Info & FAQs

If El Dorado 2022 is cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19, will I be able to receive a refund for my ticket?

Yes, you will be eligible for a refund of the full face value of your ticket (booking fee is non-refundable).

In the event of postponement of the festival, the ticket holder may elect to either use the existing ticket for the rescheduled date or apply for a refund. Refunds under these circumstances must be applied within a specific time period of the date of cancellation/postponement via our ticket providers. The details of this process shall be outlined in the event of a cancellation/postponement due to Covid-19.

Are my El Dorado tickets from 2020 or 2021 valid for El Dorado 2022?

If you did not request a refund at the time of the postponement then your tickets have been automatically rolled over and are valid for El Dorado 2022. If you have any further questions with regards to this please contact your ticket provider directly.

I bought a boutique camping package in 2020 or 2021, will this still be valid for El Dorado 2022?

Yes, if you did not request a refund all boutique packages have been automatically transferred to the new 2022 date.

What are the age restrictions?

El Dorado is an 18+ event that operates a Challenge 25 policy. You will be asked to provide evidence of your age with a valid photographic ID.

We accept:

• A Passport (not photocopy)
• A UK Driving License
• A Proof of Age Card bearing a PASS hologram

There is strictly no entry to those under the age of 18, and the festival will not be able to offer refunds to those refused entry on the day.

How can I buy my tickets?

El Dorado 2018, 2019 and 2021 were SOLD OUT events. In order to avoid disappointment this year make sure you book in advance. Tickets are on sale now.

The official ticketing partners of El Dorado Festival are:

• TheTicketSellers
• Ticket Arena
• Festicket
• Skiddle
• Resident Advisor
• Big Green Coach
• Fatsoma
• Fixr
• Eventree
• Tixel

Please only purchase tickets from our official ticket partners listed above and beware of unauthorised ticket agents (including ebay, Gumtree, Ticket Swap etc.) to avoid disappointment. Fraudulent tickets will be cancelled on discovery and you will not be granted access to the festival.

If you can no longer attend El Dorado 2022 you may safely resell your ticket through Tixel our official re-sale partner.

Are local resident tickets available?

Residents living within 8 miles of the El Dorado festival site are eligible for a discounted Weekend Camping Ticket. Please be aware these tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please apply using the form here. 

Are day tickets available?

We will not be issuing day tickets. El Dorado is a camping festival and to truly experience all that El Dorado has to offer you really must join us for the full weekend of programming.

How do I get to El Dorado Festival?

El Dorado takes place at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RN and is easily located by car, train or coach.

Coach Travel

Big Green Coach are the official coach travel providers for El Dorado 2022. Forget being the designated driver, finding a parking space, or taking it easy on the last night, let Big Green Coach take the stress out of getting to the festival. 

Weekend return services are available from:

• Bath
• Birmingham
• Brighton
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• Cheltenham
• Crawley
• Gloucester
• Leeds
• London
• Manchester
• Newport
• Oxford
• Reading

All services depart on either Thursday 30th June or Friday 1st July with all return coaches departing on Monday 4th July.

Seats start from just £29 return. These are available from Big Green Coaches here.

Train Travel

We advise you to travel to Malvern Link train station. We will be running shuttle buses from here direct to the festival over the following times. Return shuttle passes can be purchased in advance for £10 here. Please book in advance to avoid paying more on the day.

Thursday 30th June: 11:00am - 9:00pm

Friday 1st July: 11:00am - 9:00pm

Saturday 2nd July: No service

Sunday 3rd July: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Monday 4th July: 9:00am - 3:00pm. 

Please note, there is renovation work taking place at Great Malvern Train station over the festival and is therefore no longer the recommended train station to travel to. There will be no shuttle service running from Great Malvern train station. Please head to Malvern Link train station instead.

The closest train station to the festival is Ledbury train station. However, please note that there is no shuttle service from this station due to the limited capacity of the station. You will need to book a taxi. We strongly advise you book a taxi in advance as there are a limited number of local companies who operate in the area.

Can I park at El Dorado?

Yes you can! Advance parking passes are available here at the cost of £25 per vehicle. Please be aware parking passes on the door will be more expensive.

