General Information
What is the Summerhill Festival?
The Summerhill Festival of Childhood will be a community and family-friendly event, that will bring together many exciting projects, collaborations, workshops, talks, presentations and performances based on art, music, theatre, dance, craft, educational and child rearing approaches, psychology, sustainability, community and children’s rights for thousands of participants.
Please check out our website for more details: www.summerhillfestival.com.
When will the festival take place?
We launched Summerhill School’s official centenary celebrations on 30/1/2021 with the wonderful 100th Birthday Festival Taster Event.
The dates for Summerhill Festival of Childhood: 5-10th August 2022.
Put it in the diary, and we look forward to lots of hugs with our friends and supporters from all corners of the world at this historic event.
Watch this space for more news:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerhillfestivalofchildhood
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHillChildFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhillfestival2022/
Is the Festival going to take place on school grounds?
No, the Festival will be located on Peakhill Farm, a few minutes drive away from Summerhill School.
Can I visit Summerhill school?
Yes you will be able to visit its lovely and historical site during her 100th birthday. There will be regular transport to and from Summerhill School itself, or you can walk to the school in 45 minutes along a beautiful countryside path.
Is it possible to attend for a single day?
Yes, the day tickets are valid until 23:00 of the purchase day.
Will there be interpreters?
No, unfortunately we will not be able to provide this service. In the past, groups of guests have brought their own interpreters. Please contact us, if you have any questions.
Will events be cancelled if there is bad weather?
The Summerhill Festival will be outdoors in not so sunny England but it is during the best time of year so we will not be expecting a lot of rain. Should the clouds open though, there will be many big tents and marquees to supply shelter. We would recommend bringing water proofs though just in case.
Can I donate towards the Festival?
All donations will be gratefully received. Please visit our GoFundMe for more information.
How can I help? I would like to volunteer during the festival.
Thank you for wanting to give your precious time and work with our wonderful team! Please follow this link and let us know what you would like to do.
I have a business. How can I be part of the festival?
We would love to hear from you. Please visit our website for more information.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry no pets are allowed at the festival. Approved service dogs are the only animals permitted.
What’s the camera and filming policy?
Please check out our Terms & Conditions as well as the Privacy Policy associated with the festival for more information. www.summerhillfestival.com
Are bicycles allowed?
Bicycles are permitted on site. Please note that the safe keeping of bicycles is completely at your own risk.
How can I connect with other people who are planning to attend the Festival?
You can connect to other prospective festival goers on the following social media sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerhillfestivalofchildhood
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHillChildFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhillfestival2022/
Community: https://community.summerhillfestival.com/
Ticket
What type of tickets are available and how much do they cost?
For all information about ticket types available, please visit our ticket purchasing site by clicking the link: https://buytickets.at/summerhillfestivalofchildhood
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Yes.
I am a student/ex-summerhillian/retired/have a disability etc. Can I have a discount?
Summerhill students (current and ex) and parents of Summerhill students are entitled to discounts. Please contact festival@100yearsofsummerhill.co.uk
What payment options are available?
We currently accept PayPal or card payment through Stripe, on the festival ticketing website.
Will I be able to re-enter the site if I leave during the day?
Once you receive your wristband on arrival, you may come and go from the festival site as you please. Any wristband which has been removed, damaged, or cut is rendered invalid and re-entry will not be permitted.
I bought a ticket, but have not received a confirmation.
Ticket Tailor will email you a confirmation and reference for your ticket. Please contact us for any other information or ticket issues: festival@100yearsofsummerhill.co.uk
Please check your spam folder, before contacting us.
Can I resell or give my ticket to a friend if I cannot attend?
Yes you may transfer ownership of your ticket. Please email us the new person’s information , the ticket number and make sure they bring your ticket to the gate with them. We will then issue them with your wristband and give them a hug! 🙂
When will I receive my tickets?
As soon as you pay for your tickets on the Ticket Tailor website you will receive an email confirmation and a reference. Please keep these details safe for your entry to the festival.
How must my ticket be presented when I arrive at the festival?
Please present the booking reference on your mobile phone (for eco conscious reasons), a printed version of your ticket will also be accepted if this is your only option.
Travel
Do I need a passport to enter the UK?
Please visit https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control or contact your nearest UK embassy.
Do I need a visa to attend?
If you are not coming from the United Kingdom please check out the UK Government website for all details on Visa: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa
Where will the festival take place?
Peakhill Farm, Theberton
IP16 4TG
How do I get there?
As you probably know, Summerhill School is situated in Leiston, Suffolk. It is a small town in the countryside, so it is easier to get there if you have a car.
However, if you prefer using public transportation, the best way to get to Leiston is by train. The nearest train station is in Saxmundham.
How do you get to the festival?
