EDF 2024 - Friday 26th & Saturday 27th July - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!
BUS LINKS
Regular bus services connect with the ferry arrival and departure times.
The main coach operator from Central Scotland is Scottish Citylink Coaches, for all connections telephone 08705 505050 or visit their website: http://www.citylink.co.uk/
Tickets must be booked in advance to ensure a seat on the bus.
TRAIN LINKS
Uig - Lochmaddy Ferry service:
Train services run to Kyle Of Lochalsh, a bus must then be taken to Uig.
Train services run directly to Mallaig.
Please check connections with bus/ train with ferry.
Further details from 0344 811 0141 or book online through www.scotrail.co.uk.
FLYING
Loganair fly from Glasgow to Benbecula. http://www.loganair.co.uk/
For more information on all of the travel options please follow the appropriate link.
FERRY
Caledonian MacBrayne run a direct car and passenger ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy and also from Mallaig to Lochboisdale. Inter-island services also operate between Ardmhor in Barra and Eriskay in South Uist and also from Berneray in North Uist to Leverburgh and Harris.
The summer timetable will be operating during the festival which will be operating extra sailings to Uist compared to the winter timetable. Pre bookings must be made for all vehicles. Tickets may be bought up to 5 months in advance.
Telephone 0800 066 5000 or log on to their website to view ferry timetables: http://www.calmac.co.uk/
Do we need to book in advance?
If you intend to bring a car or any vehicles, then this must be booked in advance.
Do foot passengers need to book?
We would always advise you to book in advance, the ferries are extremely busy during festival time and a booking will guarantee your space. EDF and CalMac advise all foot passengers to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1hr in advance of sailings to ensure travel.
You will need to buy a ticket and also make sure you pick up a boarding pass.
How far is the festival site from the ferry terminal?
If you arrive in Lochmaddy, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 21 miles away.
If you arrive in Berneray, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 31 miles away.
If you arrive in Lochboisdale, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 22 miles away.
If you arrive in Eriskay, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 28 miles away.
And how far is it from the airport?
The airport is approximately 6 miles away from the festival site.
How do we get transport to the festival?
Shuttle buses will be travelling from the ferries to the festival drop off site each day BUT MUST BE PRE BOOKED. The drop off point is a short distance to the festival site. This is to allow the buses to turn and not cause congestion on the road. You will be walking on the main road to the festival, so please be aware of traffic.
Our official buses will be provided by Lindsay's Coaches and MacVicars Coaches.
**BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL**
MacVicars coaches will also operate buses heading North as well as shuttle buses from Balivanich.
Please book your bus place by calling Willie on 01870 603197
Lindsay's Coaches will operate buses heading South. Please book your seat on the bus by calling AJ on 07780 548779.
There are five campsites available throughout the islands of South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist.
Early booking is advised for all.
Otters Edge Caravan Park
Liniclate
Benbecula
Outer Hebrides
HS7 5PJ
Mr Dave Adey
Tel: 07805 927657
This site is less than a mile from the festival site. (Suitable for Motorhomes)
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Liniclate Temporary Campsite
Liniclate
Benbecula
Outer Hebrides
HS7 5PJ
Mr Donald MacPherson
Tel: 07887 707609
This site is less than a mile from the festival site. (Perfect for tents)
*BOOKING ESSENTIAL*
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Moorcroft Campsite
17 Carinish
North Uist
Hebrides
HS6 5HN
Suitable for Motorhomes and tents.
Iain & Catriona Morrison
Tel: 01876 580305
E-Mail: morrisons17@hotmail.com
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Balranald Hebridean Holidays
Hougharry
North Uist
Outer Hebrides
HS6 5DL
Tel: 01876510304
Mobile: 07748267996
E-Mail: info@balranaldhebrideanholidays.com
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Kilbride Campsite
Cille Bhrighde
South Uist
Outer Hebrides
HS8 5TT
Contact: DJ MacIsaac
Tel: 01878 700568
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IS THERE ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
There is limited public transport on the island, but a few taxi firms.
