Here are some of the FAQs to help you prepare for the festival. In case of any other queries, please don’t hesitate to message us on any of our socials!

Tickets

When and how can I buy tickets?

Tickets will be available from 2pm on Monday 29th April 2024: Click here to buy your tickets for Valefest 2024!

Where and when can I collect my ticket?

This year we are changing to E-tickets! Your ticket will be sent to you via a QR code which you scan on entry. You will also be asked to swipe your Student ID if you are a current student.

Where will the entrance be?

Entry to the festival will be from the path up to the lake by the Vale. A site plan will be released in the time leading up to the festival day to help you find your way there.

Will there be tickets available on the day?

There will be no tickets available at the festival site itself. Some tickets may still be available online if we haven’t sold out.

I have a disability and need to bring my helper along, do they have to buy a ticket?

Your helper will be able to claim for a free ticket, just email you & your helper’s details to valefestival@guild.bham.ac.uk and we’ll get in touch!

SITE INFO

HOW CAN I ENTER THE FESTIVAL SITE?

All you need is your QR code ticket and a valid ID + student ID to make sure you’re over 18! Then you can make your way to the entrance at the Vale where we will scan your ticket and you’ll be let into the site

WHAT ARE THE FESTIVAL TIMINGS?

Doors will be open from 16:00 with the first act performing at 16:30 and final entry will be at 20:00. After this you will not be allowed to enter the festival site. At 22:30 the music will end and everyone will be asked to make their way to the exits. However, you’ll still be able to head to the Guild for FAB after this time!

WHEN IS FINAL ENTRY

Final entry is at 8pm - the entrance will close after this time and you will not be allowed entry

CAN I BRING DRINK/ALCOHOL INTO THE FESTIVAL?

No alcohol is allowed onto the festival site, all drinks brought will have to be disposed of before entering the festival. Anyone in possession of alcohol will be denied entry to the festival while it is still on their person.

CAN I BUY FOOD AND DRINK ON-SITE?

There is a selection of quality food stalls catering for all dietary needs on site. We will also have a selection of bars and the Duck and Scholar for drink.

WILL I BE SEARCHED ON ENTRY?

Yes, in order to keep everyone safe all bags will be searched on entry. Prohibited items include: Glass, unsealed plastic bottles, illegal or dangerous items. Please be aware that you will not be permitted to bring in any bag larger than A4 size onto the site.

WILL I NEED CASH ON THE DAY?

No, you will not need cash on the site! All our vendors accept card payments.

CAN I LEAVE THE FESTIVAL AND RE-ENTER LATER?

No, we will not be allowing re-entry to the site. Once you have left you will not be allowed back in.

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?

Our event is strictly for over 18s in order to ensure the safety and fun of every attendee.

WHAT PROVISIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR DISABLED ACCESS?

The main entrance to ValeFest, all stages and disabled toilets are all wheelchair accessible. If you need help on the day, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff, stewards (wearing high vis jackets) or head to Site HQ where the staff will be ready to help you.

If you have any access needs you wish to discuss prior to arrival, please get in touch with us via valefestival@guild.bham.ac.uk

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

ValeFest is an all-weather event like all other festivals. While we hope for good weather, we advise you to dress appropriately.

IS THERE CAMPING AVAILABLE?

Unfortunately, as we are a 1 day event, we do not offer camping.

Can we volunteer on the day?

We always appreciate the help of stewards on the day! Register your interest by sending us an email: valefestcore@gmail.com

General Info

What/When/Where is ValeFest?

ValeFest is The University of Birmingham’s very own on-campus music festival! It is run in collaboration between the Guild of Students and the Valefest Student Group Team of volunteers. Held at the Vale Village, it aims to kick off the UOBXtra period of activities while raising money for charity, showcasing some of the best up and coming artists on the Birmingham music scene, and giving you an opportunity to celebrate the end of exams.

Also, given that we are based in Birmingham, ValeFest helps shine a light on local talent by providing a platform for up-and-coming Birmingham artists and bands.

Valefest takes place on the 1st June 2024 @ the Vale Village accomodation site.

Can I come if I am not a student at the University of Birmingham?

Absolutely! Although the festival is run by students, it is very much a community event and we welcome members to attend.