By Car:
By Plane:
The closest airport to Leiston is London Stansted Airport but most international flights would probably land at London Heathrow Airport. Please check out the following public transportation options in order to get to and travel around in this part of the country:
Transportation from all London airports:
https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/getting-to-london/london-airports
By Tube: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/tube/ (Underground services to London Liverpool Street Station, carry on by train from there.)
By Train: http://trainline.com/
(From London Stansted Airport / London Liverpool Street Station to Saxmundham)
By Coach: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en (From London Stansted Airport / London Heathrow Airport to Ipswich)
By Bus: https://bustimes.org/localities/leiston (From Ipswich / Saxmundham to Leiston, weekdays only)
Once you arrive in Saxmundham, you would need to book a taxi or catch a bus to Leiston. They are small taxi businesses so their cars have to be booked a few days in advance but they are aware we are having this event so they will get you here, you just might need to wait a bit. It is not enough to call them “on the spot”. So: “No taxi rank at the station, pre-book only.” Also, they could potentially pick you up at the airport as well, just make sure you book them well in advance.
Taxi A2B: +441728633003
Bus times:
https://bustimes.org/services/64-aldeburgh-saxmundham-woodbridge-ipswich
https://bustimes.org/services/521-aldeburgh-leiston-saxmundham-halesworth
If you would like to find other travellers going to the festival and perhaps share your journey, please reach out to any of our social media pages.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerhillfestivalofchildhood
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHillChildFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhillfestival2022/
Does the venue have a car park?
Yes, car parking is provided for ticket holders.
Is there designated parking for disabled people?
Yes – there will be disabled parking spaces close to the festival entrance for blue badge holders. Please email us if you need any other provisions for your disability: festival@100yearsofsummerhill.co.uk.
Accomodation
What are the different types of accommodation available?
- rent a tent, We have two rent a tent options, the first is a simple bell tent which just includes up to 5 beds. The second is a more luxurious version of the same tent. This one will have bedding, a small light and maybe a little decoration. 🙂
- bring a tent
- site for camper vans
- hotel etc in the local area (see below) We suggest this option only if you are travelling by car.
If you are planning to book accommodation other than on our site, we recommend you do it as soon as possible as the surrounding area is a popular holiday destination. We recommend checking out Airbnb and Booking.com for accommodation. There are many lovely small towns around the area, although these would require taxis or your own transportation to get to the festival everyday.
Here is a list of surrounding towns; Leiston, Aldringham, Knodishall, Saxmundham, Eastbridge, Theberton, Friston, Benhall Green, Yoxford, Westleton, Middleton, Thorpeness, Aldeburgh and Snape.
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/ and https://www.booking.com/United-Kingdom/Hotels
Will there be showers, electrical points, water points, kitchen facilities at the festival?
Showers: Yes
Water Points: Yes
Electrical Points:Yes but we recommend bringing a power bank or two just in case as there may be many people wrestling for them. 🙂
Kitchen facilities: We are planning to have a small number of communal barbeques for the participants to cook their own food on. However there will not be enough for everyone and you will have to cook at your own risk. No children allowed to cook on the barbeques. We will have a variety of food and other vendors on site at the festival.
Are there any electrical hook-ups on the campsite?
There is no access to campervan or campsite electrical hook-ups.
Are there local shops available within walking distance from the festival?
There are grocery shops about an hour’s walk away, in Leiston and at Maple Farm. We will have a variety of food and other vendors on site at the festival.
Is accommodation included in the ticket price?
When you purchase a Full 6 Day Festival Ticket, please bring your own tent and camping equipment.
If you are unable to bring a tent and still would like to camp in our campsite, add-on camping accommodation options are available.
Day Tickets also allow you to camp for one night, the night preceding the day of the ticket of purchase. The same camping options as above apply.
Are meals included in the ticket price?
No, food is not included in the ticket price.
Can I buy food at the festival?
We will have a variety of food and other vendors on site at the festival.
Can I bring my own food, alcohol, bottles and glass to the festival?
Yes, but no glass will be allowed. You are only allowed to bring alcohol, if you are over 18.
I have a dietary restriction, what should I do?
We will be getting a number of catering vans who will be selling food. We will make sure they have a variety of options but we will not guarantee that your requirements will be fulfilled, please plan accordingly.
At the Festival
Will there be wheelchair access/disabled facilities?
Wheelchair facilities including toilets and showers will be provided. Please note this is a festival and situated in a field, so rough/bumpy/grassy ground is expected.
What are the payment options at the Festival?
Most vendors at the festival will accept card payments. You may also request Cash Back from certain vendors on site. If you are an international participant we recommend checking with your bank before travelling.
Will there be an ATM available at the festival?
No ATMs will be provided. There are ATMs available in the towns of Saxmundham and Leiston.
