FAQs | The GAP Festival

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please check out the FAQs below before getting in touch.

You can also check the individual event listings before booking and refer to the information included with your booking confirmation email, as details vary between venues and events.

General Information

When is the next GAP Festival?
The next Goring and Streatley Festival (GAP Festival) will take place from Friday 12th June to Sunday 21st June 2026.

When will the full programme be available?
The full programme for the 2026 festival will be available from mid-March at Gap Festival Events.

Where can I find information about Fringe Events?
Up-to-date information about Fringe music events will be published on our website as soon as details are confirmed. Fringe events are free and do not require a ticket. Please also look out for announcements on our social media channels.

How can I keep up to date?
Our website will contain up to date information on all events and articles about upcoming events: www.thegapfestival.org. You can sign up to our mailing list to receive festival news and updates.

You can also follow us on social media:

Facebook: thegapfestival

Instagram: thegapfestival26

X / Twitter: thegapfestival

Tickets & Booking

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the 2026 GAP Festival go on sale from midday on 27th March 2026.

How do I buy tickets?
Tickets should be purchased through the Festival website at Gap Festival Events. Click “Buy Now” on the event listing to complete your booking via TicketSource.

TicketSource also has a Telephone Box Office: 0333 666 3366 (local rate 03 number). Mon-Fri 9am-7pm (excluding Bank Holidays), Sat 9am-5pm.

If you need help booking tickets online, drop by Viv’s Cafe, Goring, every Wednesday from 6th May between 11.30am-12.30pm.

Do I need to print my ticket?
Yes. Please either print your ticket or have it available on your mobile device when you arrive.

Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable except if an event is cancelled by the Festival.

If an event is sold out, a waiting list may be available for some events.

If you can no longer attend, please email [email protected] as we may be able to offer your place to someone else.

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes. If you can no longer attend an event, you may pass your ticket to someone else.

For larger events (more than 25 attendees), you may transfer the ticket directly. For smaller events (fewer than 25 attendees), please contact [email protected] with your name and ticket details, and the name and email address of the person you wish to transfer the ticket to. This allows us to inform the event organiser in advance in case they need to contact the new attendee.

In both cases, please forward the ticket confirmation to the new attendee. This contains the event information, terms and conditions, and sometimes additional instructions such as items to bring or forms to complete in advance. Please note that any updates on the event or reminders will only be sent to the original booker, who is responsible for passing this information on.

If transferring a ticket for a wellbeing event, please inform us in advance where possible at [email protected], as pre-event information or forms may need to be completed.

What happens if an event is cancelled, changed, or requires additional information?
If an event is cancelled, ticket holders will be contacted using the details provided at booking and refunds will be arranged via TicketSource.

If an event time changes, or if additional information needs to be shared before the event, ticket holders will be contacted using the contact details provided at booking.

If you book multiple tickets in one transaction, only the lead booker (the person who made the booking) will be contacted regarding event updates or additional information. It is the lead booker’s responsibility to pass this information on to others in their party.

I’ve lost my ticket confirmation email - what should I do?
Email [email protected] and we can resend your confirmation.

How can I get help with ticket queries?
Please email [email protected].

Do I need a ticket for free events?
There are two types of free events:

• Non-ticketed: simply turn up on the day.
• Ticketed: some free events require advance booking to manage numbers.

Please check the individual event listing.

Attending Events

What time do doors open?
Doors open 30 minutes before the start time unless stated otherwise. The Opera grounds open at 5pm.

What happens if I arrive late?
Late entry may not be permitted and is at the discretion of event staff. Late access is not permitted for the Opera once the performance has begun. Please allow plenty of time to arrive.

Are children allowed at events?
Age guidance is given on each event listing. Children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times, unless otherwise stated. For paid events, the accompanying adult may attend free of charge, but a ticket may still be required.

Will refreshments be available?
Refreshment details are included on each event listing. Only contactless card payments are accepted at festival events.

Are dogs allowed at events?
Dogs are not permitted at Festival events, except assistance dogs. For free events in Rectory Garden, well-behaved dogs are allowed if kept on a lead at all times and away from food service areas.

Is parking available?
Parking is limited near most venues. We encourage visitors to walk where possible. The Opera has separate parking arrangements (see below).

I have mobility or access requirements - what should I do?
For all events except the Opera, please call the TicketSource telephone box office when booking, or email us in advance.

For the Opera, please email [email protected] before purchasing your tickets.

We aim to provide priority seating for wheelchair users at most events but require advance notice.

What happens in bad weather?
Most events will go ahead in poor weather. However, events may be delayed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. Events in Rectory Garden may be affected by high winds. The Opera will go ahead as it is indoors.

If you have purchased a picnic for the Opera, your table will be under cover in a barn. For those bringing their own picnic, under cover space will also be available.

Opera Event

Where is the Opera held and what is the seating like?
The Opera takes place in an historic barn with a raked auditorium and chairs. The barn is unheated. Please dress warmly and appropriately. Picnics take place outdoors.

Can I choose my seats for the Opera?
Yes. Three seating options will be available and you can pick your exact seats online. Details will be shown on the event listing when tickets go on sale.

Can I bring a picnic to the Opera?
Yes. You may bring your own picnic or pre-order one (details on the event listing). If you have purchased a picnic and the weather is unkind, you will be able to eat under cover in the barn. There is also under cover availability for those bringing their own picnic.

What happens in bad weather for the Opera?
The Opera will go ahead in wet weather as it is indoors. The barn is unheated, so please dress appropriately.

Can I park near the Opera to drop off my picnic?
Plenty of parking will be available in a field immediately adjacent to the Opera venue with marshals to assist. Blue badge parking on hard ground is also available. Please email [email protected] to reserve a space.

Will photography or filming take place?
By attending Festival events, you acknowledge that photography and filming may take place. Images and footage may be used for Festival publicity and future promotions. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform event marshals on the day.

Getting Involved

Who runs the GAP Festival?
The Festival is organised by a committee of volunteers and run by a registered charity. Any surplus funds support future festivals and community activities.

Can I volunteer to help?
Yes. The Festival is run entirely by volunteers and we are always pleased to hear from people who would like to help. Find out more.

I’d like to run an event - how do I get involved?
Whilst our programme for 2026 is complete, we welcome proposals from artists, performers, wellbeing practitioners and community groups for future festivals. Please contact us.

How can my business support the Festival?
Sponsorship is vital in helping us to make the Festival possible. Please contact us to discuss opportunities.

Can I make a personal donation to the Festival charity?
Yes, as a registered UK charity, donations from our community help us to keep the festival accessible to all. In doing so you can become a Friend of the Festival.