Can I bring food and drink in? Where can I buy food?

There is a selection of quality food stalls and beer tents on site. There will also be bars selling a wide selection of soft and alcoholic beverages.

We do not allow people to bring in their own food and drinks (including alcohol), as described in rules 27 & 28, below.

I’m a student at the University of Birmingham, can I get involved?

Of course! Send us an email or message us on Instagram to find out what opportunities we have for students to get involved.

Rules

“Event” and “ValeFest” refers to ValeFest 2024, “Valefest” refers to the organising committee of students, “Site” refers to the area where ValeFest is held bound by fencing. “Management” refers to Valefest, site security, The Guild of Students and management at The Vale Village.

These Rules apply to any person at the Event.
ValeFest is also subject to Guild of Students’ Terms & Conditions, which can be found here.
Tickets are not refundable under any circumstances other than cancellation of the event or unless the event is moved to another date which prohibits you from attending. In this instance the full value of the ticket less any booking fees and postage/credit card charges will be refunded.
You must present a valid ticket on entry.
All Valefest attendees must be over 18 and must be able to present a valid form of ID to verify this
There will be no re-entry to the site, if you leave the festival site, you will not be allowed back in.
Bags must be smaller than A4 size, attendees will not be permitted to enter the site with any bag bigger than A4 except for medical purposes
Tickets are only valid if purchased from the Guild of Students. Tickets purchased from unauthorised sources will be rendered invalid and refused admission.
If you are in need of medical attention and treatment, St. Johns Ambulance will be onsite and Management will be able to advise further. Management may keep a record of your personal details, any accident suffered and treatment provided to you.
Please respect the local residents when travelling to and from the Event and keep noise to a minimum.
Damage or destruction to the site and structures, including but not limited to fires and graffiti, will result in removal from the Event with charges for criminal damage.
Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the Event.
ValeFest and the Guild of Students reserve the right to: (a) refuse admission in any circumstances (b) evict any person breaching the terms and conditions of entry, committing a criminal offence, behaving in a disorderly manner or in a way that has an adverse effect on public safety, or behaving in an anti-social manner or in a way that causes a public nuisance. (c) evict all members of any group of persons where that group is behaving in a persistent anti-social manner. If you do not leave at our request, security will be asked to escort you from the site, and if deemed necessary, the police will be contacted.
Admission is at your own risk. Valefest is unable to accept any liability for personal or property damages, losses (including surrendered items) or injuries sustained – other than caused as a result of our negligence.
You give your express consent to your likeness to be included for no fee within any audio or visual recording at ValeFest to be used in any media for any purpose at any time. This includes filming by the police or security staff which may be carried out for the security of customers and/or the prevention of crime.
Valefest 2024 is a 18+ event only. Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted on site.
It is illegal for an over 18 to purchase alcohol on the behalf of under 18s.
You and your possessions may be searched before entering and during the Event. Security reserves the right to search any persons they believe to be breaking these rules. If illegal substances are found, you may be prosecuted.
Management may confiscate any item that is deemed illegal or unsuitable. This includes, without limitation, illegal or intoxicating substances including; psychoactive substances, nitrous oxide (NOS/laughing gas) and unidentifiable substances.
If anyone is found in the possession of drugs or other psychoactive substances you will be treated as in possession of illegal drugs and may be arrested or refused entry to the Event, and dealt with in accordance to University policy.
Any person carrying illegal items or carrying out illegal activity will be given to the Police and refused entry.
Any item(s), reasonably considered for use as a weapon, which may cause danger, offence or disruption to any other person, must be surrendered to staff upon entrance.
Anyone resisting the surrender of disallowed items or disregarding these conditions will face eviction.
If removed from site for any reason by Management, there is no obligation on Valefest to refund any monies paid.
Flares, and smoke devices are not permitted. Anyone in possession of these devices will be passed to the Police.
E-Cigarettes and cigarettes are not allowed within tents. Smoking is not permitted in these spaces.
Glass containers are not allowed on site. Any drinks will have to be disposed of before entry.
If you are deemed too drunk you will be denied entry, or will be removed from site.
Bars will be asking for proof of age to those who appear under 25. Make sure to bring a form of ID with you.