Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information and frequently asked questions about The British Country Music Festival, including frequently asked questions, a question that was only asked once, general advice and some stuff that no one has ever asked, but we have to tell you!
TICKETS
WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS FROM?
In-Person: The Winter Gardens Blackpool Box Office, Church Street FY1 1HU. Box office times vary. Click here for the latest opening times
Telephone Bookings: 0844 856 1111 (Calls to 0844 numbers cost 7p per minute plus the phone company’s access charge)
Group Bookings: 0203 291 2808
Our only authorised external ticket agent is Eventim www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Please be aware of touts and always purchase tickets from the trusted sources above.
WHEN WILL MY TICKET ARRIVE?
Tickets bought through the website are available to download at the point of purchase.
Tickets brought through the website will also receive a confirmation email within 48 hours, including download links for your tickets.
All tickets will be exchanged for a wristband at the admission desks on arrival at the festival.
All tickets have a unique QR code scanned upon entry to the festival. Once checked, the QR code number will become void, meaning the ticket cannot be re-used. Wrist bands will allow you access in and out of the festival for the weekend.
DO I NEED ID ?
Yes. Each named ticket holder will need to show identification if asked by security at the entrance. If you cannot produce an ID, you may be refused entry to the festival.
Acceptable forms of ID are as follows: Valid passport or driving licence.
If you do not want to bring a Passport or driving licence –
- If you don’t want to bring your passport or driving licence, use a PASS ID. See http://www.pass-scheme.org.uk/ for details.
All the festival bars will operate a challenge 25 policy. You may be asked to provide ID at the bars. The bars reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to anyone unable to show a valid photo ID.
DO CHILDREN NEED TICKETS?
The British Country Music Festival is a family-friendly festival. However, all persons under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or over.
Junior Weekend Tickets are available for younger guests aged 7-17. There is a limit of four 7-17 year Junior weekend tickets that can be purchased with one Adult ticket.
If you wish to purchase more than four Junior Weekend tickets, then an additional adult will be required to attend the festival as part of your group.
All under 18’s tickets must be bought in the same transaction as the accompanying Adult.
Please note that all under 18’s need to arrive at the entrance with their parent or guardian over the age of 21.
Children under seven will be admitted free with a responsible adult. Click here for all ticket types.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE FULL TICKET T&C's?
CAN I TURN UP AND BUY MY TICKET ON THE DOOR?
We recommend you buy in advance to secure the best price and availability. If any tickets remain, they will be subject to a higher on-the-door price tier. The Winter Gardens box office is situated at 97 Church Street, Blackpool.
ARE TICKETS REFUNDABLE?
Tickets are non-refundable once purchased. If you cannot attend, tickets can be resold through our approved reseller.
HOW DO THE TICKET TIERS WORK?
We have a set allocation of tickets at each price tier – once they sell out, we move to the next one. There is no difference apart from the price you pay – as tiers sell out, the price goes up. So buy early, and you will pay less!
ARE THERE GROUP RATES AVAILABLE?
Yes, we make it as easy as possible for groups to book. Please contact marina@britishcountrymusicfestival.com or phone 0203 291 2808 for group tickets.
CAN I BUY A TICKET AS A GIFT?
Yes that’s a lovely idea. At the point of purchase you are asked to enter the attendee names for each ticket holder so you may gift the tickets to a friend or family member. The tickets for attendees will not have the purchase price on so you may present this to the lucky recipient.
WHAT IF I BUY A TICKET FROM A RESELLER / SECONDARY TICKETING SITE?
We are supporters of the Fan Fair Alliance, and we recommend that you DO NOT buy tickets from a reseller or secondary marketplace. This includes sites such as Viagogo & Stubhub. You will often pay over the set price, which could be left out of pocket. Tickets may not be as described, fraudulent, not be delivered or already have been used, meaning you would get turned away at the entrance.
