Hello you hairy so and so’s,
This our last newsletter before the gates open!
We are sorry to announce that Arrested Development will no longer be performing at this year’s festival due to unforeseen circumstances. We sincerely apologise but sadly the matter is out of the festivals hands. However, we are more than delighted to have secured the amazing ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION who have pulled out all the stops to fill the void. If you saw their performance in 2012, you will know that you are in for a real treat.
This newsletter contains pre-advisory generalist information to ensure everyone is happy and safe for the oncoming fun!!! Please note that disabled applications have now closed. For full information about this year’s festival please go to our General Information Page on our website.
We look forward to welcoming you into our fields and we hope everyone has a safe journey on your way to us.
Bearded Theory Team
Ticket Distribution
See Tickets have now sent out all the tickets for this year’s festival (excluding tickets purchased within the past 7 days). If your tickets have not arrived, please contact See Tickets directly via https://www.seetickets.com/customerservice?lang=en-GB
Opening Hours
Gates open at 2pm on Thursday 26th May and 9am Friday 27th May for all ticket holders. Gates close at 8pm on Thursday for entry/re-entry, 9pm Friday & Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. Please do not arrive prior to the gate opening times.
Music will start at around 7.30pm on Thursday in the Maui Waui and 8pm in the Woodland. The Holy Goat and Woodland bar will be open from 4pm until 1am on Thursday night. Music starts at around 12 noon on the Friday across all stages.
Site Plan
Click on the picture to enlarge.
Tent Thieves
Bearded Theory is a safe place to come to. Unfortunately, as with any popular event, there is always a tiny minority who don’t come to just enjoy themselves. In 2015 we had 8 reported tent thefts but we are totally committed to reducing this. The measures we had in previous years resulted in culprits being caught, reported to the Police and them receiving custodial sentences. We will be implementing the same measures, and more in 2016.
We will have a campsite security office for your convenience. In addition, there will be campsite security patrols as well as decoy tents with CCTV cameras supplied by South Derbyshire Police. Undercover and uniformed Police will also be onsite for the duration and we thank South Derbyshire Police for their continued support in this regard.
Whilst we are trying our hardest to reduce onsite crime, we will need your help and assistance. Please keep any valuables with you at all times. Make sure they are somewhere safe, and close to you especially when you are in bed. Never leave handbags or wallets in the communal parts of your tent. Better still use the lockers provided. These are located in the middle of the campsite. Do not withdraw large amounts of cash, withdraw daily amounts from the cash point in the arena. The cash machines might charge you a couple of quid a time but it is better paying that than losing £20+ to a thief.
We will be using security dogs for your safety. The reason doing this is that dogs can track someone’s smell regardless of where they hide. This is essential as our security team cannot see in the dark despite eating plenty of carrots!
Anyone caught stealing, or attempting to steal, will be reported to the Police and to the Association of Independent Festivals, to prevent them going to other events and doing the same. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, please report it immediately and do not wait until the morning.
Together we will stamp this out.
Cash Points
We have cash points on-site and they will be located next to the bar in the Main Arena.
Directions
Please ensure you follow the correct AA signage according to your routing pass. Please note disabled access is now via PRODUCTION ROUTE and not red route which has been the case in previous years.
PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR SAT NAV WHEN APPROACHING THE FESTIVAL SITE, FOLLOW THE AA ROUTING SIGNS DUE TO A NARROW BRIDGE IN WALTON UPON TRENT.
From the West or South (a): From the M5 (from the West) or the M40 (from London), take the M42 Northbound. Between Junctions 8 and 9 take the M6 toll road and exit at T4 onto the A38 Northbound. Follow AA road signs which will exit you at the Alrewas / Rugely / Tamworth A513 turnoff. Follow the signs to the festival.
From the North: Follow the M1 Southbound and exit onto the A38 at Junction 28, heading West for Burton / Birmingham. Keep travelling until you pick up the AA road signs, which will exit you at the Alrewas / Rugely / Tamworth A513 turnoff. Follow the signs to the festival.
From the South (b): Take the M1 from London, and exit at Junction 24, following the A50 to Stoke. After a few miles you will exit onto the A38 to Burton. Follow the BAA road signs which will exit you at the Alrewas / Rugely / Tamworth A513 turnoff. Follow the signs to the festival.
Legal Highs = Unknown Outcome
If you don’t know what it is, then the likelihood is that the paramedics won’t know either. Please don’t take the risk, the horrible people that make these things do not care about the consumer and we have friends that organise a small festival and they had 2 people die at their festival because of taking these things. We know how they felt after this happened and we ask not to be put in that same position. Calculus
If anyone is caught in possession of legal highs, they will be asked to leave.
BBQs
There have been a number of tragic deaths nationally from carbon monoxide poisoning linked to the use of barbecues within tents, camping structures and caravans.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Levels of the gas can build up very quickly to levels that can make someone unwell to potentially resulting in a fatality.
Approximately 4,000 people attending Accident and Emergency each year are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. When CO enters the body it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. CO can kill quickly, in minutes, without warning and even low levels of the poison can cause lasting damage to health.
Campers have lost their lives after taking lit barbecues into tents or caravans for warmth.
A lit or smouldering barbecue should never be taken into a tent, tent awning, camping pod, caravan or campervan.
Similarly, portable gas stoves are not designed to be used inside such structures. They should be kept clean, in good working order and should only be used outside in a suitably ventilated area.
It is tempting to move cooking equipment inside when the weather is poor, but again, this can quickly lead to a potentially deadly build-up of poisonous gas.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to carbon monoxide fumes should seek medical advice immediately.
Where can I find advice on CO?
For further information; see Gas Safe web page on BBQ safety.