Will I be able to park my car next to my tent?
Unfortunately not. Health and safety regulations do not allow one to park by the camping area.
Can we camp with all our friends in one place? Is it possible to reserve a space?
No reservations. But we are happy for you to organise your campsite with friends. This may be done via our new community festival community coming soon!
Can we camp next to our friends camper van?
Unfortunately not. Health and safety regulations do not allow this.
Can we use a generator in the campsite?
No generators allowed on site. You are welcome to use your campervan/camping battery packs.
Will there be a creche available for my children during the festival?
Unfortunately there will be no creche or child care facilities provided. All minors should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Is there seating, or should I bring my own chairs?
We will be providing seating throughout the festival but we cannot guarantee a place to sit, so if you feel like bringing a lightweight camping chair or a blanket then why not. 🙂
Is there mobile coverage onsite?
There is mobile coverage available in the area, please check with your provider.
Is there somewhere I can charge my mobile?
Yes, mobile phone/tablet/laptop charging areas will be provided.This may be limited though so we recommend you bringing a power bank or extra battery just in case.
Will there be medical facilities?
Yes, First Responders and First Aid will be available at all times.
Are there shops at the festival?
Yes, food vendors and other contributors will be on site.
Will there be a locker?
No, unfortunately we will be unable to provide lockers at the festival.
Will there be a lost and found?
Yes, the Lost and Found will be situated at the main entrance area of the festival.
Can I have a barbeque or fire at the campsite?
No unauthorised fires will be permitted on site. Portable gas and camping cookers are not permitted on the festival field, including the camping areas. This is due to UK Health and Safety Guidelines.
Due to the recent high temperatures and the lack of rain across the UK, there have been a number of wildfires, nationally and locally. Also, the festival site is itself very dry and the surrounding fields are exceptionally high risk.
Because of this fires will only be permitted in two designated fire bowls provided on site.
Unfortunately, we are not able to allow the use of portable barbecues whilst the situation in the UK is so extreme.
Is smoking permitted at the festival site?
Smoking can only take place in the designated smoking area of the festival and all precautions will need to be taken at all times to prevent any risk of fire starting caused by smoking, including only putting cigarettes out in the sand buckets provided.
Finally, there will be no smoking at all during the walk to Summerhill School from the festival site. The fields you will be walking through are of the highest risk and so there will be absolutely no smoking during that walk.
Can I bring a Gazebo?
No gazebos permitted.
What should campers do with their rubbish? Will there be recycling?
Bins/skips will be provided for general trash at the festival and in the camping and campervan areas.
Recycling bins will also be provided for other recyclable items. We remind and request that the ‘no trace’ mentality is followed, please be as eco conscious as possible at the festival.
Will there be music? At what time will the music finish at the end of the day?
Some events will have music including live bands, dj’s and other music.
Music and festivities at the festival and in the arena will end at 12 o’clock at night.
Can I buy Summerhill Festival and Summerhill School Merchandise at the festival?
Yes.
Cancellation & Refund
COVID-19 POLICY & REFUNDS
Should the Festival be cancelled due to COVID-19 related restrictions you are entitled to a full refund on your ticket.
You understand that the Summerhill Festival of Childhood shall be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event and which may change at any time as determined by applicable government bodies, departments, agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings. If any ticket holder does not comply with any laws, mandates, health orders or directives, promoter or venue terms, conditions or rules, then the promoter or venue operator may refuse admission or require any ticket holder to leave the venue and you/ticket holder will not be entitled to a refund.
The organisers of the Summerhill Festival of Childhood are very aware of the recent changes to the UK’s national Covid 19 legislation, and that many countries around the world have not adopted the same laws around the pandemic as the UK has. Due to this, we will be looking closely at the festival’s covid policy taking into consideration that we are an international event and that many participants will be required to travel both ways to attend the event. For this reason, we may be implementing some Covid protective measures during the festival itself which we will be announcing in due course to help prevent the spreading of Covid during the festival to better support our international travellers.
OTHER REFUNDS
Full refunds of tickets will be considered and/or obtained by contacting us on festival@100yearsofsummerhill.co.uk
Should the Festival be cancelled due to COVID-19 related restrictions you are entitled to a full refund on your ticket no matter the date.
Tickets are fully refundable up until 5 May 2022. Cancellation between 30-90 days before festival start date will result in a 50% cancellation fee.
Tickets are non-refundable after 5 July 2022 at 23:59 (UK Time)
COVID-19
Are there any special COVID-19 regulations?
Please check https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE WEBSHOP
Email address for all Webshop queries:
service@spreadshirt.co.uk
phone number: tel:+442039661818
CONTACT US
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at festival@100yearsofsummerhill.co.uk