All tickets have a unique QR Code scanned upon entry to the festival. Once checked, that barcode number will become void, meaning the ticket cannot be re-used.
The British Country Music Festival is not responsible or liable for tickets sold through unofficial or unauthorised sellers.
Please be aware of touts and always purchase tickets from trusted sources.
ARE DAY TICKETS AVAILABLE?
No, due to fire regulations and the limited capacity of the Winter Gardens, only Weekend Tickets will be offered until nearer the festival date.
AT THE FESTIVAL
WHAT ARE THE FESTIVAL OPENING TIMES?
2024 Opening Times
Friday 30th August Doors Open 3.30 pm Close 1.30 AM
Saturday 31st August Doors Open 11.00 am Close 1.30 AM.
Sunday 1st September Doors Open 11.00 am Close 6.00 pm.
Friday is likely the switch-on night for Blackpool Illuminations, and the motorways can become very busy. We recommend setting off as early as possible.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I FIND OUT STAGE/SET TIMES?
Performance times won’t be confirmed until much closer to the festival. Further information will be updated on the website when available.
All artists/performers and performance times are subject to change.
ARE THERE BABY CHANGING AND BABY SITTING ON SITE?
Yes, there are baby changing tables in the Floral Hall. We do not provide babysitting services. A parent or responsible adult must accompany all children throughout the festival.
WHAT CAN I BRING IN WITH ME?
Permitted Items:
Cameras, Film & Video Equipment – (Not for Professional or Commercial Use)
For the safety & security of everyone at the festival, there are specific items you can’t bring to the site. You will be subject to search on each entry or exit to the Winter Gardens.
It is your responsibility to comply with the prohibited items list.
This list is not exhaustive, and the final decision lies with security and event management.
Prohibited Items:
Aerosols over 250ml, Air Horns, Klaxons & Megaphones, Alcohol, Animals – Excluding Assistance Dogs, BBQ, Beanbags & Inflatable Chairs, Skateboards, Bicycles & Scooters
Bottled Water, Camping Chairs, Stools & Seat Sticks, Camping Equipment, Camping Stoves, Chinese Lanterns, Drones, Flags, Banners & Poles, Flares, Fireworks & Blow Torches, Gazebos, Generators, Glass, Goods for unauthorised trading, Tools, Knives, Hammers & Mallets
Hi-Visibility Jackets, Bibs & Tabards, Illegal Substances, New Psychoactive Substances and Unidentifiable substances, Lasers & Laser Pens, Liquid Fuels, Percussion Instruments including Drums, Personal Motorised Vehicle (Non-Mobility Scooters), Picnic Blankets & Picnic Hampers
Sound systems, Spray Cans, Suitcases & Large Backpacks, Umbrellas, Weapons or items that can be reasonably considered for use as one.
You should only bring what you can afford to lose, as any items confiscated at the entrance will be disposed of accordingly.
WHAT IS THE BRITISH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL’S DRUG POLICY?
The British Country Music Festival has a strict policy that does not tolerate drug use. You will be searched on entry to the Winter Gardens, and anyone caught with illegal substances will be handed over to the police. Please note that all New Psychoactive Substances, including nitrous oxide, are prohibited.
CAN I LEAVE AND RE-ENTER THE WINTER GARDENS COMPLEX?
Weekend Tickets and VIP ticket holders wearing a wristband will be able to leave and re-enter the Winter Gardens throughout the weekend.
The Winter Gardens complex is open exclusively for The Britsh Country Music Festival guests.
CAN I BRING FOOD AND DRINK?
We have lots of lovely food stands, a restaurant, bars and drink stand at The British Country Music Festival from which to choose.
Food and drink, including alcohol, cannot be brought into the Winter Gardens.
Empty water bottles can be brought into the Winter Gardens to fill up at the water refill points.
If you have a medical or dietary condition that requires a specific diet, please speak to a member of security at the arena gate and ask to speak to a supervisor about your requirements.
