20/04/2026
Friarwood Festival 2026 - FAQs
🌺 Do I need a ticket?
Yes, everyone that comes along needs a ticket, bought in advance from Merlin Tickets, link: https://friarwoodfestival.merlintickets.co.uk/
Please try and get your tickets as early as possible as we’ve sold out every year to date.
Our ticket prices are:
Standard Tickets (11 years +) £5
Child Tickets (3-10 years) £3
Infant Tickets (0-2) Free, but ticket still required.
🌺 Do children need tickets?
Yes, all children, including infants/babies need a ticket to access the festival site. This helps us to make sure we’re not overcrowded and the site remains safe.
🌺 Do I need to print my tickets?
You can either print your ticket or show it on your device at the gates. You’ll be given a wristband on entry, that you need to wear whilst at the event.
You may be asked to leave if you don’t have it on.
🌺 Is there food and drink?
Yes, we’ve got lots of local traders, including bars, on site. They’ll be selling street food, pizza, sweet treats and more. Or you’re welcome to bring along a picnic.
🌺 Can I bring alcohol?
Yes, anyone over 18 can bring in alcohol on first entry, but please be reasonable. You may be asked for proof of age.
Strictly no glass is permitted so choose carefully. Glass bottles, including wine bottles, will be confiscated and disposed of.
🌺 Can I re-enter with more alcohol?
No. There are traders on site though if required.
🌺 Do you have lost property?
Please hand lost property to one of the volunteers in the high visibility vests. If you’ve lost something, give them a shout and they’ll check if anything’s been handed in.
🌺 Is there on-site parking?
There’s no on-site parking, but the closest Pay & Display car parks are only a short walk away:
Friarwood Lane (opposite Stringers Garage), for the Mayors Walk entrance
Newgate Car Park, Liquorice Way, for the Southgate entrance
Please be thoughtful and don’t park in either the hospital car parks or on the neighbouring streets.
🌺 Is the festival suitable for children?
Yes, alongside the music there’s lots for children to do, including a range of activities (some free, some at a small charge), the playground, our Silent Disco and more. Rhubarb Radio will also be on the stage providing entertainment throughout the day.
🌺 Can payments be made by card or cash?
There will be a mix of vendors, some of which will accept card payments, others cash only. We’d recommend bringing both.
🌺 Can I bring my own chairs/rugs?
Of course - please take them home with you afterwards though
🌺 Can I bring a gazebo?
No, we don’t allow gazebos on-site. They tend to block the view for others and we want everyone to enjoy the day.
🌺 Are there toilet facilities?
It wouldn’t be a festival without festival toilets! They do get busy though so there may be a short queue.
🌺 Will the festival be cancelled if it rains?
No way! We’ll be here whatever the weather - rain doesn’t stop the fun
🌺 Can I leave the festival and return?
Yes - as long as you have your wristband on. Re-entry with more alcohol is not permitted though.
🌺 Can I bring my dog?
Sorry but we don’t allow dogs, other than Service Dogs, on-site. It’s really busy and can get very loud, so isn’t ideal for our furry friends.
🌺 I can’t make the festival, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately tickets are non refundable. Don’t forget though, your ticket proceeds all go towards making this an amazing day for our local community. If you want to pass your ticket to friends or family then please make sure they have the ticket barcode email and be aware of Facebook scammers.
🌺 What time does the festival start and finish?
The gates open at 1pm and the first band is on the main stage at 2pm.
The headliner will finish at 8pm and you’ll need to leave the park straight afterwards so we can get started with the clean-up.
🌺 How do I get to the festival?
The site address is:
Friarwood Valley Gardens
Mayors Walk,
Pontefract
WF8 2RR
You’ll see the entrance gates on the same side as the hospital.
Both the Mayors Walk & Southgate entrances will be open.
Friarwoodfestival
