RETURNS 23–24 JULY 2027 • SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD NEWS

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GENERAL
TRAVEL
ENTRY
ACCESSIBILITY
FAMILIES
ITEMS

GENERAL

Ayclive Festival is hosted on the outdoor grounds at OakLeaf Sports Complex Newton Aycliffe Click to open side panel for more information :

  • Address: School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, DL5 6QZ


Getting Here:

The site is easily accessible by car, public transport, or on foot for locals.

 Detailed travel routes, parking instructions, and drop-off points can be found in our Travel FAQ section.

Ayclive is a two-day event packed with live music and entertainment:

  • Friday (Evening): Gates open at 5:30 PM
  • Saturday (Full Day): Gates open at 11:30 AM


A Quick Tip for Families:

Arrive early to grab a great spot on the field, explore the site, and get the kids settled before the main stage acts begin! Last entry times and full set schedules will be published closer to the event.

Music finishes in accordance with our site license, and lighting along main exit walkways will stay fully lit to guide you safely off site. Please respect our local neighbours by keeping noise to a minimum as you head out.

Both cash and card payments (including contactless and mobile pay) are accepted across the entire festival site.

This applies to:

  • Ticket Desks (if tickets remain available on the day)
  • Festival Bars & Food Vendors
  • Market Traders & Stalls
  • Fairground Rides & Attractions

Whether you prefer tapping your card or carrying cash, you are fully covered everywhere on site!

We have a fantastic lineup of food and drink options on site to keep you fuelled all weekend:

  • Street Food Vendors: A brilliant selection of top-quality local street food vendors from right across the North East.
  • Festival Bars: Fully stocked bars serving a varied range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Free Hydration Stand: Free drinking water is available on site for those bringing reusable water bottles.

Bringing Your Own:

  • Food: You are welcome to bring your own picnic or packed lunch in sealed food boxes.
  • Soft Drinks & Water: Unopened soft drinks and water are permitted, but bottle lids must be unsealed upon entry.
  • Alcohol: Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note: All bags, food containers, and picnic items are subject to security checks at the gates.


We work with different street food traders each year, so menus for our vendors and full bar options are confirmed closer to the event.

If you have gluten-free dietary requirements, please pop us an email at hello@ayclive.co.uk. We will keep your details on file and reach out directly as soon as vendor menus and gluten-free bar options are finalised so you can plan your day with total peace of mind!

Losing something is never fun, but our friendly team is here to help reunite you with your belongings!

  • During the Festival: Head to our clearly signposted Lost Property point on site. Our staff will be happy to check if your item has been handed in.
  • After the Festival: Realised you’re missing something after heading home? Drop us an email at hello@ayclive.co.uk with a quick description of the item.


All recovered items are safely moved to our HQ at Aycliffe Business Park after the event. We can easily arrange a local collection time with you or, if you’ve traveled from further afield, post your item back to you!

If you’re looking to pick up a classic festival souvenir or a memento to remember the weekend, here is what you need to know about official merchandise for this year:

  • Discontinued for This Year: While we are busy looking at brand-new designs, suppliers, and vendors for the future, we have officially discontinued our own festival merchandise line for this year.
  • Beware of Imitations: Any Ayclive merchandise you might see floating around online is not designed, produced, or authorized by us.
  • Traders & Vendors on Site: Don’t worry, you won’t leave empty-handed! Just like in previous years, we will have plenty of fantastic, cool independent vendors and traders set up across the festival site offering unique clothing, art, and festival gear.
  • Future Returns: When our official online merch store returns in the future, we will announce it loud and clear across our social media channels and directly to all our email subscribers. Keep your eyes peeled!

We get lots of emails asking about VIP packages and upgrades! Here is the current situation:

  • General VIP Sales: We don’t currently have general sale VIP tickets or upgrades available for purchase.
  • Standard Experience: We pride ourselves on making Ayclive an incredible, accessible experience for everyone across the entire site, with great views, quick bar access, and brilliant food options for all ticket holders.
  • Future Updates: If any exclusive VIP areas, hospitality packages, or stage-side upgrades become available closer to the event, we will announce them first on our official social media channels and website.


For now, securing your standard ticket guarantees you full access to all the action!

TRAVEL

Getting to and from the site couldn’t be easier for locals! Our fantastic friends at the Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society run a free heritage town shuttle bus throughout Friday evening and most of Saturday.