ARE THERE CASH MACHINES?
The Halifax building society has two cash machines immediately opposite the main entrance to The Winter Gardens. Other banks are available within a couple of minutes’ walk.
WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THE GREAT INDOORS
We want The British Country Music Festival to be a celebratory party at the end of the festival season. As summer ends, we become more at the mercy of the weather, particularly in a seaside resort on the Irish Sea, so we choose to be indoors.
There are advantages and disadvantages to being indoors.
Advantages
a)The Winter Gardens was built in the Victorian era, and its history and atmosphere are impregnated into the structure. It’s an exceptional place for live music with fantastic acoustics. Opened in 1878, the original intention was “to place on the land a concert room, promenades, conservatories and other accessories calculated to convert the estate into a pleasant lounge, especially desirous during inclement days.”
b) The Winter Gardens has lots of purpose-built toilets for males and females designed for their capacity.
This means no temporary loos or 30-minute queues, no wet floors, no running out of toilet rolls, no gymnastics holding one foot against the portaloo door, and no hole in the floor!
c) No mud, dirt and gravel to spoil those favourite boots or twist an ankle.
d) Plenty of occasional seating. Each staging area will have a mixture of guest seatin’, standin’ or dancin’ options.
e) In Blackpool, the weather is primarily outdoors. So no wind, which means it’s easy for the sound engineer to manage the excellent quality and for the artists to stay upright. No rain to stop play.
f) It’s easy for those in the audience that want to dress up in their country’s finest. You will be warm. You don’t need to think about layers or waterproof or wellies. There is a cloakroom available for your outer clothes, how very civilised?
g) No painful strap marks or sunstroke (I know, clutching at straws, right ? It’s September in Blackpool)!
Dis-Advantages
Mmmm, Let me think.
TRAVEL ADVICE
OFFICIAL TRAVEL ADVICE
Based in the heart of Blackpool, the Winter Gardens Blackpool is easily accessible by road, rail and public transport. Blackpool is situated on the northwest coastline of the UK.
WHAT KIND OF SIGNPOSTING WILL BE USED FOR THE FESTIVAL?
We have teamed up with what3words to use the latest technology to guide you to the front door of the festival at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. what3words has divided the world into a grid of 3mx3m squares and assigned each one a unique three-word address. Go to the free website map.what3words.com or download a free what3words app (available for iOS and Android)
For the Main Festival Entrance type in:- ///mount.deal.seats
HOW DO IF GET THERE TRAVELLING BY CAR & TAXI?
Blackpool enjoys the luxury of having a motorway link direct to the heart of the resort – take Junction 32 off the M6, and the M55 will lead you almost to the beach!
From the M55 exit at junction 4, follow A583 into central Blackpool or for sat nav – use postcode FY1 1HW.
Central Blackpool does have one-way systems and pedestrianised areas. You may wish to use one of the large, well sign-posted tourist car parks close to the Promenade or two car parks more proximate to the Winter Gardens.
A multi-storey facility is available within the Houndshill Shopping Centre. This is approx 150m from the Coronation Street entrance (lift access to the main areas of the Winter Gardens building) or approx. 300m from the Church Street entrance (ground level access to the main building)- the postcode of this car park is FY1 4NY. This is a pay-on-return car park.
Open-air, ground-level parking is also available on the corner of Adelaide Street and Alfred Street, approx 200m from the Church Street entrance – the postcode of this car park is FY1 4LA. This is a pay-&-display car park.
Limited metered street parking is also available close by. St Johns Square is a shared-use space open to pedestrians only for long periods. The Winter Gardens does not have on-site public parking.
A taxi rank is on Church Street and just a few minutes’ walks from the building entrance. Taxis may also drop off outside both doors to the Winter Gardens, subject to traffic restrictions.
HOW DO IF GET THERE TRAVELLING BY TRAIN?