Shuttle buses will be running from the festival site to the campsite areas throughout the weekend, please see noticeboards on site for more information.
IF YOU ARE BEING DROPPED OFF / PICKED UP
If you are being dropped off by car, taxi/private hire or mini-bus, you must use the bus park at the school. There is no drop off / pick up point available at the Dark Island Hotel. The Dark Island Car Park will only be accessible residents or anyone with the appropriate pass. Taxis and private cars must use the school bus park.
LEAVING BENBECULA & THE FESTIVAL SITE
Please ensure that you leave the campsite and surrounding areas as you found them. Dispose of all rubbish and litter (bin bags can be given out at the main office). Please do not abandon tents or belongings.
When do the shuttle buses start?
Shuttle buses will be running from 1pm on both days from Balivanich old school to the drop off point. If you are travelling to the island on the ferry and wish to be collected by a bus to go to a campsite, shuttle buses MUST BE PRE-BOOKED by calling MacVicar Coaches on 01870603197 or 07778271202 or via email on macv2912@gmail.com
IDENTIFICATION & UNDER 18s
EDF follows the Challenge 25 policy http://www.challenge25.org
If you are lucky enough to look under 25 you will be asked to prove that you are aged 18 or over on arrival. If you are under 18 you are committing an offence if you attempt to buy alcohol.
We would strongly advise all festival goers to ensure they bring identification, we accept the following:
Passport
Driving license
Young Scot Card
Citizen Card
Or any other photo ID that has a PASS Logo
If you can’t prove proof of age then you will be issued with an under 18 band, and ONLY if you are accompanied by an adult.
I am under 18, can I come to EDF?
YES!
EDF is open to everyone.
Under 18 tickets are only available to buy with an adult ticket. All under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is over the age of 18. One adult can be responsible for a maximum of four under 18s and must be present at registration. Any Under 18’s who arrive at the gate without their responsible adult will not be permitted to enter EDF. All under 18s will also be asked to write a contact telephone number on their wrist band in case of emergency.
TICKETING
All tickets will be scanned prior to entry and a wristband issued. No wristband means no entry so please take care of your tickets. No replacement can be made for lost tickets.
TICKET AVAILABILITY ON SITE
There will be no tickets available on the day, please purchase your ticket through the official website ticket links prior to arrival.
WRISTBANDS
Different wristbands will be issued in accordance to the ticket purchased. These will be issued when your ticket is scanned.
DO NOT LOSE YOUR WRISTBAND, IT WILL NOT BE REPLACED
No wristband means no entry to the arena.
ENTRY & SECURITY
There will be trained security staff patrolling the venue at all times, anyone causing a disturbance will be asked to leave the festival arena. Entry is STRICTLY by ticket only and everyone attending the event will be subject to a search. A drugs dog will also be present.
ANIMALS
Can you bring your dog to the festival?
Unfortunately Not.
Pets are not permitted within the festival arena or any other fields in and around the festival site. The only exception to this are guide dogs.
Please be aware that livestock will be in surrounding fields so extra care of pets in the campsites is essential. Pets must be kept on a lead at all times within the campsites.
IS THERE DISABLED ACCESS AT THE FESTIVAL?
Yes.
BLUE BADGE holders will have a special parking area next to the main arena and there is a special disabled viewing area within the arena. If you need assistance please introduce yourself to a member of the team on arrival and we will do everything to assist you.
DO YOU REQUIRE ANY ASSISTANCE?
Please let us know if you require wheelchair access as the disabled viewing area is limited in number. Space on the platform is on a first come basis and cannot be reserved. Additional seating for carers is available. We may need to prioritise those with visable disabilities in busy periods. The platform is also used as a family viewing area for people with young children, ear defenders are available in the Merch Tent for babies and young children within the main arena. We will have two accessible Disabled loos situated adjacent to the platform.