What time does the car park open?

The car park opens at 11am on Thursday 30th June. Followed by 9am on Friday 1st July, Saturday 2nd July and Sunday 3rd July.

Can I bring my camper van?

Camper vans and live-in vehicles are welcome at El Dorado. You will need to purchase a pass for your vehicle (max 4 occupants) here. Each occupant in the car, including the driver must also have a weekend camping ticket in order to enter the festival.

How far is it from the car park to the campsite?

The car park is a short walk to the campsite. We will allow people to make one journey back to their car to collect their stuff upon arrival, they must be searched every time and alcohol will only be allowed the first time they go through.

Is El Dorado a camping festival?

Yes. Camping is a major part of the El Dorado experience and included within the ticket price for all weekend ticket holders. As well as the usual amenities, the campsites have camping convenience stores, a selection of breakfast food traders as well as access to showers at no extra charge.

You can also upgrade your camping experience by booking one of our boutique camping packages. Boutique camping options are on sale here. We expect boutique packages to sell out in advance.

Can I leave the festival and return the next day?

Yes, if you are a local resident or staying in accommodation offsite during the festival weekend, you will be able to leave the festival and return the next day with a ‘non-camping’ wristband.

You can collect your ‘non-camping’ wristband from all of the entrance gates at the festival site as you enter or before you leave the site for the first time.

You will not be able to re-enter without this wristband and once you have left the site, you will only be able re-enter the festival site on the following day.

All festival goers will be searched every time they enter the site. Please note that your personal alcohol allowance will only be permitted upon your first entry into the campsite.

What time does the campsite open and close?

Entry into the campsite opens at 12pm on Thursday 30th June. Followed by 10am on Friday 1st July, Saturday 2nd July and Sunday 3rd July. The campsite closes at midday on Monday 4th July.

Do I have to pay extra for camping?

No, camping is included within the price of the weekend ticket. Boutique camping is available here at an additional cost.

What size tent should I bring?

There is no restriction on tent size at El Dorado, bring something that’s big enough for your group, waterproof and comfortable. We do ask that you are considerate to other campers and don’t bring anything that’s excessively large or any Gazebo’s!

Can I bring a camper van?

Camper vans and live-in vehicles are welcome at El Dorado. Festival goers will need to purchase a pass for your vehicle in advance here.

Can I bring a generator?

For safety reasons, generators of any size are not permitted.

Can I bring a camping stove?

For safety reasons, camping stoves of any type or description are not allowed.

Is boutique camping available?

You can upgrade your camping experience with a wide selection of boutique tents and facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. 2022 packages are on sale here.

Are there showers in the campsite?

Yes, there are showers in the campsite available for festival goers to use across the weekend free of charge. Please bring your own towel, shampoo and shower gel.

Is there a campsite shop? 

Yes, there will be a general store and a number of food traders in the campsite for all your camping needs.

Can I light a campfire or barbecue?

For safety reasons, El Dorado does not permit unregulated campfires or barbecues in the campsite. There are lots of delicious food stalls on site to ensure you’re well fed across the weekend. Any festival goer found starting a fire will be asked to leave the festival immediately.

Will there be somewhere to charge my phone?

Yes. Phone charging stations will be available in the main campsite at El Dorado. Facilities to charge your phone within your tent are also available with certain boutique camping packages.

Can I bring my gazebo?

No. Gazebos are not permitted at El Dorado as we have limited camping space.

Our litter policy

Eastnor Castle Deer Park is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest that El Dorado would like to keep that way. We ask that all festival goers help us minimise waste and participate in our recycling initiatives across the weekend ensuring rubbish is disposed of in the ample bins provided and the land is looked after during your stay.