  • Cost: Free to ride! However, any small donations to the society are massively appreciated to help preserve these wonderful vintage buses.
  • Timetables: Full shuttle schedules will be published in the main menu of our website and shared across our social media pages closer to the event date.


Hop aboard a classic vintage bus and arrive at the gates in style!

  • Traveling by rail is super easy! Newton Aycliffe Train Station is just a short, 2-minute walk from the festival ground along a fully accessible route.

    • Local Connections: We are on the Tees Valley Line (running between Bishop Auckland and Saltburn). Direct local stops include:
      • Bishop Line Section: Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Heighington, and Darlington North Road.
      • Tees Valley Line Section: Darlington (Bank Top), Dinsdale, Teesside Airport, Allens West, Eaglescliffe, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, South Bank, Redcar Central, Redcar East, Longbeck, Marske, and Saltburn.
    • National Mainline: The line connects directly through Darlington Station, a major hub on the East Coast Main Line (London King’s Cross to Edinburgh), making it effortless to reach us from further afield.
    • Booking: Regular services run throughout the day and can be planned and booked via Trainline.com.


    Just hop off the train, take a quick 2-minute stroll, and you’ll be at the gates!

Getting dropped off or grabbing a taxi home is super straightforward:

  • Dedicated Area: There is a clearly marked taxi rank and passenger drop-off/pick-up zone located right on site.
  • Friendly On-Site Support: Our helpful festival parking attendants and traffic management volunteers will be on hand to guide drivers directly to the correct spot, keeping traffic moving smoothly.
  • Easy Access: The drop-off zone leads straight onto the main pedestrian routes, so you can head straight to the entrance gates without any hassle.
  • Uber Friendly: If you’re traveling using the Uber app, simply search for Ayclive Festival as your destination, and it will route your driver straight to our official drop-off point!

We have two dedicated, easily located, and clearly signposted car parks on site offering both standard and Blue Badge parking:

  • Pre-Purchase for Fast Entry: Parking is a paid service, and we strongly advise buying your parking pass from our online store ahead of time. Pre-purchased passes make arrival much faster, our stewards simply scan your ticket so you can park up and head straight into the festival!
  • On-the-Day Entry: Friendly parking attendants will be on duty at the car park entrances to check advance passes and take cash or card payments. 
  • Easy Access to Gates: Both car parks are right on site with short, level pedestrian routes leading directly to the main entrance.


Head over to our official store to grab your parking pass early for the smoothest possible arrival!

Ayclive is a non-camping festival with no on-site accommodation, but there are plenty of great places to stay nearby!

  • Hotels & B&Bs: Newton Aycliffe and the surrounding County Durham area offer a wide range of fantastic hotels, inns, and guest houses.
  • Holiday Rentals: You’ll also find numerous local options available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.


Check out our full list of recommended places to stay here.

While we don’t offer camping on site over the festival weekend, we’ve made finding a place to pitch your tent or park your camper super easy!

We’ve put together a handy page featuring recommended local campsites in the surrounding area, ranging from spots within walking distance to those just a short taxi or bus ride away.

Check out all the nearby pitch and glamping options here.

ENTRY

We are a family-friendly festival and welcome music lovers of all ages!

To keep everyone safe, we operate clear age categories and entry requirements:

  • Under 5s: Go free! (A free Under 5 ticket must still be ordered via our ticketing portal).
  • Children (Aged 5–13): Dedicated kids ticket tier.
  • Teens (Aged 14–17): Dedicated teen ticket tier.
  • Adults (18+): Standard adult ticket.


Anyone aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over at all times.

To ensure entry runs smoothly and all licencing rules are followed, please keep the following in mind:

  • Accepted Forms of ID: We accept valid physical photo ID, including a driving licence (full or provisional), passport, or official PASS-accredited card (with the proof of age hologram).
  • Accompanying Under-18s: Adults who are responsible for and accompanying under-18s must present valid photo ID at the entrance gates.
  • Challenge 25 at the Bars: All bars across the site operate a strict Challenge 25 policy. If you look under 25, you may be asked to present valid physical photo ID before purchasing or being served alcohol.

We know families and festival-goers love the flexibility of stepping out to grab extra layers, put kids to bed, or pop back to the car! Here is how our re-entry policy works:

  • Wristbands: When you first scan your ticket at the entrance gates, you will receive an official Ayclive wristband. This wristband allows you to move freely in and out of the festival site throughout Friday evening or Saturday.
  • Last Re-entry Time: Please note that the last entry and re-entry time is 9:30 PM on both Friday and Saturday evenings. After 9:30 PM, no further entries or re-entries will be permitted.
  • Security Checks: For the safety of everyone on site, every time you re-enter the grounds, you will pass back through security and be subject to a routine bag search for prohibited items.


