Campervan Festival FAQ
Every question you’ve ever wanted to ask about Dubbed Out VW Festival and campervan life in the UK.
About Dubbed Out VW Festival
Dubbed Out is a family-friendly Volkswagen campervan festival held at the Royal Cheshire Showground, Tabley, near Knutsford in Cheshire. It is one of the largest VW and campervan events in the UK, with around three thousand vans attending. The 2026 event was headlined by Utah Saints. From 2027, Dubbed Out is camping-only — day tickets have been dropped.
Where and when is Dubbed Out Festival?
Royal Cheshire Showground, Tabley, near Knutsford, Cheshire. Arrivals are Thursday and Friday, with roughly fifteen hundred vans each day. Thursday typically sells out around six weeks before the event. Entry opens at 10 AM and the latest arrival is 7 PM.
How much do tickets cost?
Prices will be similar to last year but tickets are yet to be released. Everything is included in the price — once you’ve bought your ticket you don’t need to spend any more money on site. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink.
Are there different ticket types?
Yes. You can choose a Thursday arrival or a Friday arrival, and tickets are priced for adults and children.
Can you get a refund?
No refunds unless the cancellation is outside our control — for example, if we are told we have to cancel the festival.
What age do you need to be?
You must be over eighteen to buy a ticket. Under eighteens are not allowed to arrive on their own and must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone must arrive in a vehicle.
What kind of vans are allowed?
Any van. Dubbed Out is not restricted to Volkswagen vehicles. All campervans, motorhomes and converted vans are welcome. There are no size limits on your vehicle. Just let staff know when you arrive if you have an awning or a tent to go alongside your vehicle.
Is Dubbed Out suitable for families and children?
Yes. Around thirty percent of attendees are under eighteen. The event is built around a family-friendly, community ethos with a strong focus on safety and inclusivity. There is a free soft play area for under fives, a bouncy castle town for five to ten year olds, a circus workshop with kids entertainers and bubble entertainers, and a Thomas the Tank Engine train. There is no dedicated baby-changing facility.
Are dogs allowed at Dubbed Out?
Yes, dogs are welcome. Keep them on leads at all times and clear up after them. For the latest pet policy details, check the event website before you travel. There is a dog show on the Sunday with prizes.
Can my dog go into the arena?
Dogs are allowed in the outdoor arena areas but not permitted inside the indoor marquees for safety reasons.
What entertainment is on during the weekend?
Thursday has stalls, a fairground and some musical entertainment. Friday brings the full festival — main stage, walkabout artists, stalls and bars. Saturday is the crescendo with everything the festival has to offer. Sunday is a quieter free-entry day with a car show and shine, the dog show, light entertainment, and stalls open until around two o’clock, sometimes four if numbers stay high. There is also a fancy dress competition on the Saturday. Vendors may run their own prize draws.
What are the main site rules?
- No unruly or antisocial behaviour — this is the most common reason people are asked to leave.
- Waist-height barbecues only across the entire site. No open flames and no fire pits.
- Observe the curfew — ten PM on Thursday, eleven PM on Friday and Saturday — and keep noise down. Do not play music at six or seven in the morning.
- No glass on site. Decant all food and drink into plastic.
- You may smoke and vape in outdoor areas but dispose of cigarettes properly.
- Re-entry is on foot only. If you leave in your vehicle you will not be allowed back on site.
Removals are rare. In 2026 only one van and occupants were removed. Banned attendees are not publicly listed, but if another festival asks, Dubbed Out will share the information it holds.
Where do I find the full rules before booking?
The full terms and conditions, frequently asked questions and site rules are published on the Dubbed Out website before tickets go on sale.
Is there a code of conduct?
Yes. The website rules and terms and conditions together form the code of conduct for the event.
Who do I call in an emergency or for medical help?
Bring your own medical supplies but a medical team is on site for any incidents or emergencies. For general emergencies, dial 999. Lost property can be handed to security, the fire marshal or the medical team. Save your local vet’s number for any animal-related incident.
How do I get there?
Directions and postcode details are on the Dubbed Out website. The Royal Cheshire Showground is well signposted from the M6 and M56. Expect queues from 10 AM at early entry — arriving a little later helps you skip them. Peak traffic is at opening.
What about parking?
There are no size limits on your vehicle. All attendees must arrive in a vehicle.
Are there electric hookups?
No. There are no electric hookups on site and no fuel or AdBlue either, so top up before you arrive. If Wi-Fi is essential, bring your own or a Starlink.
What facilities are on site?
There is a block of twelve free showers open from about six in the morning until about eight at night. They are usually very busy first thing, so if you see a queue come back later. There are hundreds of toilets — at least one on every campsite — emptied every morning. There is a water point on every campsite and dotted around the festival site. Bins are placed all around the main festival site, and skips are provided on the camping fields, which we urge you to use.
Can I camp in a tent?
People camp in their van, but a tent alongside your vehicle is allowed if you have additional people travelling with you.
