Frequently Asked Questions

EMF - King’s Grove Festival takes place on Saturday 29, Sunday 30, and Monday 31 August 2026 at Pippingford Park, East Sussex.

Day Visit tickets usually cover 10am to 5pm. Full Festival Day tickets include daytime entry and evening entertainment until approximately 11pm. Final timings will be confirmed closer to the event.

Tickets can be purchased through the official festival ticket page. We recommend booking in advance, especially for weekend, camping, glamping, banquet, and special experience tickets.

A Day Visit ticket is for daytime festival entry. A Full Festival Day ticket includes daytime entry plus evening entertainment, allowing you to stay later and enjoy more of the festival atmosphere.

Not always. Some weekend tickets include festival entry only, while Weekend Camping Passes include festival entry and camping access. Please check the ticket type carefully before booking.

The campsite is expected to open from 2pm on Friday 28 August 2026 and close by midday on Tuesday 1 September 2026. Final details will be confirmed before the event.

Yes, visitors arriving by car should book the appropriate parking ticket. Parking options may vary depending on whether you are attending for the day, full festival day, weekend, or camping.

The festival takes place at Pippingford Park, East Sussex. Full travel and arrival guidance is available on the Visitor Info and Travel pages.

The festival is held in a natural outdoor woodland and field setting, so ground conditions can vary. We aim to support accessibility wherever possible and recommend reviewing the Accessibility page before booking or attending.

Yes. The festival has food and drink options available across the site, including hot food, refreshments, and places to relax. Additional details will be shared as traders are confirmed.

No. The Medieval Banquet is a separate bookable experience and requires its own ticket. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is recommended.

Yes. Visitors are encouraged to dress in medieval, renaissance, fantasy, fae, woodland, LARP, or cosplay-inspired outfits. Costumes should be family-friendly and suitable for a public outdoor event.

Only safe costume props are permitted. No sharps, live steel, functional firearms, or dangerous weapons are allowed. LARP and cosplay weapons must be safe, non-sharp, and suitable for a family event. The festival reserves the right to refuse or remove any item considered unsafe.

Yes. The festival includes family-friendly entertainment, Kid’s Kingdom, shows, markets, have-a-go activities, and areas designed for younger visitors. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

The festival is an outdoor event and usually runs rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear. In exceptional circumstances, updates will be shared through official festival channels.

Tickets are generally non-refundable unless Ticket Booking Protection applies or the event is cancelled. Please review the Ticket Terms before booking.

Yes. We recommend booking in advance, especially for Weekend, Camping, Glamping, Medieval Banquet, and special experience tickets, as some ticket types may have limited availability.

Gate availability is not guaranteed. If tickets remain available, details will be shared closer to the festival, but advance booking is the safest option.

No. Evening entertainment is included with Full Festival Day tickets, Weekend Passes, and Weekend Camping tickets. Day Visit tickets are for daytime access only.

Ticket upgrades may be possible depending on availability and the ticketing system. If you think you may want to stay later or camp, we recommend choosing the right ticket type when booking.

Only Weekend Camping tickets include camping. A standard Weekend Pass gives access to the festival days but does not include camping unless clearly stated at checkout.

Glamping options are expected to be available in limited numbers. These should be booked separately in advance once released.

Live-in vehicles may be permitted only with the correct ticket or booking. Please check the Accommodation or Camping information before booking, as spaces and rules may be limited.

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for a countryside festival site. Medieval, renaissance, fantasy, fae, and cosplay-inspired outfits are encouraged but not required.

Many traders may accept card payments, but signal and payment systems can vary at outdoor events. We recommend bringing both card and some cash where possible.

Yes. A festival map will be available online and may also be shared closer to the event. It will show key areas, stages, facilities, and visitor routes.

The full 2026 schedule will be released once performances, workshops, shows, ceremonies, and evening entertainment are confirmed.

Yes. Jousting is one of the festival’s most popular highlights and is expected to return as part of the arena programme.

Families can enjoy Kid’s Kingdom, shows, storytelling, markets, have-a-go activities, living history, music, and interactive areas across the festival.

Visitors may bring food for personal use, but glass, barbecues, open flames, and cooking equipment may be restricted for safety reasons. Food and drink will also be available onsite.

Bag checks may be carried out at entry or during the event. Visitors must not bring unsafe, prohibited, or illegal items onto the festival site.

Personal photography and video are welcome. Professional, commercial, press, drone, or creator filming may require prior approval from the festival team.

No visitor drones are permitted. Any drone use must be approved in advance by the festival and comply with all legal, safety, and site requirements.

Join the EMF - King’s Grove newsletter and follow the festival on social media for ticket updates, schedule announcements, line-up news, and festival information.

We recommend arriving early to make the most of your day and avoid peak entry times. Gates are busiest between late morning and early afternoon.

You can expect a full day of immersive entertainment including jousting, live music, markets, living history, food, and themed areas like Enchantia and Kid’s Kingdom.

The festival is spread across a large woodland and open field setting. Expect to walk between areas, so comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.

Yes. Many visitors bring blankets or small folding chairs to relax between activities and enjoy performances comfortably.

There are covered areas such as marquees and woodland zones, but this is primarily an outdoor festival. Please bring waterproofs if rain is expected.

Yes. Evening entertainment has a very different atmosphere, with live music, firelight, and a more immersive festival experience.

Mobile signal can be limited due to the rural location. We recommend arranging meeting points in advance and bringing any essential information with you.

Please arrange a meeting point in advance. If needed, staff and stewards can assist at the main entrance or information point.

There may be queues during peak arrival times. Arriving earlier or later in the day can help reduce waiting times.

Many food traders offer a range of dietary options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Availability may vary between vendors.

Yes. Professional security and event staff are present throughout the festival. Please follow all guidance and report any concerns to staff.

We recommend bringing sun protection, including hats, sunscreen, and water. Woodland areas offer natural shade, but preparation is important.

Yes. Even in summer, evenings can become cool. We recommend bringing warm layers, especially if staying for evening entertainment.

Yes. All lost and found items are taken to the Festival Information point each day, where visitors can identify and collect their belongings.

After the event, items are held for up to 4 weeks. Visitors can contact us to arrange collection or shipping of their property.

Trader applications are available through the Participate section of the website. Different application routes may apply for medieval traders, craft and retail traders, food concessions, and other trader types.

Living history groups and re-enactors can apply through the Re-enactors section. The festival looks for engaging, safe, well-presented displays and groups that help bring the medieval and renaissance world to life.

Yes. Performers, musicians, entertainers, and acts can apply through the performer application page. Please include clear information about your act, performance requirements, availability, and any technical needs.

Archery participants should use the dedicated archery application page. Details may include eligibility, equipment requirements, safety expectations, and participation rules.

Yes. The festival welcomes people interested in joining the team. Opportunities may include volunteer roles, character roles, operational support, and future progression into core or paid roles where appropriate.

Most participants, traders, performers, demonstrators, and activity providers are expected to hold appropriate insurance, including Public Liability Insurance and any other cover relevant to their activity, products, staff, equipment, or demonstrations.

Set-up and breakdown timings vary by participant type and will be shared directly with confirmed participants. Please do not arrive outside your allocated arrival or set-up window unless agreed in advance.

Yes. Media, creators, photographers, and influencers can contact the festival through the Media / Creators section. Access may depend on audience fit, content plans, capacity, and festival requirements.