Blackpool North Station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Winter Gardens. Blackpool is well-connected to the national railway network. Superfast Virgin ‘Pendolino’ trains bring passengers to Preston, with four services an hour for the onward journey to Blackpool North. Hourly services connect Blackpool South station to East Lancashire, again stopping at Preston.
There are also direct services between London Euston and Blackpool North and direct services to Blackpool North from Manchester International Airport, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Liverpool Lime Street and York.
Preston Station has direct services to and from all major cities, including London Euston, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
For up-to-date information on rail services, check with your provider in advance of your journey. Here are some of the links to our principal rail operators:
Northern Rail – @northernassist
Virgin Trains – @VirginTrains
TRAVELLING BY COACH
Modern coaches are superbly equipped and comfortable, offering high quality, value for money way of getting to your favourite festival. Check out our festival partner Tuned In Travel.
National Express Coaches operate to and from the resort’s heart throughout the year, arriving and departing in the new Blackpool Central Coach Station located at the rear of Coral Island in the Blackpool Central Car Park. Seven-minute walk to the festival.
Further details are available from any National Express Agent and the enquiry centre by calling 0121 254 7272.
Other companies offering summer schedules services to Blackpool include Classic Coaches, operating from the North East. Several companies also offer coach holidays to the resort, and details of these can be found on the Coach Tourism Council’s website by clicking here.
TRAVELLING BY SEA?
Blackpool is within easy reach of several ferry ports covering crossings from Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Netherlands. A complete list of ferry crossings is detailed below.
Dublin, Douglas and Belfast to Liverpool
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead
Larne to Cairnryan
Douglas to Heysham
Hook of Holland to Harwich
TRAVELLING BY AIR?
Blackpool Airport is 13-minute drive
Manchester Airport is 61-minute drive
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 71 minutes drive
Leeds Bradford is 113 minutes
ACCESSIBILITY
HOW DO I CONTACT THE ACCESSIBILITY TEAM?
The British Country Music Festival aims to cater for all access needs to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time at the Festival.
Blackpool Winter Gardens has requested that all Accessible Ticketing requests be solicited only through their representatives to accommodate your needs better. Please get in touch with a Blackpool Winter Gardens representative for further help with your ticket purchase.*
Advance ticket purchase may be required.
Telephone Number(s): Box Office: 01253 629608
Service Hours: Please refer to box office opening times on the Blackpool Winter Gardens website as times vary.
https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/your-visit/opening-hours
DO YOU ALLOW ASSISTANCE DOGS ON SITE?
We allow Assistance Dogs on site. Please email us in advance if you plan to bring an assistance dog.
ARE THERE MEDICAL SERVICES ON SITE?
We have 24 hour medical and welfare facilities that can be found at the first aid point. If you have any specific questions about a medical need during your time with us at the festival you’d like to discuss in advance; please email us.
HOW ACCESSIBLE IS THE WINTER GARDENS SITE?
The Winter Gardens has easy access.
Disabled Go provides a comprehensive access guide to the Winter Gardens Access Guide.
DO I NEED TO NOTIFY THE VENUE ABOUT ANY SPECIAL ACCESS REQUESTS PRIOR TO MY ARRIVAL?
Carer / Personal Assistant (PA) Tickets
We offer a free carer ticket for those who require assistance to attend the festival.
You must first purchase a general admission festival ticket to apply for a free carer/PA ticket.
Next, you will need to forward your booking confirmation email and evidence of your disability to marina@britishcountrymusicfestival.com, and a member of the team will be in touch to process your application.
Copies of the following are accepted as evidence:
Middle / High rate DLA for care and mobility
Receipt of personal independence payment (PIP)
Evidence of severely sighting impaired
Recognised assistance dog ID Card
Credibility Access Card +1 Category requirement.
Whilst we continue to update this information, should you have a specific concern or question, please use the contact form below or call our reception on 0203 291 2808