WEATHER
The weather in Scotland, even in July can be challenging. If the weather is so extreme that we have to cancel or postpone the event, there will be contingencies and processes in place to deal with this. We do advise that you bring clothing and essentials for all types of Scottish weather from suncream to waterproofs!
THESE ITEMS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED
Food and drink. We have a number of food outlets catering for all dietary requirements. Tents or gazebos.
Fireworks or pyro of any kind. Anyone attempting to bring pyro or fireworks of any kind will have them confiscated and will be denied entry and asked to leave the site.
Single use plastic vapes. Pets / animals Professional camera/video/audio equipment with removable lenses Drones Glass bottles or glassware of any kind are not permitted on the festival site and will be confiscated.
Anyone found to be attempting to bring alcohol into the site will have it confiscated and they will be asked to leave the site.
All bags will be searched on arrival.
PARKING
There is LIMITED PARKING at the EDF site. Please do not block the road when dropping people off so that we don’t disturb the flow of traffic around the island.
Follow the stewards directions at all times.
CHAIRS & BLANKETS
You are welcome to bring blankets and folding camp chairs into the site, however we ask that you don’t block any access points and if an area becomes busy you may be asked by our security team to either move somewhere else or put them away.
LITTER
Liniclate is a fabulous location and we would like your help in keeping it that way. Please use the bins provided, or take your rubbish home.
HAZARDS
Most of the site is farmland so please take care on uneven ground. The roads surrounding the festival site have cattle grids so please be vigilant and avoid these where possible.
PLEASE LOOK AFTER OUR ISLAND
There is no doubt that what makes EDF a special festival is the stunning location, please look after our island as if it were your home. Were it not for the support of the local community, we would not be able to hold this fantastic new event so we would appreciate it if you could please treat them with the respect they deserve and try to minimise the disruption to their everyday lives.
Would you like to be part of Team EDF 2024?
We are looking for volunteers to help from the 20th July to 31st July 2024.
To make the festival an annual event we need the support of many volunteers, either helping with specific jobs in the weeks leading up to the event or in a variety of vital roles over the weekend itself. It’s also a great chance to make friends, experience some amazing music and make some fantastic memories.
As a volunteer you will be expected to be available for at least 12-15 hours of work over the course of the weekend with shifts alternating between daytime / evening throughout the festival. There are a couple of teams that have longer hours and some who are involved in pre and post Festival work but you will not be placed on these teams without your agreement in advance.
A team is a group of people who operate in a specific area during the Festival. A team can range in size from 5 to 10 people and there is at least one Team Leader and often other co-Leaders as well. The teams carry out a myriad of activities as detailed in the Team Descriptions below.
All voluntary staff with be placed on a rota system which will be agreed with you prior to the event or at team meetings. You are needed to cover at least 2 shifts alternating daytime/evenings so please be ready and willing to be flexible.
As a volunteer you will get:
Access to festival activities within the main arena where possible, so when you are not working you are free to enjoy the festival, the music, your friends, etc. a volunteer shirt, which you wear whenever you are working during the festival, meal vouchers, latest news from the festival.
Please note we cannot offer travel, accommodation or expenses but we can offer you the opportunity of being involved with one of the most exciting events of the year and membership of the growing festival family.
You must be 18 years or older at the time of the festival to be accepted as a volunteer.
Volunteering Descriptions
Technical & Prep:
Pre-event set up of main site and additional venues as required including staging, set, seating and ancillary items and post event de-rig. Assist the sound and lighting company with the preparation of technical areas, load in and get out of band equipment. This is one of the most demanding areas so you must be fit, well organised and aware of safety issues and have good availability and a willingness to do just what it takes to make it all happen. Please note that this area has availability from Tuesday of festival week until the Tuesday following the festival if you have the time and stamina to stick with us!
Green Team:
Your mission should you choose to take it is to ensure that as much waste as possible generated onsite is recycled or composted to minimise waste to landfill.
