Connect Festival 2023: Everything you need to know
Organisers of Connect have released a guide with everything you need to know ahead of the festival, including ticket info, travel details, items allowed onsite and info for campers.
Article Source: Connect Festival
Last Updated: 16 August 2023 12:40
• Connect Festival returns to Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Showgrounds next weekend (25-27th August).
• CityLink have added additional coaches to tackle high demand to and from the festival.
• Festival-goers can now plan their ultimate weekend of music, comedy and wellness with the Connect Festival 2023 app, creating a personalised schedule.
Connect will bring an eclectic array of musical talent, comedy, spoken word and wellness to Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Showgrounds next weekend (25th - 27th August). Taking to the stage at this year’s festival includes Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand, Fred again.., boygenius and Loyle Carner. Festival goers can now get prepared for a weekend to remember with an ‘everything you need to you’ guide created by Connect organisers.
Tickets:
Those with General Admission or VIP tickets should download the Ticketmaster app, log in to their account and view their ticket on the app ahead of arriving at The Royal Highland Showgrounds. Viewing the ticket on the Ticketmaster app before coming to the festival will make sure fans can still access it, even if they don’t have a signal.
Anyone planning to camp at the festival must have a Three Day Festival ticket in order to access their accommodation - no other ticket holders can access the campsite. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult 25+, with a maximum of 2 under 18’s per 1 adult.
A full arrival info pack will be emailed to camping ticket holders approximately one week before the festival.
Travel:
Where possible, Connect is urging people to use public transport to get to and from The Royal Highland Showgrounds. With an array of travel options, it's strongly advised that trains, buses and tram services are used to get to the venue.
From Edinburgh city centre, Lothian Buses have arranged a dedicated Festival Shuttle, calling at George Street, Shandwick Place and Haymarket Station. Edinburgh Trams are also in operation, getting fans to Ingliston Park & Ride then hopping on the free tram shuttle bus to drop you off right at the festival gates.
For those travelling from elsewhere in the central belt, CityLink have put on extra coaches to and from Glasgow, Stirling and Coatbridge across the festival weekend due to high demand selling out the first release. Stagecoach buses are a great option for people travelling from further afield in Scotland.
Car parking is available for £10 per car, per day and must be booked in advance. Blue badge parking is also available in a dedicated accessible parking area, and must be pre-arranged. For more information on the best ways to get to the festival, visit the Connect website.
Families:
The family viewing area is located within The Grand Parade, giving families space to spread out, baby changing facilities, and a place to park your buggy, whilst maintaining views of The Grand Parade stage.
The Honeycomb is set within The Meadow and offers kids activities, a playground and space for nap time, and will be open each day of the festival. No pre-booking is required to take part in the kids activities, and they will all be provided free of charge.
Sustainability:
Sustainability continues to be a priority for Connect organisers, who are asking festival goers to play their part in taking conscious climate action by following the below tips.
1. Reduce emissions by making sustainable travel choices - carshare, cycle, or use public transport.
2. Buy vintage, swap clothes with friends or wear what you already have to embrace circular fashion this summer.
3. Bring a refillable water bottle (no glass, and under 1 litre) to make use of the free drinking water on site.
4. To reduce campsite waste, please try to avoid poor quality camping equipment and make sure you take your kit home.
5. Give vegetarian or vegan options a go and reduce the environmental impact of your food.
6. Visit our partners and charities on site who are doing amazing things for music, for our communities and composting rates.
Don’t Bring List:
Connect has a full section on its website on what you can and cannot bring into the event. Bags and rucksacks are allowed for essential items, but should be smaller than an A3 piece of paper.
Items that fans should not bring include:
• Food or drink
• Glass (including perfumes and water bottles)
• Flares or smoke canisters (These are dangerous and now illegal to have at large events)
• Flags
• Chairs
• Professional cameras or selfie sticks
• Large umbrellas
Weather:
August in Scotland can be temperamental so, although we’re all hoping for glorious sunshine, please be prepared come rain or shine. Whether you’re a camping or day attendee, be prepared with clothing for all weather types, sunscreen and a jacket for the colder evenings.
Connect app:
Plan your weekend with the Connect Festival 2023 app.
The app has now officially launched, giving fans the most up-to-date information on the festival weekend, along with a map to the site and a special feature that allows them to create a personalised schedule for the full weekend. By ‘favouriting’ must-see acts, fans should keep their notifications on and the app will send reminders so they won’t miss a moment.
To download the free app, visit your app store or the Connect website.
Apple download - apps.apple.com/us/app/connect-festival-2023/id1636691752
Android download - play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greencopper.connect
Last-minute tickets for Connect are available to purchase via connectmusicfestival.com, starting at £16.50 for a child ticket and £74.25 for an adult ticket. Tickets can be purchased on payment plans, where the cost of your ticket will be split into three smaller payments.
Purchase tickets here.
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