If you’re heading to Hardwick Festival this weekend to see the likes of Blossoms, Richard Ashcroft and Sophie Ellis-Bextor perform some of their biggest hits to thousands of people, you might want to plan ahead.

Maybe you’re wondering if you can bring food or drink to the event in County Durham or what size bag is acceptable.

You might even want to know how long Becky Hill will be on stage, for the festival's 10th anniversary.

Well look no further, as this is everything you need to know about Hardwick Festival 2024 in Sedgefield, taking place from August 16-18.

See the full line-up and latest ticket availability here.

How long will each artist perform at the festival?

The length of each set performed by artists such as Jack Savoretti and Snow Patrol at Hardwick Festival will vary.

The festival website states: “Some will be as long as 75 minutes, others will be an hour and some will be 30 minutes.”

Can I bring a bag?

Hardwick Festival has confirmed "small bags are permitted into the festival (A4 in size) and will be searched upon entry". 

What items are banned at the festival at Hardwick Hall Hotel?

Fireworks, smoke canisters, flags, poles, umbrellas, shooting sticks, picnic equipment or other similar articles that can be classified as a “weapon” are not permitted.

The Hardwick Festival website adds: “Any person in possession of any such articles may be refused entrance.”

If you’re unsure whether some of the items you intend to bring will be allowed onto the site, it’s best to contact Hardwick Festival directly.

Can you bring food and drink (including alcohol) to Hardwick Festival?

“Food and drinks are NOT allowed at Hardwick Festival,” the website specifically says.

“Our stewards and security have been instructed to stop anything resembling a cooler box / picnic basket, even bags of food/drink into the Event - please do not attempt to bring these into the Event, As these will be confiscated at the main entrance.”

Alcohol is also not permitted and only sealed 500ml plastic bottles containing water will be allowed in.

However, you can bring an empty plastic water container to refill free on-site.

Food is available on-site, as Hardwick Festival shares: “We have a large selection of food stalls available to purchase something to suit everyone.

“These are located around the site and include vegan & vegetarian options from Freshly Baked Pizzas - NEW Doritos Loaded - Mexican - Thai - Indian - Fish & Chips - Caribbean - Gourmet Burgers - Hog Roast - Freshly Made Donuts - Ice Cream - Greek - Jerk chicken.”

Various bars selling everything from gin, rum, beer, cider, tea, coffee and soft drinks are located around Hardwick Festival.

Hardwick Festival parking

If you’re travelling by car to the festival and want to know where you can park, this is what you need to know, according to the Hardwick Festival website.

  • Friday parking tickets - available in advance online at £5 per vehicle or you will be able to pay on the day, cash only at £6 per vehicle
  • Saturday or Sunday parking tickets - available in advance online at £6 per vehicle or you will be able to pay cash only on the day at £8
  • Advance weekend car park pass for camping is £10. If you wish to leave your vehicle overnight after Friday you may do so, however this will be at your own risk, the gates will be locked at 3:30 am Saturday morning and will be reopened at 10am on Saturday and Sunday morning, please note you are not allowed to sleep overnight in your vehicle

Where is the car park?

Festivalgoers can find the car park at Hardwick East Park which will be clearly signed, the entrance to this will be from the mini roundabout opposite the entrance to Hardwick Park on the A177.

Hardwick Festival is on August 16, 17 and 18Hardwick Festival is on August 16, 17 and 18 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Hardwick Festival adds: “If you are being dropped off please drive into the East Park and follow the signs to the drop off area and into the event.

“For pick up after the event please arrange for your driver / taxi to pick you up in the main Hardwick Park car park where there is plenty of space for them to wait for you. There will be no parking or waiting outside the main entrance to Hardwick Hall Hotel, the main car park or on the A177.”

Is the festival family-friendly?

Those attending Hardwick Festival who are under 18 can access all stages until 6pm.

But after this time, the Courtyard Stage will be unaccessible to children and young persons.

The website says: “Our Children’s area is located down the tree lined drive from the main entrance, which includes Circus training, Punch & Judy, Children’s Rides & play area.”

See the full line-up of children’s activities below:

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What to expect from camping at Hardwick Festival

There are two campsite options within walking distance of the festival field – one for camping and campervans and one for glamping.

If you have bought a camping add-on with your festival ticket, this is what you can expect.

The campsites include showers, toilets, food vendors and a cooking area. 

A new activity for 2024 is a "one-stop shop”, morning yoga and a silent disco “for those who have a little bit of festival energy left to burn”.

More information about your visit to Hardwick Festival 2024 can be found on the official website.