FOOD & SHELTER
FOOD
Picnics & BBQs
Guests can bring their own picnic and BBQ equipment but please note that open fires are NOT permitted. A designated area for BBQ's will be made available - please let us know on arrival and we will direct you to where you can set up your equipment.
Food Outlets
A variety of fast-food style options will be available on site with a 'meal deal' style offer available. Our ever popular Sports Cafe will also be open for smoothies, snacks and more.
Accomodation
Festival participants can either book to stay in one of Stubber's excellent 'Bunkhouses' (click here for more info) at an additional cost of £5 per person or they bring their own tents and camp on the site.
Please note, the access point to the camping field is not designed for large vehicles, so if you are planning on bringing a caravan/camper van you must contact hello@solidfestival.org.uk so we can ensure you’ll fit through the gate!
You will need to bring sleeping bags, pillows and something to sleep on (roll mats or similar are recommended). On departure, your camping area must be left clean and clear of rubbish. A charge will be made if your area is not left in a satisfactory state.
There are no electrical hook up points on site for caravans, etc.,, so leaders are advised to bring a battery-charger for their own phones. Young people are advised to take a weekend off their phones and enjoy what’s going on. We know there aren’t many young people who’ll follow that advice, but we like to suggest it anyway...
LEADERS' guide
Our Leaders Guide to the 2022 Festival can be downloaded here... 2023's Guide will be published soon
Here is some top advice to make SOLID Festival as smooth as possible:
Don’t leave your booking until the last minute - give your group a deadline to return their money.
Plan Ahead - we will be making more and more information available about the program on this site as the festival approaches. Have a good look through so you can be talking to your young people about what they can expect and what your expectations are of them in advance.
Meet with Parents/Carers - its a great idea to hold pre-SOLID parents/carers evening so they are all aware of what’s happening and your expectations for the group.
Arrivals
Gates open: 5pm Friday
Please respect the one way system and follow the instructions of stewards at all times. Any cars being brought on to site for SOLID need to display either a Long or Short stay parking permit or Drop Off Only notice in the windscreen before arrival so we can direct you to the right parking area – these will have been sent to you along with your leaders pack to print out. This will allow stewards to direct you appropriately as follows:
DROP OFF: You'll be directly to an area where people can hop out of the car then you can head back out again.
SHORT STAY: You're aiming to leave before the 9pm finish time
LONG STAY: You'll be around right to the end
Please note that short stay car parking is limited so please do not take up a Short Stay space ‘just in case’.
When you first arrive on site you must follow the Stewards’ instructions to park your car. The group leader must head directly to Information to register as you arrive; please only send one leader per group into the tent itself to minimise queues. Once you hand over two paper copies of the SOLID registration form for every under 18 in your group, you will then receive your event pack which will contain:
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Wristbands for each person in your group. These are your ticket into the activities; they must be put on straight away and worn at all times;
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A map of the site;
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A final timetable of weekend events;
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Any other last-minute information we need to tell you
SAFETY
SOLID Management are keen that SOLID is a safe environment for all those concerned. Group/youth leaders or parents/carers are responsible for the actions of their young people at all times.
We ask all those that attend to follow these guidelines:
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No alcohol or illegal drug should be consumed at, or brought to, SOLID.
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No one should enter any unauthorised area (clearly marked).
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No one should touch or interfere with any equipment owned by Stubbers, SOLID or those working on behalf of SOLID.
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If the weather is very hot we suggest that young people wear light clothes, bring a hat or cap of some description and sun block or cream.
SOLID Management retains the right to insist on the removal from SOLID of any person acting in an unreasonable way which puts them, others, or the reputation of SOLID at risk.
fire Regulations
Please keep to these guidelines:
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Open fires are NOT allowed; gas or disposable BBQ's can be used in the designated area.
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Smoking is not permitted on site.
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Any event shelters brought for the use of groups must be at pitched at least 2m apart.
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Please be careful when using gas stoves.
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Generators are not allowed on site.
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Stewards are charged with the responsibility to keep all gangways and fire exits clear in venues and on site, their instructions must be adhered to.
If the weather is very hot we suggest that young people wear light clothes, bring a hat or cap of some description and sun block or cream.
