FAQ’s
WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR THE NEXT GARLIC FESTIVAL (2024)?
The Garlic Festival is traditionally held over the third weekend in August, the date for 2024 is Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August 2024.
WHERE IS THE ISLE OF WIGHT GARLIC FESTIVAL?
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival site is at Fighting Cocks Crossroads, Bathingbourne Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0LU.
(Please do not use this as a postal address, this is the event site only, see contact for mailing address.)
WHAT ARE THE SHOW OPENING TIMES?
The show is open from 10am to 6pm each day.
WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS FROM?
Advance tickets are available to buy from our website on the ticket page. They are always available at each gate on the day of the show.
CAN I BRING MY DOG / FERRET / SHEEP?
Yes. They must be well behaved, kept on a lead at all times and you must make sure you clean up after them.
AM I ALLOWED TO CAMP ON-SITE DURING THE SHOW?
No, we only have some restricted camping for traders only. There are several campsites close by and lots of lovely hotel, guesthouses and B&Bs on the Island. See www.visitisleofwight.co.uk.
IS THERE A SHOW GUIDE OR PROGRAMME?
Yes, a free show guide will be available at each entrance. There is also the programme, map and poster to view on our festival fun page. There will also be information and a map in the Isle of Wight Observer Free newspaper.
ARE THERE THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO ON-SITE?
YES! The Garlic Festival is the Island's biggest summer show; families and groups of all ages can spend a full day entertained. We are smaller than your average festival, meaning that you can relax and enjoy your weekend without worrying about overcrowding or the children getting lost. Make sure you grab our programme or check social media nearer the time for a schedule so you can plan your day.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND DRINK?
Yes, you can, we even have a picnic area! Of course we are a food festival so there is plenty of delicious food available from producers and food marquees. There is usually a lot of variety for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free options. Alcohol cannot be brought in. Strictly no glass.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Due to the external catering environment, we cannot guarantee allergen-free food. Food prepared in the same area as other allergens, such as gluten, may contain traces of these allergens. If you suffer from a food intolerance or allergy, please check with each vendor before ordering.
TRAVELLING BY BUS?
Southern Vectis are the bus company on the Isle of Wight. Catch Route 8 from Newport or Ryde or the Downs Breezer from Ryde to get to the Garlic Festival Field. The bus stops right outside on the main road where you can come in through Gate 1 on the corner. More information will be available in the lead-up to the event.
CAN I BRING FOLD-UP CHAIRS?
Yes, fold-up chairs are permitted. You may bring blankets or chairs but we may ask you to keep the immediate area in front of the main stage clear for dancing!
If you need to sit down we have a large picnic area with tables and chairs, plus bales of straw dotted around the site. Our food traders may have seating including The Tiny Tea Tent who have a large marquee with tables and chairs.
CAN I LEAVE THE FESTIVAL SITE AND COME BACK IN?
Yes, you will be allowed to re-enter the festival site as long as you have a hand stamp from the same day or your valid ticket or wristband.
WHERE CAN I FIND A COPY OF THE RUNNING ORDER & WHAT IS ON EACH DAY?
The running order for our Main Stage, Grass Arena, Theatre Kitchen, Camp Garlic and other acts will be available to view on this website in the week leading up to the event, we will also post details on our Social Media.
We do not publish set times to allow flexibility but rough times will be published in our free festival programme. Some acts will only attend one day Saturday or Sunday so please check if you are hoping to catch something specific.
COSPLAY
We welcome fun fancy dress but do not allow clothing or costume that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment. Costumes must be family-friendly and may not not be upsetting. If your cosplay is deemed inappropriate to the casual observer, it will not be allowed inside the event.
WHAT TIME IS BLUEY APPEARING?
We can’t publish set times for Bluey but she will be appearing at intervals all day, both days. There is a ‘B’ marked on the programme and you won’t miss her spot!
TRAVELLING BY BOAT?
Enjoy 15% discount off private vehicle return ferry travel with Red Funnel. Routes from Southampton to East Cowes (Car Ferry). You can also come over via Southampton to West Cowes as a foot passenger. Book now with Red Funnel.
WHERE CAN I GET A SITE MAP?
The site map will be available nearer to the event inside the free programme and published on social media.
CAN YOU BUY GARLIC FESTIVAL T-SHIRTS?
Yes! We have a Teemill website here. Based on the Isle of Wight within a purpose-built facility and printed on organic, sustainable materials in an ethically accredited, wind-powered factory. What’s more, proceeds from our t-shirts are heading straight to Island Charities.
IS THERE DISABLED PARKING?
Yes - There are disabled parking spaces adjacent to the show site, near gates 2 and 3. Please ask for directions from our car park marshals. They will point you in the right direction.
ARE THERE DISABLED TOILETS?
Yes - There are disabled toilets on site, marked on the map or please ask for directions.
ARE THERE CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED PERSONS & THEIR CARERS?
If you require a carer and are over 18, please bring documentation to show our gate team.
Disabled entry (Including free carer) please purchase adult, child or senior ticket.
If you want to purchase disabled entry to the Garlic Festival (which includes a free carer) we ask that customers can provide the following documentation on arrival at the festival gates. It is vital that you show the relevant paperwork at the admission gate upon entry.
A Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance award letter (which is dated within the last twelve months)
A Personal Independence Payment letter (which is dated within the last twelve months)
A current and valid Blue Badge (A picture of the badge in situ is fine if it is being used on the vehicle)
Letter from your GP or consultant (dated within the last twelve months) confirming the need for a full-time carer. This does not need to be a letter of diagnosis.
Unfortunately, we are not able to issue carers tickets/passes without seeing the above documentation. Each disabled customer must provide the documentation above to receive a free carer entry.
Minimum carer age is 16 years.
If additional carers are needed then proof of an 'Access Card' will need to be shown in order to qualify for more than 1 free carer per disabled person.
CHALLENGE 25
We will be operating and enforcing a strict Challenge 25 policy. So if you are lucky enough to look 25 or younger, please make sure that you bring an acceptable form of identification.
Valid forms of ID include:
- An in-date photographic driver’s license or provisional licence.
- A valid passport (not a photocopy). Out-of-date passports will NOT be accepted.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Ask us on social media or email hello@garlicfestival.co.uk.