FAQs
NeoAncients May 1-3, 2026: Three Days of Music, Talks, Films, Books, Art, Ritual and Lore across multiple venues in Stroud
Tickets & Entry
How do I access the festival with my ticket?
Your ticket will be exchanged for a wristband at the Box Office when you arrive. This wristband gives you access to all festival venues and events, subject to capacity.
Where do I collect my wristband?
Wristbands can be collected from the NeoAncients Box Office at Lansdown Gallery, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB.
Opening hours:
Friday: 5pm–9pm
Saturday: 10am–9pm
Sunday: 10am–6pm
Do I need to collect a wristband before attending events?
You’ll need a wristband to attend all ticket-holder-only events. Some events are open to the general public and do not require a wristband. These will be listed in the programme and on the NeoAncients website.
Do tickets include access to all events?
Yes. Your ticket gives access to the full festival programme, subject to venue capacity.
Core evening events take place at St Laurence Church, which has capacity for all ticket holders. Some smaller partner and satellite venues will operate on a first come, first served basis, but we’ve programmed multiple events across the town so there will always be something to attend.
Is there a single check-in point or multiple?
NeoAncients is a multi-venue, town-based festival. You collect your wristband once from the Box Office, and it will then be checked by door staff at each venue before entry.
Do I need the DICE app to attend?
Ideally, yes. But if you don’t have the app, you can bring your photo ID and confirmation email to the Box Office when you collect your wristband.
If I purchased via the Weird Walk shop rather than DICE, how do I access the festival?
You will not use DICE, nor will you need a physical ticket. Just head to the Box Office (with your ID and order confirmation email), and your name will be on a Weird Walk Shop Early Bird Ticketholders List.
Will ID and order confirmation be sufficient for entry?
Yes. If you do not have the DICE app, please bring photo ID and your confirmation email to the Box Office.
Should I have received a ticket, barcode or QR code after purchase?
If you booked through DICE, you should receive an email confirmation and be able to view your ticket in the DICE app, including the QR code.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring your phone with the DICE app and QR code if possible. If you do not have the app, bring photo ID and your confirmation email.
How does entry work across multiple venues?
You will be issued a wristband which gives you access across festival venues. Wristbands will be checked at the door of each venue.
Are single-day tickets available?
Yes, day tickets are available via DICE.
Can I attend individual events without a weekend or day ticket?
Unfortunately, individual event tickets are not available.
I haven’t received confirmation — is my booking still valid?
If you booked through DICE and haven’t received an email confirmation, your booking may still be valid, as tickets are primarily stored in the app.
To check, open the DICE app and tap the Tickets icon at the bottom of the screen.
Access & Parking
What parking is available nearby?
Five Valleys Shopping Centre Multi-Storey, Merrywalks
Open 24 hours, charges apply, cheaper on Sundays.
Brunel Mall Multi-Storey, London Road
Open 8am–9pm, free after 2pm, closed on Sundays.
Church Street Car Park
Open 24 hours, charges apply Monday–Saturday, 8am–5pm.
Parliament Street Car Park
Open 24 hours, charges apply Monday–Saturday, 8am–5pm.
Food & Drink
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No. Only alcohol purchased on site may be consumed on site.
Bag searches may be in operation across the weekend, and bringing alcohol into festival venues is not permitted. Local venues rely on bar sales to help support the festival.
What is Challenge 25?
We operate Challenge 25. If our bar staff think you look under 25, you may be asked to provide photographic ID.
If you are under 25, or think you may be asked, please bring ID with you.
Can alcoholic drinks bought at the festival be taken between venues?
No. Due to Stroud District Council licensing laws, alcoholic drinks may not be carried between venues.
Please bear this in mind throughout the weekend and cooperate with door staff who are required to uphold this rule.
Can I smoke or vape at the festival?
Standard smoking and vaping rules apply: you may smoke or vape in outdoor areas, but not inside enclosed public buildings or venues.
Schedule & Programme
Where can I find the full festival schedule?
The full programme schedule, including times and venues, will be available on the NeoAncients website a few weeks before the festival.
You’ll also receive a printed programme when you collect your wristband.
Can I view a timetable before purchasing tickets?
Yes. The full programme will be available on the website and on Instagram before the festival.
What time does the festival start on Friday?
The first event is the attempted standing of the Hurdy Stone.
The walk to the site leaves from outside the Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE at 6:00pm.
The NeoAncients x Supersonic programme starts at St Laurence’s Church, The Shambles, Stroud GL5 1JL at 7:30pm, with doors from 7:00pm.
What time do events start on Saturday and Sunday?
The first events on both Saturday and Sunday begin at 10:00am.
What time does the festival end on Sunday?
The last band on Sunday will finish at approximately 10:30pm.
Can I attend only selected parts of the festival if I’m local?
Yes. You can attend selected parts of the festival.
Please see the full programme on the website for town-wide free events, as well as day ticket options.
Hurdy Stone / Standing Event
Is the standing of the Hurdy Stone part of NeoAncients Festival?
The attempted standing of the Hurdy Stone is a collaboration between NeoAncients and L-13. This event is free and open to the general public.
The procession to the site leaves from outside the Subscription Rooms on Friday at 6:00pm.
What is the walking route to the site like?
The terrain is manageable if you are comfortable walking up and down hills and steps.
Is there parking at Hawkwood College?
Parking is only available for Blue Badge holders, and spaces must be reserved in advance.
Please contact info@neoancients.com.
What time does the ceremony start?
The ceremony begins on Friday at 7:00pm.
What time does the ceremony end?
The ceremony is expected to end between 8:00pm and 8:30pm on Friday.
Will there be enough time to return to Stroud for the evening events?
Yes.
Accessibility
Are venues step-free?
Accessibility is very important to us, and all main venues are accessible.
Some smaller fringe events run by friends of NeoAncients may not be accessible. A full list of venues and access details will be published on our website a week before the festival.
If you would like us to send these details directly, please email info@neoancients.com.
Are there accessible toilets at each venue?
All main venues have accessible toilets.
Will there be BSL interpretation or audio description?
This is available on request. Please let us know as soon as possible by emailing info@neoancients.com.
How do I request seating in advance?
Please email info@neoancients.com and we will arrange reserved seating for you.
Are companion or carer tickets available?
Yes. Please email info@neoancients.com to arrange this.
Age Restrictions
Is the festival strictly 18+?
No, but the festival is not specifically geared towards children and there are no child-centred activities.
Children require a full-price ticket, and under-18s must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult at all times.
Participation: Traders, Artists & Media
How do I apply for a market stall?
Please complete the online application form:
Does being a market trader include access to festival events?
No. We have prioritised keeping stall fees as low as possible to cover venue hire, so festival access is not included.
How can artists, speakers or performers apply to take part?
We are fully programmed for NeoAncients 2026, but we are always keen to hear from artists, performers and makers.
We will post on social media when we are ready to begin receiving applications for next year’s festival.
Can I get a photographer or press pass?
We would love to be able to offer press and photographer passes, but capacity is very tight and tickets are reserved for festival-goers.
If there are specific events you would like to cover, please contact info@neoancients.com and we’ll see what we can do.
Can I bring professional camera equipment?
Yes. If you post photos or video online, please tag @neoancients.
Accommodation & Camping
Is there camping available?
No, we do not provide camping facilities.
What accommodation options are nearby?
Please check online for nearby accommodation options.
Are there recommended places to stay?
There are plenty of Airbnb options nearby, as well as Hawkwood, The Stroud Hotel, and Premier Inn.
