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FAQ

We don't have many rules, but we ask you observe the following...

No dogs, glass, fires or campervans. Wear your wristband. Be sociable. Hang out with your heroes!

Find Full FAQ's below. Simply click on a category.

  • Can I bring my own alcohol?
    Yes – although you can’t bring any glass on site, and we do have a very reasonably priced and well stocked bar. Please note, any glass containers found will be confiscated and returned on departure. However, due to the coronavirus restrictions and the extra costs imposed upon us over the last couple of years, we'd really appreciate it if you could support the bar!
  • What does the bar stock?
    The Overland Event has an excellent selection of more than a dozen real ales including our very own Overland Pale and Overland Dark, plus lager, ciders, Guinness, wines and spirits. Beers are all cask or keg and beautifully kept. The Winter Warmer and Spring Into Action have a smaller selection of ales, but still feature our passion for providing the very best.
  • Can I bring my own food?
    Yes you can – although you can’t bring any glass on site. However, at the Summer Event we do have a selection of food vendors selling cuisine from around the world at reasonable prices, so you should find something which appeals to your tastes, and at our smaller events we make sure we have at least one on site catering option so you can leave the stove at home and relax.
  • What are the bar prices like?
    Similar to (but a bit less than...) Oxfordshire pub prices. £4 a pint for Cask conditioned real ale, with premium craft lager and Guinness are £5 a pint.
  • What food is available?
    At the Summer Event, we always provide a ‘taste of the world’, ensuring that authentic food vendors are on site to enable you to enjoy a global culinary experience throughout the weekend. This includes a range of vegan and gluten free options. At our smaller events we have an on site catering option for you with at least one vegan and gluten free option for each meal.
  • Can I bring my own food to barbeque?
    Yes – at the Summer Event there are communal barbeque facilities on the campsite for you to use. If you don’t want to bring charcoal with you we have a stock available to buy in the Overland shop. Disposable barbeques that might burn the grass are not allowed.
  • Is there an under cover eating area?
    Yes, all of our events have some under cover areas for eating.
  • Is water freely available?
    Yes, drinking water is available free of charge - just remember to bring something to fill up and drink out of! You can always buy an Overland stackable pint pot or Overland camping mug from us if you forget though!
  • What about tea and coffee?
    Tea and instant coffee at all Overland Events are FREE all weekend (and always have been!), BUT YOU MUST have your own mug to limit waste. If you prefer a filter coffee, then at the Summer Event, Hill End sell cafetieres of coffee.
  • Will I be sent tickets when I buy my Event Passport?
    You will be sent an automatic registration confirmation email, as well as a payment confirmation email. Please check your spam/junk folder in case either go astray. WE DO NOT ISSUE PAPER TICKETS.
  • Are there any Day Tickets?
    No, we DO NOT sell Day Tickets, either in advance or on the day for any of our events. The Overland Events are uniquely immersive experiences with a very relaxed atmosphere, which comes from having a stable community developing onsite throughout the event rather than a new population arriving and departing each day.
  • I can’t come for the whole weekend, can I still arrive on the Saturday?"
    Yes – but you’ll still need an Event Passport which covers the whole weekend (see above). If you can’t make the whole weekend then you can’t get to see all of the speakers or get fully immersed in the event, so we encourage you to arrive on Friday (or at the summer event, Thursday night when there is entertainment to!) but you’ll receive a warm welcome whenever you arrive.
  • If I turn up and buy my Event Passport on the gate will I still get any promotional items?
    In 2020 and 2021 we sold out in advance, so there were NO tickets available on the gate. This may well happen again this year - check social media. Ordinarily, any promotional items are for advance ticket holders only – so if you want to avoid the disappointment of the person in front of you getting a cool freebie and then finding out you don’t get one, book your Event Passport in advance!
  • Do you offer refunds?
    No. As per our terms and conditions, the entry ticket (“Event Passport”) amount you pay is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. If the Event sells out, we operate a returns system and can put you in touch with people on the waiting list. If the Event has not sold out, you may transfer your ticket to someone else by giving us their name, email address and telephone number. Without this information they will be denied entry.
  • What is the cut-off date for advance ticket sales?
    Advance sales of Event Passports for the main Overland Event 2025 end at Midnight on Tuesday, August 26th 2025, unless they have already sold out... Gate sales, if any tickets are still available, cost more than advance tickets - however, we have usually sold out in advance of the event.
  • Can we go on and off site after we arrive?
    Yes, you (and your bike!) are free to come and go as you please if you want to head off for a bit. However, observe any traffic management signage on site, obey one-way routes, right turn prohibitions etc.
  • When does the gate open?