Your assistance will be required both during the day with a strong presence on hand during the times the site is open to the general public to assist with helpful information and assistance to ensure correct disposal of waste from all concessionaires (bars, caterers, etc.). Please note that though this team is rotated during the festival, all volunteers will be required at the end of Saturday night for a final clear up. If you are available, some help would also be useful earlier in the week to ensure that disposal areas are properly labelled and in the correct place. Or if you can help during the clear up the following week you will earn our eternal gratitude!
Stewarding:
You will assist with the stewarding operation led by the professional security company employed by the Festival. A very important area to ensure the smooth running of the event and to provide a friendly, helpful service. Volunteers are required for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and evening. If available we would be really grateful if anyone would like to work a few more hours to ensure that all the hours of the festival are covered.
***Please note volunteers must be 18 years or over for the Stewarding team***
Retailing:
Assist with the selling of festival and band merchandising throughout the festival. You should be a real people person with an outgoing personality. An interest in the music the festival promotes would be useful. This area involves some lifting and carrying and input throughout the day/evening. Some pre-festival preparation also required if available.
Driving:
Assist with the picking up and transportation of band personnel, collecting equipment for delivery to venues, transferring staff and others involved with the organisation of the event. Availability all day/night is required including early morning/late night ferry/airport runs and indeed outwith the festival. Good local knowledge is necessary.
***Must be over 25 years of age, a MIDAS qualification is desirable but if you have D1 on your licence, that is fine***
After you have submitted an application, whether you have been assigned to a team and contacted by a Team Leader, if your availability changes in any way, please contact us.
All volunteers should email us with your details.
Please make 3 team choices as that will make it easier to place you. We will look at your choices, consider your skills and interests, and place you accordingly.
If you have any questions or concerns at all about any issue covered by the Volunteer Policy, please contact the festival team immediately.
After you have applied, what next?
Your application will be acknowledged in the first instance.
Team selections will begin during June 2024 and you will be contacted in due course to confirm your selection. Please bear with us and be patient. Thereafter your team leader will take over communication and supply any details you require. There will be a volunteers meet and greet organised to which all confirmed volunteers are invited. We will advise you when it will take place once you have gone through the selection process. We look forward to meeting you then.
Contacting Us:
Email: volunteer@edffestival.com
Volunteer Policy
The Eilean Dorcha Festival agrees to the following understanding with volunteers: Volunteers will receive a festival shirt. Volunteers will receive respectful treatment. Volunteers should not consume alcohol whilst on duty. Volunteers working long hours will receive a free meal or snack voucher redeemable at onsite catering areas. Volunteers will be covered by Eilean Dorcha Festival insurance. Volunteers will have a named point of contact. The Eilean Dorcha Festival reserves the right not to accept applications and to request an individual stops volunteering if the relationship has broken down.
The Volunteer agrees to the following understanding with the Eilean Dorcha Festival: I will complete and submit a Volunteer Application Form. I will attend meetings/training as required. I will complete my Festival volunteer assignment in a satisfactory way (showing up on time for shifts, staying for the required duration, wearing volunteer shirt while on shift, respectful treatment of other volunteers, staff, performers, and especially patrons of the Festival). I will abide by the aforementioned policies of the Eilean Dorcha Festival.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
To qualify for the full volunteer benefits, a volunteer is expected to be available for a minimum 12-15 hours of work over the full weekend with shifts alternating between daytime / evening throughout the festival. Some teams require a greater commitment so please ensure that you are aware of the demands of that particular area.
A volunteer will ordinarily be a person 18 years old and older at the time of the festival. Some team requirements do vary so please check these conditions.
Volunteers will NOT bring their children to their work shifts and please be aware that the festival does not have the facilities to care for your children when you are working.
If you become unavailable to volunteer at all during the Festival weekend, please let us know immediately.
If you are interested in volunteering for EDF 2024 please email:
to register your interest.
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