NEOANCIENTS FESTIVAL 2025
NeoAncients May 2-4: Three Days of Music, Talks, Films, Books, Art, Ritual and Lore across multiple venues in Stroud
FAQs
WHEN WILL THE LINEUP BE ANNOUNCED?
The main line-up is already announced and available on our website https://neoancients.com but there are constant additions being made. The final line-up will be announced a month ahead of the festival weekend on April 8th.
WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY TICKET?
Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a booking reference and barcode. Simply show this on your phone or print it out for entry. We do not issue physical tickets.
DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE MY TICKET FOR A WRISTBAND?
Yes! You’ll need to visit the Box Office to collect your wristband. See below.
WHERE IS THE BOX OFFICE, AND WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS?
The Box Office is Located at Lansdown Gallery, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB.
Opening Hours:
Friday 18:00 – 22:00
Saturday 10:00 – 20:00
Sunday 10:00 – 20:00
CAN I BRING A CHILD?
Although NeoAncients isn’t specifically a family festival, we welcome young folk aged 12-18 with a full-price ticket, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Their supervision and well-being are entirely your responsibility throughout the event. Please be mindful that some performances and spaces will not be suitable for younger audiences.
CAN I BRING A PET?
While we love our four-legged companions, only assistance dogs are permitted at the festival.
CAN I CANCEL OR GET A REFUND ON MY TICKET?
Like the turning of the seasons, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable unless the festival is cancelled. If you can’t attend, we recommend passing your ticket to a friend – you can send them your ticket via the DICE app. Beware of ticket scams—only purchase from official sources.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FESTIVAL IS CANCELLED?
If the fates conspire against us and we must cancel, full refunds will be issued.
WILL THERE BE A FULL SCHEDULE AND MAP?
Yes! A full programme and venue map will be available on https://neoancients.com as well as in pocket-sized paper form at the festival
IS THE FESTIVAL ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
We strive to make NeoAncients as accessible as possible. Please email us at info@neoancients.com to discuss any specific needs or to request assistance.
ARE THE CONCERTS SEATED?
Some performances will be seated, while others will encourage movement and revelry. If you need a seat for health reasons, please contact us in advance.
CAN I GET INTO EVERY EVENT WITH MY TICKET?
Your ticket gives you access to the events listed on it – here’s how it works:
- Weekend Passes cover everything across all three days—every venue, every event, every film.
- Friday events are individually ticketed, so you’ll need a specific ticket for each event you wish to attend or a Weekend Pass
- Saturday & Sunday can be accessed by either a Weekend Pass or Day Pass, granting access to all events on that day, including main performances, ancillary events, and film screenings.
IMPORTANT NOTE: While a Weekend Pass or Day Pass allows entry to all events on that day, it does not guarantee entry to specific venues. Once a space reaches capacity, we’ll operate a one-in, one-out system. If there is something you really want to see in a smaller venue, arriving early is strongly recommended.
LINE-UP CHANGES
The ancient spirits can be unpredictable. While we aim to present the announced lineup, unforeseen changes may occur. No refunds or exchanges will be given for lineup alterations.
WHERE CAN I FIND FOOD?
The festival takes place across multiple venues, all within easy reach of independent eateries, taverns, and vendors. Here are some we recommend:
Cafes
The Yard Cafe, (Sat 8:30– 4pm)
Little Ginger (Sat 9am-4pm)
Woodruffs (Sat 8am-5pm/Sun 9:30am-3pm)
Cafe Max (Sat 8am-6pm/Sun 9am-4pm)
Rough Hands (Sat 8am-4pm/Sun 9:30am-4pm)
Fish
Simpsons Fish & Chips (Sat 12-2pm + 4:30-8:30pm)
Vegan
Star Anise (Sat 8:30am-3:30pm)
Pizza
Fat Toni’s Pizza (Sat 12-9:30pm/Sun 3:30-9pm)
Fine Dining
The Corner House (Sat 11am-00:00/Sun 12-7pm)
Juliet (Sat-Sun 9:30-11pm)
Indian, Italian, Thai etc.
Bengal Balti (Sat-Sun 5-11pm)
Daikoku Ramen 12-3pm/5-9:30pm)
Five Valleys Food Court (Sat 10am-5pm/Sun 11am-4pm)
Falafael Mama (Sat 11am-4pm)
Galgos Latino (Sat 5-9pm)
Rajdoot (Sat-Sun 5-10:30pm)
Sorrento (Sat 12-3pm + 5-11:30pm/Sun 12-3pm + 5-10pm)
Spice Lounge (Sat-Sun 5-10pm)
All-day breakfasts etc
Curio Lounge (Open All Day Sat-Sun)
WILL THERE BE MERCH FOR SALE?
