FAQs


Thank you to everyone who has bought tickets and merchandise for ValeFest 2023! 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 are available via the following link: Click here to buy your tickets for Valefest 2023!

Where and when can I collect my wristband?

Wristband collection will be taking place the week prior to the festival.All you need to collect your wristband is your student ID and/or reference number. If your ticket was bought by someone else or resold then we will require evidence of the exchange in order for you to collect your wristband.

Where and when can I collect my pre-ordered merchandise?

Pre-bought merchandise can be picked up from the merchandise stall on the day by providing your name and reference number. Unfortunately all merchandise for 2023 is pre-bought and so merchandise will not be avialbale for sale on the day.

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?

You will be allowed into the festival only with a wristband. The ticket receipt you have received via email is not sufficient and you will need to exchange it for a wristband. Please keep in mind that there will be a lot of people exchanging their tickets for wristbands and we’re expecting a large queue. Save yourself some time and acquire it earlier to enjoy the festival for longer!

WHAT ARE THE FESTIVAL TIMINGS?

The box office, where you will be able to get your wristbands will be open from 11:30am and the festival site will open to the public at 12pm. Live music will continue until 10:15pm. By 11pm, all guests must be heading off the main festival site. The Wristband Exchange at both the Main Entrance (the bridge across the Vale Lake) and the Guest List/Artist entrance will close promptly at 5pm.

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. Shackleton catering facilities will also be open as per usual.

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.

WILL I NEED CASH ON THE DAY? Yes, you will need cash on the day of the festival, while most of our stall holders/caterers will be accepting card payments we can not guarentee this from all of them. There will also be other activities on the day that may require cash, so we highly reccommend bringing some.

The closest cash machine is in the Shackleton building reception adjacent to the festival site. Warning: this machine is very popular on the day of the festival, so we recommend drawing out cash before the 10th of June.

CAN I LEAVE THE FESTIVAL AND RE-ENTER LATER?

Yes, thanks to your wristband you will be able to leave the festival site and re-enter until 5:00pm. There will be strictly no re-entry after that time.

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?

Our event this year will be strictly 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.

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! If you work an hour and a half shift, you will get a half price ticket, and if you work three hours you get your ticket completely free! Register your interest by sending us an email: valefestcore@gmail.com

General Info

What/When/Where is ValeFest?

ValeFest is Europe’s largest student-run Charity Festival! We organise an incredible day of music, performances, and activities for our fellow students and the wider community.

Held the day after summer exams end, ValeFest has delivered a kaleidoscopic array of performances, presenting talent across 4 diverse stages including comedy, dance, and an epic headliner on the main stage to cater for all. Alongside delicious food and countless activities right on your doorstep what’s not to love? From Indie to D&B, you won’t want to miss Valefest’s long-awaited lineup.

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 10th June 2023 @ the vale village accomodation site.

Where does the money raised go?

As a not-for-profit student organisation, the proceeds of the festival are donated to our chosen charities, which change each year. Each year the Vale Festival organising committee invite charities, students and committee members to pitch charitable causes deemed worthy of support. The causes pitched are then put to discussion, and once a cause has been chosen the committee will choose a number of charities to support. This year, we are proud to be supporting Eco Birmingham and Friends of the Earth (Birmingham).

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 of the public of all ages and occupations 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 and Costcutter, the Melt, Infusion, Hungry Duck and JC’s will be open as normal on The Vale Village. There will also be a bar on site 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! Message our Facebook for more details, but generally we meet in the Murray Learning Centre every Wednesday at 6PM.

Rules

“Event” and “ValeFest” refers to ValeFest 2023, “Vale Festival” refers to the organising committee of students, “Site” refers to the area where ValeFest is held bound by fencing. “Management” refers to Vale Festival, site security and management at The Vale Village. “Wristband” refers to the wristband used to attend ValeFest, and “You” refers to the holder of the Wristband and “Your” shall be read accordingly.

  1. These Rules apply to any person at the Event.
  2. ValeFest is also subject to Guild of Students’ Terms & Conditions, which can be found here.
  3. 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.
  4. You must retain and wear your Wristband at all times inside the festival. It will not be replaced under any circumstance, and anyone seen without one will be asked to leave the festival. Duplicate wristbands will not be issued for lost or stolen wristbands.
  5. Entry to ValeFest is only permitted with a Wristband. Damaged or tampered wristbands are invalid.
  6. You may collect your Wristband in the week prior to ValeFest or on entry, which must not be removed until departure.
  7. Failure to show an intact Wristband on request will result in entry being refused and may result in you being asked to leave the Event.
  8. Wristbands are only valid if purchased from the Guild of Students. Wristbands purchased from unauthorised sources will be rendered invalid and refused admission.
  9. 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.
  10. Please respect the local residents when travelling to and from the Event and keep noise to a minimum.
  11. 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.
  12. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the Event.
  13. Vale Festival 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.
  14. Admission is at your own risk. Vale Festival 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Valefest 2023 is a 18+ event only. Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted on site.
  17. It is illegal for an over 18 to purchase alcohol on the behalf of under 18s.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. Any person carrying illegal items or carrying out illegal activity will be given to the Police and refused entry.
  22. 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.
  23. Anyone resisting the surrender of disallowed items or disregarding these conditions will face eviction.
  24. If removed from site for any reason by Management, there is no obligation on Vale Festival to refund any monies paid.
  25. Flares, and smoke devices are not permitted. Anyone in possession of these devices will be passed to the Police.
  26. E-Cigarettes and cigarettes are not allowed within tents. Smoking is not permitted in these spaces.
  27. Glass containers are not allowed on site. Any drinks will have to be disposed of before entry.
  28. If you are deemed too drunk you will be denied entry, or will be removed from site.
  29. Bars will be asking for proof of age to those who appear under 25. Make sure to bring a form of ID with you.