Information

We are now over £12,000 Well done to you all!!!

 OK why Langdale? All the valleys in the Lakes are very special and all have their own unique character so - the answer is - we don't know? There seems to be something very special about the 'Valley' as it's known that draws people back from time and space in the world. Only true lovers of the place can attempt to answer this. It could be the amazing scenery, but many other places in the area are comparable - and it doesn't have a major Lake!. The walking is fantastic, but so it  is in Wasdale, Borrowdale etc. The climbing is great , but not trendy among the incredibly gifted young climbers of this Millenium. So what is the draw? The people are amazingly friendly as they are all over the Lakes, great pubs, food, drink. You could write this about any spot in Cumbria.  So come along - experience it, get into the 'crack' and you will come time and time again. So here we go - all the necessary to get you there, allow you to stay  in comfort according to your budget, enjoy the music, and (hopefully) get you home from the weekend unscathed. 

HOW TO GET THERE

By car :- Pretty easy in these informed times. A tip - don't use any kind of Sat Nav system, you could find yourself in some weird and wonderful places! First find your way to Ambleside (Cumbria). This is the easy bit. Find a local person, they are the ones usually walking in the middle of the road,(there is a good reason for this) and ask for the Rugby Club. The road next to the field is posted Coniston and Langdale - you're on your way. At Skelwith Bridge (Hotel) fork right, pass,or have a look round, the villages of Elterwater and Chapel Stile. Pause to stock up at Britains last Independant Co-op and say 'hi' to Jeremy the ever helpful manager. One and a half miles on pass the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and Sticklebarn Tavern (no longer included in the Festival), then another half mile turn sharp right over a small bridge and listen for music - you're at the ODG! Find your accomodation, the Festival Organisers will help. Park up. Back to the Hikers Bar, grab a drink get seriously relaxed!

By Public Transport :- Again get to Ambleside by bus/train. Find the library where all buses pass. You need the Legendary 516 to the Old Dungeon Ghyll. If confused the drivers are really helpful (honestly). Please be aware that the last bus leaves soon after 3.30pm. Fest Tip A great idea is to arrive mid morning and get a Dayrider Ticket which allows you hop on and off where you want and have a few beers - sorry look round the Valley, well worth while. There are Taxis available, ask at the Tourist Info Centre at Market Cross in Ambleside, they tend to be expensive unless there is a group of you then they work out about the same as the bus.

ACCOMODATION

When you arrive there are a few choice places close to the Festival site to lay your head. We can make some suggestions but we do not arrange accomodation so please contact all places direct, they are all easily found on the net.

The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel :- Is of course, the most handy. It is extremely popular all year and very early booking is advised  (We suggest booking in NOW!! for May & Sept. next year!! 2012). Checking for cancellations by phone is always a good idea.

New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel :- Is about half a mile away towards Chapel Stile (About ten min walk)

Millbeck Farm :-  A working farm with B&B and Self Catering Accomodation on the hillside behind the New DG. Recommended by people attending past Festivals. Again book early.

Greenhowe Caravan Site :- If you share a van ( well appointed) this can be a good value choice, Normally booked by the week but if you are attending the Festival you can arrange a two or three night stay if one is available.

 Sticklebarn Tavern Bunkhouse:-  Behind the Sticklebarn Pub. Budget backpacker style dormitory accomodation

When booking at any of  the  above please let them know where you got the info.

And for the more hardy souls....

National Trust Campsite  www.ntlakescampsites.org.uk Provides Tent sites, Motorhomes (No Caravans), 'Yurt' Huts, 'Pods'. It is only five min stagger from the Festival site and the traditional place to stay. The National Trust campsite arrival times are restricted and they have brought in a new pricing and booking system. For details go to  www.ntlakescampsites.org.uk They also have five 6 berth eurocamp tents that have real beds (4 singles & 1 double) in them, wood floors,cooker, tables, chairs,plates/cups/cutlery,sink etc. BBQ and good value for money when 6 share. Please be aware that there is a 'Quiet after 11pm' rule on the site. So sing your heart out at the ODG and please respect those getting up early to go on the hill. Ta!

Baysbrown Farm Campsite :- Is in Chapel Stile a couple of miles from the ODG. Good value site, but you will really need to drive to get to and from it. YES the Police here are just as keen to curb drink/driving as they are in City areas!

Well we all have to get around to it sometime even if you regard Old Peculiar as a square meal! The ODG provides Breakfast to non - residents and good value Bar Lunches and Evening meals (Dinner andTea if you're from t'North!). People have been known to survive all weekend on the contents of the soup pot in the bar, available all day!. The Hotel Restaurant is also open to non residents - best to book. The other pubs have similar arrangements. If you are self catering it's frankly cheapest to BYO, but the Co-op in Chapel Stile is excellent and there is a small shop on the NT Campsite, as there is at Greenhowe. You won't go hungry!

Are always welcome - I was one once! Best to check with the ODG for their arrangements regarding times. During the day we cannot say that all material performed will be pre - watershed stuff , most musicians are pretty sensible about this but please exercise parental discrection. Also there will be cables, lighting and expensive instuments around so please keep the little 'uns away from such equipment - Thanks

DOGS 

Love 'em, love 'em but we want to support 'em - not fry 'em. As they can't read see above re: cables electricity etc.

HOTEL AND FESTIVAL STAFF

The Festival simply would not exist if it wasn't for the good will of the Hotel Staff, they have always been amazing and supportive in the past. However they will be under extra pressure so please be patient if there is a queue, perhaps help a bit by going back to the Olde English custom of taking your glass or plate back to the bar. Buy them the odd well deserved drink or two, most of all be nice! They may not know all the info about the weekend so if you have a question about the Festival seek out Mik, he will be happy to bore you to death with details!

If you see people collecting glasses, plates or carrying speakers  and generally being helpful then they may be a Steward, an odd species! As everyone else at the Festival they work for nothing!  Please feel free to question them, they may not know the answer but will point you in the right direction and will be happy to have someone to talk to! 

Most of your questions can be dealt with by Festival Staff or other know it alls around at the weekend. There is also a Tourist information Centre in Ambleside who can help if we can't. They run an accomodation booking service if you want to stay on for a while. Info about walking/climbing and most other Outdoor Fun can be obtained by buying Mik a pint and there are plenty of adverts around the ODG Hotel. If you have any recommendations regarding Accomodation or anything relating to this site we will be happy to hear from you (Contacts)

 We will be happy to receive any feedback regarding the weekends through out contacts page - we reserve the right to publish only the good stuff!!!