SOLID Management retains the right to insist on the removal from SOLID of any person acting in an unreasonable way which puts them, others, or the reputation of SOLID at risk.
Stubbers' Site Rules
Site Rules respect the rights of all staff and visitors at Stubbers and exist to ensure that everyone enjoys their visit.
• Keep off activity apparatus other than when under the direct supervision of Stubbers instructors.
• Group leaders are responsible for the supervision and safety of their young people whilst at
Stubbers, especially after dark.
• Keep off the boat jetties and landing stages. Be very careful around the banks of the lakes.
• No swimming or paddling other than when in a session supervised by Stubbers Staff.
• Put all litter in the bins provided.
• Valuables are left in your tent / bunkhouse at your own risk.
• Do not enter someone else’s tent or bunkhouse.
• Do not leave your tent or bunkhouse after midnight except to use the toilets.
• Smoking is not permitted on site.
• Alcohol is not permitted on site.
• Illegal drugs and substances are not permitted on site.
• Footwear must be worn at all times.
• Respect the privacy of others – keep away from other tents and bunkhouses.
• There is to be no loud talking or music after midnight.
• No dogs are permitted on site.
• Fishing is not permitted.
Group Leaders are responsible for:
1. Ensuring that the Stubbers site rules are adhered to.
2. Supervision of their group at all times, including meal times.
3. The conduct of all members of their group whilst on site.
PROMO
Should you wish to promote the festival to your church/group, please feel free to drop us a line with your requirements and we'll provide whatever publicity templates you need - hello@solidfestival.org.uk
The SMALL PRINT
What does the price include?
The price includes access to the SOLID festival and access to the activities advertised on the programme for the day(s) booked for both children and their adult leaders. SOLID is based at Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster, Essex. Catering arrangements are entirely the responsibility of the adult leaders or parents/carers who are supervising the various groups.
What about travel?
The cost of travel to the festival venue is not included in the fee. Adult leaders/parents/carers associated with each group attending are responsible for arranging all travel to/from Stubbers Adventure Centre.
Who will be running the festival?
The festival is run by experienced adult team, some of whom are full-time Scripture Union workers or workers attached to our partner organisations, some of whom are volunteers. Specific supervision for individual groups is entirely the responsibility of the adult leaders or parents/carers attached to each group and Scripture Union requires that each group provides adult leaders at least at a 1:8 ratio.
What about safety?
The issue of safety is taken seriously throughout the festival. All activities carry an inherent risk and this is minimised to an appropriate level by taking all reasonable steps. All outdoor pursuit activities are carried out under qualified supervision. This supervision will be carried out by staff from Stubbers Activity and Adventure Centre. All recommended safety equipment is always worn, buoyancy aids for water activities and helmets for climbing, cycling or karting. Equipment is checked and maintained to a high standard. For water-based outdoor activity festivals participants must be confident in water when wearing a buoyancy aid.
Scripture Union has a Safeguarding Policy and all festival leaders and team members are subject to this. All adult team members are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Details can be obtained from the Scripture Union National Office.
Money matters
Full payment for your group is due within 10 days of placing your booking if you have requested to pay by BACS or cheque. Payment by card/PayPal is due at the point of booking.
Bookings not paid within 10 working days will be cancelled and a £10 administration charge will be applied.
Cheques should be made payable to “The Red Balloon Family Foundation” and posted to:
RBF
Peterhouse, 122 Forest Rise
Walthamstow
E17 3PW
BACS transfers should be sent to:
Account Name: Red Balloon Foundation
Sort Code: 08-92-99
Number: 65983777
Bank: Co-Operative
If your church is bringing a large group or otherwise requires the facility to pay in instalments, please contact hello@solidfestival.org.uk before making your booking on the website so we can put the appropriate arrangements in place. Please note that instalment payment plans will not be carried over beyond booking deadlines (e.g., Earlybird places must all be paid in full before the Earlybird deadline) and to secure discounted places, all monies must be received in full before the booking period finishes otherwise places will be charged at the higher rate or cancelled with a £10 administration fee applied.
What if I cancel?
If you wish to cancel or amend your booking you should contact hello@solidfestival.org.uk as soon as possible. Our cancellation/amendments policy is as follows:
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Super Early Bird Tickets are non-refundable. For all other types of booking:
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Notification received 56 or more before the festival – 100% refund less £10 administration charge.