Below are the items not permitted at El Dorado:

• Animals
• Drones
• Gazebos
• Glass – absolutely no glass is allowed on site
• Large stereo systems
• Illegal substances
• Legal highs
• Portable laser equipment and pens
• Unauthorised film or video equipment
• Audio recorders
• Air horns
• Megaphones
• Fireworks, flares and Chinese or sky lanterns
• Any item which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon
• Gas Canisters
  • Live-in vehicles – propane or butane cylinders over 7kg. No more than 1 cylinder per vehicle
• Nitrous Oxide
• Petrol Burners
• Any form of aerosol over 250ml
• Unauthorised items for trading, including any goods using unauthorised event logos
• Excessive amounts of food, cigarettes and alcohol. The following is permitted to be consumed within the campsite:
  • EITHER 8 cans of beer or lager or cider OR 1 bottle of wine (decanted into a plastic bottle) per person. Strictly no spirits of hard liquor are allowed
  • Please note searches will be undertaken upon entry to ensure this is complied with.

What food and drink facilities will be available?

As a small, independent festival, El Dorado takes pride in the food and drink offerings available on site, providing some of the finest street food, bars and drink vendors to keep you well fed and looked after during your stay with us. From craft beers and cocktails to ice cream and smoothies, there’s something for everyone at this summer’s event. A full list of our food traders can be viewed here.

Where can I get drinking water?

There are several standpipes that contain free, clean drinking water in the campsites and main arena. Please bring a container that you can refill during the weekend. Bottled water will also be available to purchase at the catering units and bars throughout the site. Please identify yourself with these points and ensure you stay hydrated across the weekend.

Can I bring my own alcohol to El Dorado?

As El Dorado is a small, independent event, bar sales are essential to keep the festival alive, thus we must stipulate a limit on alcohol brought into the campsite. We have a wide selection of beer, cider, wine and cocktails available across the main arena for you to enjoy during the weekend. Please see below on what you can and can’t bring and thank you for your understanding.

Per person, you can bring the following into the campsite:

• EITHER 8 x cans of beer or lager or cider
• OR 8 premixed spirit cans (max 250ml)
• OR 1 bottle of wine decanted into a plastic bottle

Please note:

• Strictly no spirits or hard liquor are permitted.
• Searches will be undertaken upon entry to ensure this is complied with.
• Any alcohol above this allocation will be confiscated.
• This alcohol may only be consumed within the campsite.
• Sealed bottles of water and soft drinks are allowed, but will be checked on entry to the site. There will be no limit on soft drinks.
• No pass-outs or readmission will be permitted for the duration of the festival.
• A wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails will be available in the main arena across the weekend.

Can I bring my own alcohol and food into the main arena?

No. You are not allowed to bring your own alcohol or food into the main arena at the festival, this is to only be consumed within the campsite. Bins will be provided at the gates to dispose of any items before entering the main arena.

Will there be vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. There will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available on site, but if you have any additional food requirements we do recommend you come prepared.

What time can I get breakfast in El Dorado?

The campsite food stalls will be open from 07:00 AM, with the main arena stalls opening for breakfast from 10:00 AM. There will be a wide range of teas, coffees, smoothies and delicious food to start your day the right way in El Dorado!

El Dorado is held at Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Ledbury, Herefordshire. The land is woodland, farmland, lakes and some uneven ground.

There is a tarmac road running up to the main arena. The main arena has a number of small hills inside its perimeter. There is a gravel road that runs around the edge of the accessible campsite.

The accessible car park is located near the drop-off zone at the blue gate. The ground leading from the accessible car park and campsite to the main arena entrance consists of gravel road and grass. The distance is approximately 400 metres. The main arena is around 300 metres from the main gate to the furthest perimeter edge.

Please note: The weather conditions can dramatically affect the ground conditions, so wherever possible please try to consider what preparations you may need to make and any equipment you may need to bring along.

Bookable access facilities

The following access facilities need to be pre-booked using the access requirement form. Please email support@eldoradofestival.com to receive this. This form and the required evidence must be sent to us once you have purchased a ticket.

2 for 1 Tickets for Personal Assistant:

We provide a 2:1 ticket scheme for individuals who would be unable to attend our events without bringing a personal assistant. Once you have bought a full price ticket, please fill in the access requirement form and provide us with a form of evidence as listed on the form to receive your personal assistant ticket.

