately we can’t increase the amount of showers on site due to the island’s shortage of water. It’s probably best to do at off-peak times such as the afternoon when they are quieter.
Are there water points on site?
Yes there are plenty free water points located around the main arenas/fields and campsites.
I’m coming to Bestival alone and am worried...
Don’t worry. Bestival is ‘the’ friendliest festival out there. Also if you’re worried about camping alone then perhaps join in some of the fun on our forum and camp with the forum campsite, organised by ace ventura and rseamer. More info here.
Can I leave the festival site and then come back in?
Yes you will be allowed to re-enter the festival site as long as you have a valid wristband on. Please note there is no re-entry after midnight on any nights (no exceptions).
What’s happening on the Thursday?
This year there will be even more Fields and Arenas open than ever before on Thursday – the Stardust Field and Magic Meadow will be open from 5pm until 2am with a full bill of entertainment lined up for The Big Top brought to you once again by the incredible Back To The Phuture. More details here. You’ll be able to catch an incredible line-up including Santigold, Hercules & Love Affair, Blancmange, OneTwo and Mirrors on Thursday night! Also Tomorrow’s World field and The Grassy Hill will both be open from midday until 2am.
Are there lockers on site?
Yes there are. Leaving valuables in your tent can be risky so please make use of the Charge and Store and Giglocker will also both be available in the campsite area.
Can I bring my dog/cat/rabbit/gruffalo?
No pets or animals are allowed on site with the exception of registered guide dogs.
Please also check our full terms and conditions here.