Yes! There will be a whole merch stall with tees, totes, and other various trinkets available to purchase. The Merch Stall is located at the Box Office.
The Box Office is Located at Lansdown Gallery, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB.
Opening Hours:
Friday 16:00 – 20:00
Saturday 9:00 – 20:00
Sunday 9:00 – 20:00
GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL
NeoAncients unfolds in Stroud, Gloucestershire in the heart of the Five Valleys. For those coming from London, there are regular direct trains from Paddington. If you are driving you can find parking in the section below.
Venues are situated at the following addresses:
- St Laurence Church, 52 High Street, Stroud, GL5 1JL
- Lansdown Hall & Gallery, Stroud, GL5 1BB
- SVA Goods Shed, Station Approach, Stroud, GL5 3AP
- Sound Records, 23 George St, Stroud GL5 3DP
- Klang Tone Records, 7a Lansdown Rd, GL5 1BB
PARKING
We encourage walking, cycling, car-sharing, and public transport where possible but if you are driving you will find parking at:
- Church Street Car Park, GL5 1JL
- Cheapside, GL5 3JS
- London Road, Stroud GL5 2AJ
- Five Valleys Merrywalks, Town Centre, Stroud GL5 1QA
ACCOMMODATION
Festival tickets do not include accommodation. There are Airbnbs and staple hotels such as the Premier Inn (Stratford Lodge, Stratford Rd, Stroud GL5 4AF) and Travelodge (A419 Eastington Nr GL10 3SQ) They’ll fill up fast, so book ahead with plenty of time.
CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Absolutely! If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of the festival magic, email us at info@neoancients.com and we will do our best to get back to you promptly.
CAN I BRING MY OWN ALCOHOL?
Nope. Only drinks purchased from licensed vendors may be consumed at the festival. Bag searches may be in place.
WILL EARPLUGS BE AVAILABLE?
Protecting your ears is wise! We encourage bringing your own, as not all venues will have enough to go round.
WHAT IS CHALLENGE 25?
If you’re lucky enough to look under 25, you may be asked for ID when purchasing alcohol. Bring valid photo ID to avoid disappointment.
CAN I SMOKE OR VAPE ON SITE?
You may only smoke or vape in designated outdoor areas, not inside any enclosed venues.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TICKETS
- All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable except in the case of festival cancellation.
- Tickets must be presented as an e-ticket on a mobile device or as a printout at the festival box office to be exchanged for a wristband.
- Lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced.
- Tickets must only be purchased from official ticket vendors. Resold tickets may not be valid.
ENTRY & CONDUCT
- A Weekend Pass or Day Pass allows entry to all events on that day but does not guarantee entry if a venue reaches capacity. Ticket-holders should arrive early to ensure entrance.
- All festival-goers must wear their wristband at all times. If you are found without one, you may be asked to leave the event.
- The festival reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who is intoxicated, aggressive, or otherwise disruptive.
- Security checks will be in place at venue entrances. Bag searches may be conducted for safety purposes.
- Anyone found carrying illegal substances or prohibited items will be removed from the festival and may be reported to authorities.
LIABILITY
- NeoAncients Festival is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
- Attendees participate at their own risk. The festival is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage sustained during the event.
- In the case of force majeure (extreme weather, government restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances), the festival reserves the right to make necessary changes to the programme or venue arrangements.
ARTIST & SCHEDULE CHANGES
- The festival lineup and schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
- No refunds or exchanges will be given for lineup changes or time adjustments.
FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY
- By attending NeoAncients, you consent to being filmed and photographed for promotional and archival purposes.
- If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform a member of the festival team.
ACCESSIBILITY & SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
- We strive to make the festival as inclusive as possible. If you have accessibility requirements, please email us at info@neoancients.comto discuss any specific needs or to request assistance.
- PA/Companion tickets are available upon request.
FOOD & DRINK
- Only food and drink purchased at festival venues may be consumed on site.
- No outside alcohol is permitted. Any alcohol found will be confiscated.
- Vendors will provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options where possible.
CODE OF CONDUCT
- NeoAncients is a space for kindness, respect, and community.
- Discrimination, harassment, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Personal space and consent must be respected at all times.
- If you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour, please report it to a member of staff.
