FESTIVAL FAQ

​Local Taxi Numbers:
Fishguard Taxis:     07442 496017   01348 875129 
                                            fishguardtaxis@gmail.com 

Tony's Taxis:             07423 437887   01348 873075                            
                                        tonys.taxis@hotmail.com 





Is the festival really free?
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We call it 'mainly free'. There are some headline concerts that are ticketed, but it would be perfectly possible to attend the whole festival and have a really good time without ever paying at all. Even if you buy all the tickets, the festival is still extraordinary value. There are concerts, workshops, ceilidhs, sessions, a guided walk, singarounds, dance groups.
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So how do you pay for it?
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Firstly, sponsorship. We are very grateful to our sponsors - see the foot of every page. Secondly, bucket donation collection.  - we make collections at as many events as possible. We also now have the convenience of making a cash free donation through our QR codes. Thirdly, fundraising events throughout the year. Finally, advertising revenue from the programme and other minor sources.
​None of it would be possible without many hours of unpaid hard work by the committee and our volunteers.

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If I don't buy tickets in advance, can I get them at the Festival?
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Paying on the door is nearly always an option, but we can't guarantee that we won't sell out. A better option is to buy tickets following the links on our website, our facebook page, or from Theatr Gwaun, either over the counter or via their website. Be advised though, in 2024 both headline acts sold out before the festival weekend.
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I fancy playing in a session but I'm afraid it'll be too fast.
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Oh, we all feel like that at first. Don't worry about it. Joining in with better players is a great experience and it's how we all learned. The key to joining in is sometimes called session etiquette. It's not much more than good manners, really. Play quietly until you know you're playing roughly the right tune. If you can't play all the notes at full speed, play the important ones. Don't start something that you can't finish. And always respect the beat.​
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Visiting professionals often join in the Royal Oak session. You could find yourself playing next to your hero.
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If you think the full-strength sessions might be a bit fast for you, the ‘Slow and Easy’ sessions might be just right. They are based on the fantastic work of Tuneworks and will be using their FREE tunebook, available to download but not essential to have with you. All instruments and all ability levels are welcome.
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I'm a good player. Can I just set up on the street and busk?
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Certainly. The usual things apply: please set up where you don't cause an obstruction, and be considerate to all your temporary neighbours. This Year we also have dedicated busking spots, please refer to the Programme to find out where thy are.
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Is the festival child-friendly?
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We welcome children to all events. It's up to parents to decide if a given event will suit their children for other reasons such as lateness or duration.
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Are all venues disability-friendly?
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We have no premises of our own. All venues used by the festival are privately-owned commercial premises subject to the national regulations. The 'Pirates and Smugglers Walk' involves steep, narrow footpaths and is partly off-road.
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Where can I buy a Fishguard Folk Festival programme for 2025?
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They are free! But a donation in the Bucket is always welcome. You'll see them everywhere over the festival weekend. There is also an online version on the website and a 3MB download available on our facebook page.