There will be signposts on the gate to remind you on the day.

To make sure your ticket is genuine and to keep your purchase completely safe, please note:

  • Official Channel Only: Ayclive tickets are only sold online through our official website store. We do not sell hard paper tickets at local physical venues, box offices, or through third-party ticket agents.
  • Beware of Scams & Secondary Sellers: We do not partner with secondary ticket resale websites or social media platforms. Please be extremely wary of individuals selling tickets on Facebook, Instagram, or online marketplaces.
  • One-Time Use QR Codes: Every official ticket features a unique, single-scan QR code. Once scanned at the main gates, any duplicate or copied QR codes will be invalid and refused entry.


Always protect your money and buy directly through our official website!

At Ayclive Festival, we are committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and safe. We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Harassment or abuse based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, or any other personal characteristic.
  • Sexual harassment, unwanted physical contact, or threatening behaviour.
  • Any act of violence, intimidation, or aggressive behaviour.


Anyone failing to comply will be evicted from the festival.

Ayclive Festival is created for the enjoyment, safety, and well-being of all our guests. We reserve the right to evict anyone from the festival site without a refund for any breach of our site rules.

Reasons for Eviction:

  • Unauthorised Entry: Entering or remaining on site without a valid ticket, wristband, or official pass.
  • Anti-Social or Criminal Behaviour: Engaging in violence, harassment, intimidation, theft, or disruptive behavior.
  • Prohibited Items: Being in possession of illegal drugs, legal highs, weapons, or unpermitted dangerous items.
  • Unauthorised Trading: Attempting to sell alcohol, goods, or tickets without prior official approval.


How Evictions Work On Site:

  • Assessment: The decision to evict is made at the discretion of the festival Security Manager and Eviction Team.
  • Wristband Removal: Any person being evicted will have their festival wristband cut off and will be escorted off the grounds immediately. Re-entry will not be permitted.
  • Belongings & Support: Evictees will be allowed to make a phone call to arrange transport home or contact friends inside the site to collect personal items. Security will not re-admit evictees to gather belongings.


Please help us keep Ayclive safe and fun for everyone by following site guidelines and looking out for one another!

ACCESSIBILITY

Music should be enjoyed by everyone, and Ayclive is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for all festival-goers.

  • Site Terrain & Location: Ayclive takes place at the OakLeaf Sports Field in Newton Aycliffe, featuring large, flat grass areas with smooth, accessible walkways leading up to the main site entrance.
  • Free Essential Companion / Carer Tickets: We offer a complimentary carer ticket for registered disabled attendees to ensure you have the support you need. When purchasing your ticket online, simply select the free Essential Companion add-on (documentation such as a PIP award, DLA, or Access Card may be requested at entry).
  • Dedicated Assistance: Our event stewards and site marshals are trained to assist you throughout the weekend. If you have any specific queries ahead of time or need tailored arrangements, please email us at hello@ayclive.co.uk

Getting onto the festival grounds and moving around the site is kept as smooth and hassle-free as possible:

  • Accessible Entry Points: All site entrance gates feature step-free, accessible entry lanes. 
  • Site Mobility: The festival field is flat grass, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
  • Seating & Rest Areas: Plenty of space is available across the field to set up your own folding camping chairs or picnic blankets.

We provide a dedicated, viewing area with clear lines of sight to the main stage for guests with accessibility requirements and their companions, ensuring you can enjoy the music comfortably.

Clean, spacious, and wheelchair-accessible toilets are situated adjacent to the accessible viewing area as well as within our main welfare zones. These facilities are continuously monitored throughout the event to ensure they stay fully stocked and clean.

Dedicated accessible parking is available close to the main festival entry gates:

  • Free for Blue Badge Holders: Accessible parking is completely free of charge for attendees displaying a valid Blue Badge on their dashboard.
  • Arrival & Directing: Upon arriving via the OakLeaf Sports Complex access road, inform our traffic stewards that you require accessible parking, and they will direct you straight to the Blue Badge spaces. Space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early.

 

  • Assistance Dogs Welcome: Registered guide dogs and recognised assistance animals are fully permitted across the entire festival site.