Accessible Camping Wristband:

• On arrival, there will be an access information point where you can collect further information on access within the festival site. It is also here that additional pre-agreed wristbands can be collected.
• The accessible campsite will be cordoned off from general camping. There will be a number of accessible toilets and showers. Please assist us with planning by letting us know if you intend to use this service when completing the access requirement form.
• Near to the accessible campsite there are general amenities (bar, concessions, information point and welfare).

Facilities we provide in the accessibility campsite

• Standard showers and toilets
• Fresh water points
• Waste disposal point
• Please note: this campsite is available to customers who are unable to camp in the standard campsites or who need access to specialist facilities.

Live-In Vehicles (Camper vans, Caravans)

We have a limited number of accessible live-in vehicle pitches available on a first come first served basis. After you have submitted the access requirement form (if approved) you will be sent a link to purchase one of these.

Accessible Parking Pass

An accessible car park is located within the accessible campsite perimeter. Customers are allowed to park their cars near their tent in a designated car park, but not directly next to their tent.

Other information related to the site:

Accessible Toilets

• • There will be a number of accessible toilets located on the festival site within the campsite and main arena.

Strobe Lighting

• • There will be general warning signs around the main arena if strobe lighting will be used. Due to the nature of the artists it is likely that strobe lighting will be used throughout the performances. There will not be a warning immediately before a period of strobe lighting.

Medical Services

• • There will be a First Aid tent located and visible within the main arena. There will also be medics and first aiders on patrol around the event. You will be able to store medication with the medical team if refrigeration is needed. Please let us know in advance if you will be wishing to store medication here. If you require more information, please get in touch.

British Sign Language

• • We currently do not have this onsite, if this is something you would be interested in please do get in touch and let us know.

Arrival Guide

• On arrival to site, please head to the gate as described in the information pack, these are broken down into coloured gates. The information pack provided in advance, usually via email, will explain which gate to head to, where to collect your wristband and the location of the access campsite.
• Don’t forget your festival tickets, these will be scanned on arrival and swapped for festival wristbands.
  
  •  
• For any further information on accessibility at El Dorado, please contact support@eldoradofestival.com

How do you buy drinks, food and merchandise at El Dorado festival?

1. Buy a prepaid top-up voucher in advance of the festival
2. On entry to the event, you’ll be issued with your cashless wristband, once your entry ticket has been scanned
3. Head to the voucher exchange location and have your voucher scanned and credit applied to your wristband
4. Head to the bar – get the drinks in!
5. Ran out of credit? Don’t worry – simply top up with a credit/debit card at one of our Top-Up stations
6. After the event - keep your wristband, including the chip, to refund anything that you’ve not spent.

Purchase a top-up voucher before the event – get free bar credit & faster queue!

Get free bar credit when you purchase a prepaid top-up voucher of £100 or more and get 10% of the total value in FREE drinks credit. This offer is not available for top-ups on the day of the event; it is only available on vouchers bought in advance. 

For example: Top up £250 in advance and you'll receive £25 in FREE drinks credit to spend over the weekend. Your FREE drinks credit activates after all voucher credit on your wristband is spent and can be used to buy water, soft or alcoholic drinks from any of the bars.

How do I pay for things on site?

Our Cashless Wristbands are the only payment method accepted across the entire festival site – including at bars, food and merchandise stalls. Upon entry, everyone will be given a wristband which contains a contactless RFID chip. To pay, you simply touch this chip onto the terminal presented to you by our staff. After each transaction, the amount remaining on your wristband will be communicated to you. 

How do I get my wristband?

Your cashless wristband will be provided to you on entry to the site, during the ticket checking process.

How much will my wristband cost?

Your wristband will be subject to a £1 activation fee, which will be automatically deducted from your first top-up/credit voucher exchange. For example, if you topped up with £100, you would get £99 to spend. This fee only applies to the first top-up you make.

How can I put money on to my wristband?

To top-up your wristband you have two options:

1) Purchase a prepaid top-up voucher before the event

You can purchase a prepaid top-up voucher before the event. Doing this will not only save you time on the day – but you can also take advantage of our Free Credit offer.

2) Visit top-up stations on site

We will have a number of top-up stations across the festival site, where you can put money onto your wristband by using your credit/debit card. Simply attend one of the stations, tell our staff how much you want to load onto your wristband, and complete the purchase using your credit/debit card.

