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!
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!
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
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.
“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.