  • Harness / Identification: We kindly request that assistance dogs wear their official identifying jacket, harness, or lead slip while on site so our security and steward teams can easily recognise them.

  • No General Pets: Please note that no other pets or domestic animals are allowed on the festival field.

FAMILIES

Ayclive is proud to be a family-first festival, and we make sure there is plenty to keep festival-goers of all ages entertained throughout the weekend! While our full lineup of family activities for 2027 is still being finalised, here is a taste of the fantastic entertainment and interactive sessions we’ve hosted in previous years:

  • Circus Skills & Interactive Workshops: Hands-on entertainment where kids (and adults!) can try their hand at juggling, hula-hooping, and circus tricks.
  • Family Silent Discos: Put on a pair of headphones and dance along to kid-friendly tunes and high-energy party tracks.
  • Face Painting & Glitter: Creative stalls offering face painting, hair glitter, and festival body art to get everyone into the festival spirit.
  • Live Country Line Dancing: Upbeat, interactive dancing sessions that get whole families up, moving, and learning the steps together.
  • K-Pop Acts & Performances: High-energy performances and pop dance showcases that always bring incredible excitement for younger fans.
  • Fairground Rides & Attractions: Classic funfair rides and side stalls providing thrills and games all day long.


We will release the full, confirmed family lineup for 2027 on our official website and social media channels closer to the event!

We know that navigating a festival with little ones requires a bit of extra kit, so we make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible for families:

  • Baby Changing Facilities: Clean, dedicated baby changing facilities are available on site within our main toilet area, providing a quiet, private space for parents and carers.
  • Pushchairs & Buggies: Standard pushchairs, prams, and stroller buggies are fully permitted on the festival field.
  • Pull-Along Carts & Wagons: Family pull-along carts and collapsible utility wagons are very welcome to help haul your festival essentials, picnic blankets, and tired toddlers around the grounds!
  • Safety & Security: All buggies, strollers, and carts will be subject to a routine security search at the entrance gates. Please ensure no prohibited items (such as outside alcohol or glass) are hidden inside pockets or under blankets.

Let’s be honest: kids are fast, world-class explorers, and sometimes a wandering eye for face paint or a giant mascot means a parent gets momentarily “lost.” Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered!

  • Clearly Signposted Welfare Hub: Our Lost Children Hub is easy to spot on the festival field and continuously staffed by fully trained, DBS-checked personnel.
  • Wristband Safety Hack: When you enter through the main gates, grab a permanent marker and write your mobile phone number directly onto your child’s wristband. If your explorer strays off course, we can call you instantly!
  • If You Get Separated: If you realise your child has wandered off, alert the nearest security officer, steward, or staff member immediately. They will instantly radio our central security network to trigger site-wide search protocols. If a child is found on their own, our team will escort them straight to the Lost Children Hub to keep them safe, entertained, and hydrated until you are reunited.
  • Top Tip: Point out our team to your kids when you arrive so they know who to approach if they ever lose sight of you! Security will be in high-vis jackets, and stewards will be wearing clearly marked EVENT STAFF burgundy hoodies with yellow writing.

Clean, spacious, and wheelchair-accessible toilets are situated adjacent to the accessible viewing area as well as within our main welfare zones. These facilities are continuously monitored throughout the event to ensure they stay fully stocked and clean.

Dedicated accessible parking is available close to the main festival entry gates:

  • Free for Blue Badge Holders: Accessible parking is completely free of charge for attendees displaying a valid Blue Badge on their dashboard.
  • Arrival & Directing: Upon arriving via the OakLeaf Sports Complex access road, inform our traffic stewards that you require accessible parking, and they will direct you straight to the Blue Badge spaces. Space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early.

 

  • Assistance Dogs Welcome: Registered guide dogs and recognised assistance animals are fully permitted across the entire festival site.

  • Harness / Identification: We kindly request that assistance dogs wear their official identifying jacket, harness, or lead slip while on site so our security and steward teams can easily recognise them.

  • No General Pets: Please note that no other pets or domestic animals are allowed on the festival field.

ITEMS

To help you get through the gates as quickly and smoothly as possible, here is what you are welcome to bring into the festival field:

  • Camping Comforts: Foldable camping chairs, small camping tables, and picnic blankets.
  • Food & Snacks: Your own food and cool boxes.
  • Soft Drinks & Hydration: Sealed non-alcoholic drinks and empty reusable water bottles (free refill water stations are available on site!). Unopened non-alcoholic drink cans are also permitted.
  • Cameras: Compact personal cameras andpolaroids.
  • Family & Accessibility: Pushchairs, wheelchairs, and assistance dogs.
  • Weather Gear: Umbrellas.

