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About BunkFest

On the banks of the Thames in South Oxfordshire, Wallingford BunkFest is a free-access community festival providing a unique, family-friendly celebration with something for everyone.

In 2024, BunkFest celebrates its 22nd year of life – starting from a small marquee in a pub car park to filling the KineCroft and providing entertainment throughout Wallingford, on the River Thames and on the Bunk Railway line.

There is so much more to the history of BunkFest – find out how it all began, the history behind the name BunkFest and why thousands of people flock to Wallingford for the best free festival.

How can you support?

BunkFest is organised and run purely by volunteers with no funding or help from the local authority.

It is a massive undertaking every year to enable the festival to take place.

In order to keep BunkFest the GREAT FREE festival it has become, we need your kind support. Please dig deep into your pockets, buy our beer, buy our food, donate and most importantly ENJOY YOUR FESTIVAL!

Friday 30th August – Sunday 1st September

Wallingford, South Oxfordshire
Things get underway from 12pm on Friday!

General FAQs

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Can I bring my dog to BunkFest?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Kinecroft. BunkFest is a busy and noisy event so if your dog is of a nervous disposition, we would advise leaving him/her at home with a bone. Please note that the campsite and Sports Park only allow Assistance Dogs.

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Can I bring my own food and drink?

Technically yes, however, we rely on you to purchase drinks and food to help make the festival financially viable. If you do bring your own, please take your rubbish home with you.

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Can I camp at BunkFest?

Yes, space is limited so book early if possible. Please see our section on camping.

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Do I need to purchase a ticket for BunkFest?

The festival is free. However, we do ask you to make donations in the buckets and purchase your drinks and food from the festival to help pay for the event.

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Do you have any baby changing facilities?

Baby changing facilities are located by the Kinecroft site office, please ask a steward where this is.

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Do you have cash points in Wallingford?

Yes, but they are limited. There is one at the Esso garage, one outside the back entrance of Waitrose and one at Nationwide Building Society. All traders and the beer tent will be accepting card transactions.

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Do you have water stations?

Yes! The water is free and there are three water stations on the Kinecroft, one located by the beer tent and one at each end of the Kinecroft. Please bring a bottle.

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How do I apply to be a trader at BunkFest?

Please feel free to email us with your information, however, we do not have space for new traders and our existing traders are invited back each year.

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How do I apply to be an artist?

The process is to email us with your details and we will be in touch if we have the availability. However, we receive many emails and are unable to formally respond to them all.

Information about applying to become a Fringe Artist can be found here.

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What time does Bunkfest start?

Bunkfest gets underway at from 12pm on Friday 30th August.

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When is the Festival Shop open?

The Festival Shop will be open on Thursday afternoon and throughout the festival from 10:00 am.

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Where are the toilets located?

Toilets (including disabled) are located at both the northern and southern ends of the Kinecroft. There are also toilets in the Cattle Market car park and in the town centre.

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Where do I find out about the artists and schedules?

Full artists’ schedules and information can be found in the Festival Programme, available to buy in the Festival Shop. Our Artists and Venues pages also have some information.

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Where is First Aid?

First Aid is provided during the daytime and evening. The First Aid Post is located by the Kinecroft site office. If you have a problem and cannot get there, please notify a BunkFest Steward who will direct you.

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Where is lost property and what happens to it after the weekend?

Please hand in any lost items to the Festival Shop. This does not include bewildered Morris people or individuals carrying bodhrans! Any lost property remaining after the festival will be taken to the Wallingford Town Information Centre, and if unclaimed will be disposed of.

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Where is the Festival Shop?

The Festival Shop is located on the western side of the Kinecroft (opposite the Coach and Horses) and is the place to go for t-shirts, festival programmes, beer glasses, soft drinks, water and lost property.

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Where is the Tourist Information Centre?

The Tourist Information Centre is located on the ground floor of the Town Hall in the Market Place.

Telephone 01491 826972.

Opening times: Mondays-Fridays 10:00 am-1:00 pm and 1:30 pm-4:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am-2:00 pm.