Once your cashless wristband is topped-up, you can start using it straight away.

Can I add money to my wristband when I enter the festival?

Yes, you can. We’ll have a number of Top-Up stations where you can use a credit/debit card to add money to your cashless wristband. However, we strongly advise you to purchase a Prepaid Top-Up Voucher in advance of the festival – as these queues will be much faster.

If I run out of money on my wristband, can I add more?

Yes. Simply visit a top-up station on site & you can add additional funds using your credit/debit card. Please note that there is a minimum top-up limit of £10.

How can I find out how much credit I have left on my wristband?

Any bar staff, food trader or clothes trader with an RFID contactless reader will be able to tell you how much credit is left on your wristband. Alternatively you can check at one of the designated Top Up Booths or at our Info Point.

How does the free bar credit offer work?

If you purchase a voucher worth £100 or more in advance – we’ll give you 10% free bar credit. [£50 = £5 free, £100 = £10 free, £150 = £15 free]. Your free credit will automatically be applied after you have used your paid credit. This offer is not available for any top-ups on the day.

What can I spend my free credit on?

Once you have redeemed your free credit this can be spent on any El Dorado bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Please note that your free credit can’t be spent on food traders, clothing traders, fair ground rides or any other activations other than at the bars. 

I don’t want to use a cashless wristband, can I pay cash/card?

No. Our staff will only be accepting payment using your cashless wristband. No card or cash payments will be accepted at any outlets on site (bars, food, merch stalls). The only way to make purchases on site will be to use your cashless wristband.

I lost my wristband, what do I do?

Your wristband should remain securely fastened to your wrist. There shouldn’t be any reason for you to remove it, until the event has ended. You should treat your wristband as you would cash or your bank card. If you lose it, we are unable to recover any balance. After the festival please make sure you keep your wristband safe until you have successfully claimed your refund for any outstanding credit. 

What if my wristband breaks?

From our experience, it’s very very rare for one of the wristbands to fail. However, if it does happen – don’t worry – our team will be able to swap it for you. Any balance on your broken wristband will be transferred to your new one. 

Can I get a refund on any money that I’ve not spent?

Yes – but only after the event has ended. If you have a remaining balance after the event, you will be able to apply for a refund via our website after the event. You will need your wristband, as you will need to enter the unique serial number printed on it to process your refund. Our refund portal will be open from 1pm at 5th July. Please note that a £1 refund administration fee applies. We will not be able to issue any refunds during the event itself. Please note that the free credit earned is non-refundable and must be spent at the festival.

Can I remove my wristband?

You should not remove your wristband whilst you are at the event. You should only remove your wristband when you have left the event. You will need the unique serial number on your wristband in order to claim a refund after the event, if you need to. If you do remove your wristband, and subsequently lose it, we are not responsible for any balance.

How long will my refund take to arrive into my account?

Upon completing your refund application refunds will be processed immediately but can take up to 5 working days to appear in your bank. If your bank is outside of the UK, please allow for a longer processing period. All refund applications are subject to a £1 fee to cover banking administration costs.

Is there an ATM on site?

Yes, there is an ATM on site. The majority of Top-up stations will only accept top-up payments via card transactions. However, if you need to top-up via cash please use the top-up booth at the entrance to the main arena. 

What are the Terms and Conditions?

• Free credit is only available with the advance purchase of a prepaid top-up voucher, with a minimum spend of £100.
• Paid credit must be spent before free credit will be activated.
• Free credit is not refundable
• Every wristband will incur at £1 activation fee
• Every customer is entitled to a refund after the event for any credit which isn’t spent on the day. ·   For every refund processed, £1 bank charges will be incurred and will be deducted from the credit left on your wristband
• You must request a refund during the time that the refund portal is open.
• The refund portal will open on Tuesday 5th July at 1pm and will be accessible via our website. 
• The deadline to apply is at 1pm on 19th July. We will not be able to refund any amounts after this time.

I’ve got a question that isn’t answered here

Simply email us: support@eldoradofestival.com