To keep everyone safe, all bags and items will be searched by our security team on entry. Any items on the “can’t bring” list will be confiscated, and security’s decision is final.

  • Alcohol: No outside alcohol is allowed, all alcohol must be purchased from our fully stocked on-site bars.
  • Glass & Open Containers: No glass items of any kind (including glass perfume or aftershave bottles) and no open liquid containers.
  • Drugs & Weapons: Weapons and illegal drugs (including legal highs) are strictly prohibited.
  • Pro Camera Gear: Professional camera equipment and detachable lenses are not permitted unless you hold an official media pass.
  • Pyrotechnics & Fire: Flares, fireworks, gas canisters, smoke canisters, laser devices, and BBQs are strictly banned.
  • Structures & Drones: No drones, flags, poles, tents, or gazebos.
  • Pets: No pets (assistance dogs are welcome!).

Here is what you need to know about bringing bags to Ayclive:

  • Bag Searches: All bags will be thoroughly searched by our security team at the entrance gates before entry.
  • Bag Size: Small backpacks, tote bags, and waist bags are ideal. Larger bags and cool boxes are permitted for carrying food, soft drinks, and family essentials, but please note that larger bags will take slightly longer to inspect at security.
  • Speed Up Your Entry: To get onto the festival field as quickly as possible, have all bag zips undone and ready for inspection when you reach the security search lanes!

Yes, you are very welcome to bring your own folding camping chairs, small camping tables, and picnic blankets! We know having a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy the music makes for a great festival experience.

  • Dedicated Chair Areas: To keep walkways clear and ensure everyone stays safe, we ask that chairs and blankets are set up behind designated clear-way markers on the field (our stewards will be on hand to guide you).
  • Near the Main Stage: For safety reasons during busier moments, camping chairs are not permitted in the high-density standing zone directly in front of the main stage.
  • Packing Up: Please remember to pack up all chairs, tables, and blankets at the end of the night and take them home with you!

Yes, you can bring necessary medication onto the festival site. To ensure security can verify your items quickly and without hassle, please follow these simple guidelines:

  • Original Packaging: All prescription medication must be brought in its original packaging with the pharmacy label clearly showing your full name and dosage instructions.
  • Matching Photo ID: Please bring valid photo ID (such as a driving licence or passport) that matches the name printed on your prescription label.
  • Over-the-Counter Medicine: Small, reasonable quantities of everyday over-the-counter medication (e.g., pain relief, allergy/hay fever tablets, blister plasters) in original sealed packaging are permitted for personal use.
  • Special Storage / Diabetes Care: If you need to carry medical sharps, insulin, or medication requiring refrigeration, please inform security upon arrival. Our on-site Medical & First Aid team is available to assist with safe storage or disposal if required.

Smoking and vaping are both permitted on the main festival field, but please keep the following in mind:

  • Permitted Outdoors: You are welcome to smoke cigarettes or use personal vapes/e-cigarettes in open-air areas across the festival grounds.
  • Enclosed Spaces Banned: In line with UK law and for everyone’s comfort, smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside any enclosed marquees, covered tents, or indoor structures.
  • No Sales on Site: Tobacco products, cigarettes, vapes, e-liquids, and disposables will not be sold anywhere on site, so please bring whatever you need for the day.
  • Be Respectful: Ayclive is a family-friendly festival with lots of young children around. Please be mindful of those around you, avoid smoking or vaping in densely packed crowds, and dispose of cigarette ends safely in the bins provided.

We love seeing your photos and videos capturing the festival memories! Here is what you need to know about bringing cameras and recording gear to Ayclive:

  • Personal Cameras Permitted: Compact digital cameras, point-and-shoots, Polaroid/Instant cameras, and smartphones are all very welcome for personal use.
  • Pro Gear Prohibited: Professional photography and recording equipment are strictly prohibited without prior media accreditation. This includes cameras with detachable or interchangeable lenses, professional zoom lenses, external tripods/monopods, and professional audio recording rigs.
  • No Drones: Drones and remote-controlled flying recording devices are strictly banned across the entire festival site and surrounding airspace.
  • Media Passes: If you are a journalist, press photographer, or content creator representing an official media outlet, please apply for an official Press/Media Pass in advance by emailing hello@ayclive.co.uk