    The Overland Event You can arrive any time from 5pm on Thursday 28th August 2025. We take to the stage at 8pm and there’ll be live music from 9:30pm. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 5pm as we will not be able to admit you early due to conditions on our licence and you may not be able to wait for opening due to space constraints. Arriving between 5pm and 6pm will be busy and you may have to queue but we'll get you processed as quickly as possible! The Winter Warmer You can arrive any time from 4pm on Friday 3rd February 2023. Get your tent set up and enjoy a hot and wholesome bowl of stew. Please do NOT arrive on Thursday as we don't have access to the venue, and you will gatecrash the mother and baby group! If you arrive early on Friday you'll be given a job - staffing the gate to remind everyone that access is from 4pm... Spring Into Action You can arrive any time from 5pm on Friday 28th April 2023. Please do NOT arrive on Thursday as MotoCamp Wales will have other guests in site and you will be turned away. If you arrive early on Friday you'll be given a job - staffing the gate to remind everyone that access is from 5pm... If you want to arrive early and/or stay and extra night before or after this event, a charge of £10 per head is payable to MotoCamp Wales.
  • What if the Registration Tent is closed when I arrive?
    A list of telephone numbers is displayed on the main gate at all times when registration is closed. If you arrive late at night, just give us a ring and we’ll come and get you. You may have to try more than number though if we can't hear the phone ring.
  • Do I need to show my wristband every time I come back on to the site?
    Yes, even if you’re riding back onto site after a test ride. You may be asked to show it at any time whilst on site.
  • At the Summer Event and Winter Warmer, can I stay on the Sunday night and leave on Monday morning?
    No. Both of the venues are only ours to use until Sunday evening at 6pm. The Hill End Centre is also an educational facility and children will be arriving on Monday so for safeguarding reasons all attendees have to be off site by 6pm on Sunday.
  • At Spring into Action, can I stay on Monday night and leave on Tuesday morning?
    This may be possible, but you will need to arrange it direct with MotoCamp Wales on 07378 352731 and we advise that you do so in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • What are the toilets like?
    At the Summer Event, there are over 35 fully plumbed porcelain loos on site and additional portable toilets at strategic points on the campsite. The Winter Warmer and Spring Into Action also have a combination of fixed and portable toilet facilities.
  • What about security?
    Obviously we won’t put our security arrangements online, but rest assured we are committed to preventing bike thefts! However, an essential part of that is vigilance and common sense preparation by everyone. If you see ANYONE on site without a wristband, either challenge them yourself or contact an organiser (by grabbing anyone with a radio), likewise with reporting any suspicious activity. Also, do lock up your bike just as you would normally. You can even make new friends by chaining bikes together… There has never been a bike stolen from an Overland Event, and we're committed to keeping it that way.
  • At the Summer Event, does the one way system from the entrance to the campsite apply at all times?
    Yes, and for EVERYONE’S safety, please observe it.
  • What happens when I arrive?
    On arrival you’ll be greeted by the volunteers at the Registration Tent who’ll take you through the checking-in process. If you’ve purchased your Event Passport in advance, you’ll just be asked for your name and the email address so they can find you on the list and issue you with your wristband, which must remain on for the duration of the event. If you've ordered any extras (T-shirt, drinks tokens etc) you will also be handed these at reception. Then you’ll be directed to the campsite or other accommodation if booked.
  • Can we have a fire on the campsite?
    No campfires, but there is a large communal campsite fire. There’ll be plenty of wood so please don’t go scavenging. Ask a volunteer.
  • Is there first aid cover?
    Yes, a team of qualified first aiders provide 24-hour cover. If you require a first aider just ask a volunteer with a radio, or at night call one of the numbers displayed on the gate. If you are a first aider please do let us know in advance. The more the merrier!
  • Can I bring glass?
    No, sorry, all of our sites have strict NO GLASS rule for safety reasons. Any glass containers found on site will be confiscated and only returned on departure.
  • What are the rules about smoking on site?
    You can smoke legal substances anywhere you like on site outside structures, but all butts MUST be collected and disposed of as none of us like littering and we have to leave our sites as clean as we find them (or cleaner!). Please respect the environment and the law. You will be putting our licence at risk if you smoke illegal substances.
  • Can I bring my campervan?
    The Overland Event No. The site doesn't have a local authority licence for caravans or for factory-made campervans so they can't remain onsite overnight (exemptions only apply for vehicles which form part of an exhibit or compliance with the Equality Act 2010). The Winter Warmer Yes! However, space is very limited and must be pre-booked please. Spring Into Action Yes! However, space is very limited and must be pre-booked please.
  • How much camping space is there? I don’t want to be cheek by jowl with everyone else.
    All of the sites we use have ample camping space for the numbers for each event and if you want to be well away from everyone just let the volunteers know and they will direct you to the area which is usually least busy. At the Summer Event, camping is divided into areas, with Europe, Africa and the Americas being the busiest. Asia and Australasia are the quietest.
  • Is the campsite noisy?
    Generally it's not too bad, but in general terms, camping further away from the bar and music if you like an early night is a good idea - and remember ear plugs in case someone else who likes an early night snores!
  • Are there showers available?
    Yes, free hot showers at all of our events. At the Summer Event we have 27 hot private showers! The showers near the main campsite can get busy at peak times, but a walk up the hill to where the main dorms are gives you access to more showers there.
