The wait is finally over and this weekend Stendhal Festival of Art returns to provide cravers of all things culture a healthy dose of creativity.
Musical performances from almost 60 acts including Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, Duke Special, Paddy Casey will complement a plethora of artistic genres including poetry, craft, sculpture, comedy, dance and much more, and Limavady is all set to get involved in the third instalment of this fast rising event.
Organisers of the festival have provided a few hints and tips about how to make the most out of your experience by answering some frequently asked questions about the event.
How do I get there?
If you have a sat nav – The postcode is BT490NQ If you have the internet, visit our website and click on the festival info link, then click on directions. Or simply type Stendhal Festival Limavady into Google Maps.
Can I bring my own alcohol on site?
Yes, those in possession of a WEEKEND CAMPING PASS or a FAMILY WEEKEND PASS are the ONLY patrons permitted to bring their own alcohol into the venue. Nobody in possession of a day pass is permitted to bring their own alcohol, but don’t worry, we will have very fairly priced drinks on sale at our bar. The Limit this year is 12 cans plus one plastic bottle. NO GLASS on site please or it will be confiscated.
Will there be a charge for car parking?
Yes, there will be a £4 charge for the full weekend OR £2 per day if you are only visiting for one day. People have asked us why we simply don’t add the price of the car park to the ticket price. Well the simple answer to that is that not everyone will drive to the event so in essence they would be paying for a service they won’t use and that’s not fair! Also see next post about our shuttlebus
I’m under 18, is the family pass my only option for entry?
Yes. Anyone under 18 will not be admitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When do we pitch our tents? Gates open for the event on Friday August 16 at 5pm so anytime after that. If something comes up and you can only camp on the Saturday night, just bring your tent on the Saturday.
If the kids get tired later on can we drop them off and come back to let our hair down?
Absolutely, that’s part of the reason we have introduced the shuttle bus, so that people can come and go as they please. Just don’t lose your wristband in transit.
And kids must be present when a family ticket is presented.
What time do the gates close for entry?
The gate and ticket office close at 10pm on both nights. There will be no access to the site whatsoever after this point.
Our Art Gallery and Craft Market will be back to showcase local talent so bring your extra pennies if you wish to support our local arts and craft sector. We have an album on our facebook showcasing some of the products on sale.
With weather conditions so changeable at the minute we recommend that you bring the appropriate footwear and clothing for anything the weather may decide to bring. Your guess is as good as ours at the minute.
We recommend you bring a lock for your tent. Or don’t bring valuables.
Don’t fancy driving to Stendhal this year? Not a problem thanks to the good folk at North Coast Community Transport, who will once again be providing a FREE shuttle bus service between Limavady and the festival site.
Friday August 16. 6pm to 9pm the service runs in half hour intervals, on the hour from Limavady Bus Depot car park; and on the half hour from the festival site) Departure point: Car park behind Limavady Bus Depot.
Saturday August 17. 10am to 9pm Service runs on the hour from festival site and on the half hour from Limavady Bus depot Car Park.
Unfortunately there isn’t an ATM onsite but if you get really stuck you can get the free shuttle bus into town, times on previous update
Any caravans turning up on the day will not be allowed to stay in the car park even during day hours. Campervans that are not on the list will be charged £10, be in the general carpark and the festival will not be liable for any damage incurred.
Alcohol may only be brought onsite and into the campsite, so for those staying the weekend – alcohol is permitted in this area – family weekend passes not staying are not permitted to bring alcohol.
Tickets are selling fast but we have held aside some for those who are undecided to pay at the gate, there will however be an additional service charge of £5 on tickets bought at the gate.