It is with great pleasure that we present to you THE GARDEN PARTY AT KELBURN CASTLE 2011. Truly independent and boutique, The Garden Party is an utterly unique event in a spectacular setting on Scotland’s West Coast. The line-up features an unparalleled cross-section of Scottish artists working today, both upcoming and established. The festival is free from corporate interference, and is brought to life by the tireless efforts of the organisers, volunteers, performers and of course you, our friendly campers and dancers! We earnestly hope you can join us this year and partake in the many delights we have on offer. Here is what you need to know.
The Venue
The Garden Party is taking place in the stunningly lush grounds surrounding Kelburn Castle, near Largs (40mins from Glasgow, 90mins from Edinburgh), known around the world as the site of the Graffiti Project. Entertainment will be spread over a number of intimate and unusual areas throughout the site: Viewpoint Stage, Square Stage, Pyramid Stage, Secret Forest, The Lawn, The Café, The Pavilion, Formal Gardens and around the lush glen that rises above the site.
Festival goers can enjoy, at their leisure, one of Kelburn’s most outstanding features: the glen. In the space of just over half a mile, the Kel burn, which has helped to form the glen over thousands of years, rises on the moors 800 feet above the castle and drops dramatically, by way of many waterfalls and deep gorges, to the sea. The glen is a wealth of wild flowers and ferns, shrubs and trees, partly cultivated but predominantly wild, and rugged trails criss-cross the burn, providing a little workout for those who feel the need.
The campsite is just a few minutes walk from the festival site, is grassy and spacious, and affords spectacular view across the Firth of Clyde to Cumbrae and the Islands beyond.
Tickets are available on this site through Paypal, at usual outlets in Edinburgh & Glasgow as well as on Ticketweb. They are limited to just 700, and we expect them to go fast. Kids are welcome at this years festival, under 13s go free, everyone else must purchase a standard ticket. For more information on tickets and where to purchase go to the ticket page. Tickets include weekend camping, EXCEPT Friday night, when there is an extra charge camping and warm-up entertainment.
Times
The campsite is open from Friday afternoon, with the Country Centre open till 6pm and a small jam session and party on Friday night for those arriving then (tickets for this sold separately on arrival). Cooking space and campfire will also be available. The festival kicks off officially on Saturday at 12 noon, and runs till 3am on Monday morning. The campsite is open till Monday afternoon.
Travel
The festival site is very easy to reach. Trains go to Largs from Glasgow on a regular basis, and from Largs it is a very short and cheap taxi ride. For those coming from further afield cheap flights to Glasgow Prestwick are available at Ryanair. You can get to Largs by train or bus from the airport (around 1 hour journey). Cheap advance train tickets are available now for travel to Glasgow from around the UK.
Cars & Camping
To encourage car-sharing and public transport there will be a nominal fee for vehicles. There is space for campervans and caravans. Camping is free – the campsite is situated only a few minutes walk from the festival. Camping is free for the weekend, except Friday night, when there is a small extra charge for those coming early (to cover extra costs).
Kids
We welcome kids of all ages to The Garden Party this year. Kelburn Country Park has endless facilities to keep everyone entertained, from adventure assault courses to workshop activities and secret woodland trails. Kids under 13 go free, those older need to have standard tickets. ID will be required on entry. Naturally, we ask that all children under the age of 18 are supervised.
Dogs
We regret that we cannot allow dogs on site, apologies to our canine lovers. Sadly, we can’t allow ferrets either
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Essential Info
The Festival
It is with great pleasure that we present to you THE GARDEN PARTY AT KELBURN CASTLE 2011. Truly independent and boutique, The Garden Party is an utterly unique event in a spectacular setting on Scotland’s West Coast. The line-up features an unparalleled cross-section of Scottish artists working today, both upcoming and established. The festival is free from corporate interference, and is brought to life by the tireless efforts of the organisers, volunteers, performers and of course you, our friendly campers and dancers! We earnestly hope you can join us this year and partake in the many delights we have on offer. Here is what you need to know.
The Venue
Festival goers can enjoy, at their leisure, one of Kelburn’s most outstanding features: the glen. In the space of just over half a mile, the Kel burn, which has helped to form the glen over thousands of years, rises on the moors 800 feet above the castle and drops dramatically, by way of many waterfalls and deep gorges, to the sea. The glen is a wealth of wild flowers and ferns, shrubs and trees, partly cultivated but predominantly wild, and rugged trails criss-cross the burn, providing a little workout for those who feel the need.
The campsite is just a few minutes walk from the festival site, is grassy and spacious, and affords spectacular view across the Firth of Clyde to Cumbrae and the Islands beyond.
Here’s a map of the area.
Tickets
Tickets are available on this site through Paypal, at usual outlets in Edinburgh & Glasgow as well as on Ticketweb. They are limited to just 700, and we expect them to go fast. Kids are welcome at this years festival, under 13s go free, everyone else must purchase a standard ticket. For more information on tickets and where to purchase go to the ticket page. Tickets include weekend camping, EXCEPT Friday night, when there is an extra charge camping and warm-up entertainment.
Times
Travel
The festival site is very easy to reach. Trains go to Largs from Glasgow on a regular basis, and from Largs it is a very short and cheap taxi ride. For those coming from further afield cheap flights to Glasgow Prestwick are available at Ryanair. You can get to Largs by train or bus from the airport (around 1 hour journey). Cheap advance train tickets are available now for travel to Glasgow from around the UK.
Cars & Camping
To encourage car-sharing and public transport there will be a nominal fee for vehicles. There is space for campervans and caravans. Camping is free – the campsite is situated only a few minutes walk from the festival. Camping is free for the weekend, except Friday night, when there is a small extra charge for those coming early (to cover extra costs).
Kids
Dogs
We regret that we cannot allow dogs on site, apologies to our canine lovers. Sadly, we can’t allow ferrets either