  • At the Summer Event, what are the dorms like?
    The dorms are basic, but functional! Bring your own sleeping bag (and an extra pillow if you want one) if you’ve pre-booked a dorm.
  • Is there a limit on tent size?
    No, although if you turn up with a big top we might expect you to entertain us… no gazebos please.
  • At the Summer Event, how do I sign up for manufacturer Test Rides?
    Visit the manufacturers’ individual stands to sign up. Test rides leave from outside the Cafe. Remember that you will need your driving licence and National Insurance number to get a code from DVLA before your test ride, the same as you would for hiring a bike.
  • What is the full timetable?
    The full timetable is uploaded to the website prior to the Event - see the 'news' pages on this website. Physical copies of the most up-to-date schedule will be on display around the site, including any last minute changes.
  • Will print-outs of the schedule be available on site?
    Not as handouts, no, because we’re keen to minimise waste and avoid littering the venue site. However, the schedule will be displayed on posters around the site, so you’ll always have easy reference to what’s going on. Take a photo with your phone.
  • How do I try out the Skills Course?
    If you want to learn how to ride up and down steps, manage a bike in a tight situation and lots more, sign up at the MotoSkills Course. Completely fully supervised free tuition on lots of things.
  • How do I sign up for a Biker Down session at the Summer Event?
    On Thursday evening you can sign up in the main bar. During the rest of the weekend please sign up at the Overland Shop.
  • What time do the bands finish? Will I be kept awake by music if I camp?
    Music finishes at 11:00pm and you can ask on arrival to be directed to the quieter area of the campsite.
  • Is there mobile phone reception?
    We haven’t tested comprehensively, so can’t vouch for every network in every part of each site, but yes, generally there is reasonable mobile phone reception. But who cares? Relax. Switch it off and pretend you are somewhere unconnected.
  • How do I sign up for manufacturer Test Rides?
    Visit the manufacturers’ individual stands to sign up. Test rides leave from outside the Cafe. Remember that you will need your driving licence AND get a code from DVLA before your test ride, the same as you would for hiring a bike.
  • What's different about the Overland Events? Are they just another bike rally?
    The Overland Event is founded in the written word – nearly all of our presenters are either published authors of books about their travels, have written for Overland Magazine, or are film makers. Because our events don’t have Day Tickets, they are an immersive experience and has a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. Over the course of the Event you become part of a community of Overlanders.
  • Is smiling mandatory?
    No, but you’ll be having such a good time, you won’t be able to stop yourself.
  • How can I help out?
    Contact us and offer to volunteer! We need help with everything from registering new arrivals to checking the bins and providing first aid cover – the event couldn’t run without our fabulous volunteers. Write to volunteer@overlandevent.com
  • What is access like for people with disabilities?
    All of the sites we use have step-free access to all key areas of the site, but if you would like us to reserve a camping area for you near to the main presentation/workshop areas etc then please contact us in advance.
  • Is there a cashpoint on site?
    No, so bring plenty of cash with you! Card Payments are accepted by most of the vendors and may be preferred.
  • Can I pay by card?
    Card payments are accepted at the Overland Shop and the Overland Bar but not by our authors and some of the other traders, so bringing plenty of cash is best!
  • What do I need to bring?
    Yourself, some money and a sleeping bag are the essentials! Obviously if you’re camping you may also want to bring a tent…
  • Is there WiFi?
    No. Some mobile networks have good data coverage though. But who cares? Live in the moment and enjoy it. If your mates aren't here make sure they come next year!
  • Is there somewhere to charge a mobile phone?
    Yes, there is an extension lead in the Overland Shop where you can charge your phone free of charge, subject to availability (although a charity donation is welcome). Bring your own phone charger. Leaving your equipment unattended is at your own risk.
  • What if the weather is bad?
    The beauty of the The Overland Event summer site is that it takes place primarily in buildings rather than tents and the site is pretty well drained. The Winter Warmer is all indoors. Spring Into Action is mostly outside but who ever heard of bad weather in Wales?! Festival ponchos are available for purchase too, but really... you're thinking of riding round the world after all...
  • Can I bring a dog?
    The summer Overland Event No, sorry, the site has a strict NO DOGS rule (other than registered assistance animals by prior arrangement) for child safety reasons as it is an education centre. The Winter Warmer Yes! Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome but you must clear up after them for obvious reasons. Spring Into Action Yes! Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome but you must clear up after them for obvious reasons.
  • Where is it?
    Depending on the Event, the venue will be different, but the addresses can be found on the main page for each event: The Overland Event - https://www.overlandevent.com/overland The Winter Warmer - https://www.overlandevent.com/winter-warmer
  • Can I bring my campervan?
    The Overland Event No. The site doesn't have a local authority licence for caravans or for factory-made campervans so they can't remain onsite overnight (exemptions only apply for vehicles which form part of an exhibit or compliance with the Equality Act 2010). The Winter Warmer Yes! However, space is very limited and must be pre-booked please. Spring Into Action Yes! However, space is very limited and must be pre-booked please.
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