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Notification received 28-56 days (inclusive) before the festival – 50% refund less £10 administration charge.
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Notification received less than 28 days before the festival – No refund available
What if the festival is cancelled?
In the unlikely festival of a festival having to be cancelled, Scripture Union undertakes to refund fees already paid by participants. We have also arranged for the security of your money paid in the unlikely event of our insolvency.
What if a member of my group is unwell?
In the event of a child being unwell at the start of the festival, we adhere to current NHS guidelines for school attendance and/or COVID19 as applicable, which can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Yourchildatschool/Pages/Illness.aspx. Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting must not be sent to the festival until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone. If a child has a raised temperature or any of the COVID19 symptoms they too must not be attend. We regret that we cannot offer a refund if a child is unable to attend due to ill health – please see section below relating to insurance.
What about insurance?
Scripture Union is fully covered for public liability. Festival participants are not, however, insured against personal accident or injury as a result of an accident or loss of possessions. We therefore suggest those who feel that additional insurance is necessary should make their own arrangements.
Additional needs
Whilst recognising that all children are special, some may have needs which require extra support. It is Scripture Union's aim to include such children on our festivals and holidays within the guidelines of suitable provision and staffing, but this is primarily the responsibility of the adult leaders who bring them to SOLID. If you are bringing any children who have a particular additional need or disability where you would like us to support you in catering for please contact hello@solidfestival.org.uk as soon as possible so we can attempt to accommodate you. Please be aware that the main activity of SOLID takes place in a field and access may be challenging for those with mobility difficulties. We must also be advised prior to booking (or, if the issue occurs after booking has been made, as soon as possible) if a child currently has or has recently experienced any behavioural or social problems which may affect their own safety and / or the well-being of others on the festival so an appropriate risk assessment can be carried out where necessary.
Participation
We encourage adult leaders to ensure that all children make the best of being at SOLID by attending all of the main gathered sessions at Jump In and Expect. Please note that children are the responsibility of their supervising adults at all times so if they opt out of a gathered session or activity they are still the responsibility of their adult leaders, not the SOLID team.
Leaving festival site
At no point are children allowed to leave the festival site during the period of the festival unless accompanied by the adult leaders or parent/carers associated with their group.
Mobile phones
Whether or not to allow children to bring mobile phones or other electronic equipment on to the site is entirely at the discretion of the adult leaders parents/carers associated with the group. Scripture Union cannot accept any liability for the loss of or damage to expensive equipment.
Mobile phones and other equipment can be charged for a fee of £1 at the Festival Information Centre but are left at the owner’s risk.
Photographs
Children may be photographed/videoed at the festival. The images will only be used by SU or organisations in sympathy with SU to which express permission may be granted. We cannot take responsibility for any photographs/video clips that are put onto social networking sites by guests at the festival. Scripture Union may use photographs / video clips to promote its festivals or other activities on such sites. Official event photographers will be identified by a blue hi-vis jacket and children whose image should not be shared should where possible make themselves known to them and on arrival at SOLID we can arrange for leaders to meet with photographers to help facilitate this but can never guarantee any child or young person will not appear in wide-angle shots. Please contact hello@solidfestival.org.uk if this is of concern to you.
Data protection
Scripture Union will hold your details on file but will not release the information to any third party. Some details may be shared with the team as required for the safe running of the festival.
Scripture Union will hold your details securely. Red Balloon Foundation and Stubbers Activity and Adventure Centre will have access to your details for the duration of the festival and a short period afterwards, at the end of which, these copies will be destroyed.
Any comments?
We welcome your comments in order to continue to improve our service. If there is a problem with the festival please contact us immediately and we will do our utmost to find a satisfactory solution, directing your input to hello@solidfestival.org.uk in the first instance. We would also like to hear from you with your positive comments and ideas for development and to that end will circulate a post-festival survey the week after SOLID takes place.
Scripture Union reserves the right to:
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refuse any application,
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alter or cancel a festival where necessary,
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ask a young person or group to leave the festival if their behaviour is incompatible with the general enjoyment and well-being of others, in which case the adult leaders of that group will be informed and collection arrangements must be made at their own expense and no refund will be given.