FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the festival?
Gloucester Docks
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When is the festival?
25-27 May
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What time does Tall Ships Festival open each day?
11am - Sat and Sun.
10am - Bank Holiday Mon.
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What time does Tall Ships Festival close each day?
8pm - Sat and Sun.
6pm - Bank Holiday Mon.
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What is available at the festival?
Three days of live music across three stages. Six mighty tall ships. A traditional funfair. The Smugglers’ Market, pop-up performances, The Hideout kids zone, stories and performances on Tell-Tale Island, a cannon display, and loads more. You can see the whole line-up on this here wonderful website.
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Can I dress up?
Yes please!
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately we can only allow assistance and Docks resident dogs onto the Festival site.
The festival isn't designed for four-legged friends. The site will be very busy with thousands of people. There will be loud cannon fire and music. We want to be mindful of the many people with allergies and fears of dogs, as well as the safety of the many children on site. We want everyone to be comfortable and safe. We also don't want your dogs put into a situation where they may not be comfortable, so please leave your dog at home.
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When is everything on?
Pick up a printed schedule at the event, or check it out online here.
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How do I buy tickets?
At Gloucester Guildhall Box Office (phone: 01452 503050 or in person at 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS. Note the Box Office is open Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm)
At the On Site Box Office (head for entrance gates G2 and G2 on the festival map). On Site will be busy, so we'd recommend online booking in advance.
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I've got questions about tickets.
Check out all the info on tickets here.
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How can I talk to someone about Tall Ships Festival?
Any customer service queries to tickets@gloucester.gov.uk.
Alternatively find any of the team in Tall Ships T-Shirts and they can find an answer for you.
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How do I get to the festival?
We’d advise sustainable transport and then walking to the festival to avoid traffic. Find all the ways to get to Tall Ships here.
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How do I get there from Gloucester Quays?
Walk on through the main Quays building to Llanthony Road to find the entrances to the Festival.
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What about Cars and Parking?
We are advising that people don’t drive if they can help it, but if they do need to get in that they park further out that the car parks around the docks to relieve pressure on the roads. For those who wish to park nearer the docks, we are advising to attend early to avoid traffic and queues.
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How can I collect my wristband?
On entry to the Festival you will show your e-ticket barcode at the gate and be given a wristband. Each code/e-ticket can only be scanned once so keep your ticket codes safe and do not distribute them if you don't need to. Gate staff will be able to scan your tickets from a phone so there is no requirement to print tickets out. Make sure you have your phone battery charged.
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What ID should I bring?
The bars we will be employing a “Challenge 25” scheme. Attendees without relevant ID will be refused alcohol at the bars. See our terms and conditions for more info.
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Are there any age restrictions?
There is no minimum age. Though all attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an appropriate adult. See our terms and conditions for more info.
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How do I get around the festival site?
Find the festival map here or pick up a printed map on site at one of the gates.
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I have access needs, where can I find out information about that?
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Is the site accessible for wheelchairs?
The Docks area is accessible for wheelchairs. Access onto the ships is restricted for wheelchair users as the ships gang planks are not suitable. Find more access info here.
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Are there accessible toilets?
Yes - toilet blocks all have accessible facilities. See their locations on our site map.
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Can I access the Docks without a wristband?
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If you are visiting one of the dockside businesses, like Food Dock, Greek on the Docks, etc, you can tell the team on the gates and they will let you through. The site team will be operating wristband checks throughout the day so you may be asked to leave the site if you’re not at your stated destination though.
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If you work in the Docks or live in the Docks, you will have been sent wristbands so you can come and go as you please.
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There are no restrictions on entry into the Docks before 10am and after 8pm on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26, and before 9am and after 6pm on Monday 27.
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When are the ships arriving?
Ships will start arriving into the docks on Thursday 23 May. Come and see them arrive!
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Can I bring my own alcohol/ glass bottles?
You cannot bring your own alcohol into the festival site. Glass bottles will also be confiscated at the gate so please don't attempt to bring them in.
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I need first aid, what do I do?
Head to a first aid station (find them on the map here).
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A child or vulnerable adult has been lost, what do I do?
If you have found a lost child or vulnerable adult, or lost them at the Festival, please alert one of the team (look out for white Tall Ships 'Crew' t-shirts) or one of our security team. You will always be able to find team members at any of the gates or first aid stations.
If the child has a Stowaway wristband on, there is space on there for parents and carers to write a phone number, so do check for this.
Please bring any lost children to any of the first aid stations. If you trying to locate a lost child or vulnerable adult, please attend a first aid station in the first instance.
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Is the bridge that was broken preventing ships getting to Gloucester Docks now fixed?
Yes! Woo!
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Where should I eat after Tall Ships Festival closes?
Why, Food Dock of course! With a host of wonderful restaurants and bars, it’s the perfect place to continue the festivities. Check out Visit Gloucester's website for more ideas.
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How can I apply as a trader, volunteer or sponsor?
Check out our Get Involved page.