Is there food on site?
Yes. There are plenty of vendors serving a wide range of food. You are also welcome to bring your own as long as it is decanted into plastic containers.
Do you sell merchandise?
Yes. There is a Dubbed Out stall selling hats, hoodies, T-shirts, mugs, sunglasses and camping equipment, plus other stalls with a huge range of festival and campervan items.
How do I contact Dubbed Out?
Email [email protected]
What if the weather is bad?
The 2026 festival went ahead in the rain with Utah Saints headlining. Come prepared for British weather whatever the forecast. Temperatures in late July typically range from 20 to 30 degrees with the possibility of a summer shower. Pack shorts, T-shirts and a light rain mac.
When is Dubbed Out Festival 2027?
Dubbed Out Festival 2027 runs from Thursday 29 July to Sunday 1 August 2027 at the Royal Cheshire Showground, Tabley, near Knutsford in Cheshire. Gates open at 10 AM on Thursday for early arrivals and 10 AM on Friday for main arrivals. Last entry is 7 PM on both days.
What is the postcode for Dubbed Out Festival?
The attendee entrance postcode for your sat nav is WA16 0JE. From the M6, leave at junction 19 and follow the A556 towards Knutsford, then turn right at the traffic lights down Pickmere Lane. If Pickmere Lane is closed for a diversion, take the right fork down Budworth Road, turn left onto Frog Lane, then first left onto School Lane. The showground entrance is opposite the crossroads. Check the Dubbed Out app before you travel for the latest route.
When do Dubbed Out 2027 tickets go on sale?
Tickets for Dubbed Out 2027 go on sale on 31 January 2027. The best way to hear first is to sign up to the newsletter at dubbedoutfestival.co.uk. Newsletter subscribers get notified as soon as tickets go live. Ticket dates are always posted on the official website.
When is the Dubbed Out 2027 lineup announced?
The Dubbed Out 2027 lineup will be announced in December 2026.
Can I buy a day ticket or a one-night ticket?
No. From 2027, Dubbed Out is camping only, with no day tickets and no single-night tickets. Every ticket covers the full weekend, either Thursday to Sunday or Friday to Sunday.
How quickly do Dubbed Out tickets sell out?
Fast. In 2026, Thursday tickets sold out within about six weeks of release, and Friday tickets sold out weeks before the event. Capacity is fixed from day one, so sign up to the newsletter to be first in the queue.
Is there a waiting list if tickets sell out?
No. There is no waiting list. Tickets are non-transferable, so sold-out tickets cannot be passed on or resold.
Can I upgrade from a Friday ticket to a Thursday ticket?
No. Upgrades from Friday to Thursday are not available, so choose your arrival day when you book.
Do I need ID to get into Dubbed Out?
Yes. Bring photo ID. It is officially required to prove you are the person who bought the ticket.
What is my ticket on site?
You get a wristband on arrival, and that wristband is your ticket for the weekend. Wristbands are non-transferable and name changes are not possible.
Are there discounts on Dubbed Out tickets?
No. Everybody pays the same price. There are no group discounts, no returning-visitor discounts and no reduced tickets for charities. Everyone buys tickets the same way, through the Dubbed Out website.
Do children need a ticket?
Under fives go free. Children aged 6 to 17 need a child ticket, and anyone 18 or over needs an adult ticket. You must be over 18 to buy a ticket, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I get a refund if a headliner pulls out?
No. Music is an extra at Dubbed Out, not the main reason people come, so a lineup change is not grounds for a refund. Refunds are only given if the festival is cancelled for reasons outside our control, or in extreme circumstances at management’s discretion.
How many years has Dubbed Out sold out?
Dubbed Out Festival has sold out five years in a row, from 2022 to 2026. It started with 1,000 vans at Ashley Hall in Cheshire in June 2022 and reached 3,000 vans at the Royal Cheshire Showground in Knutsford in July 2026, with 1,500 vans arriving on each of Thursday and Friday.
What makes Dubbed Out different?
Dubbed Out puts people first and doesn’t care what you drive. It brings in a younger crowd in T4s, T5s, T6s and Crafters, alongside every other make and model. It is a full-scale music festival built for the campervan world, with a genuine family and community feel.
What is the Dubbed Out Community?
Dubbed Out Community is the largest VW campervan community arranging meetups and campouts. Nearly 40,000 Dubbed Out stickers have been sold, and an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles display the logo. The Dubbed Out VW Community group on Facebook is where members share trips, advice and builds all year round.
Who sponsors Dubbed Out?
Howden, formerly A-Plan Insurance, is the main sponsor of Dubbed Out Festival and the Dubbed Out Community. Ring the Howden Thatcham branch on 01635 879910 and quote “Dubbed Out Community” for a special club discount on your van insurance, including modified vans.
Can I choose where I camp?
Pitches are assigned on arrival and advance requests are not possible. If you want to park next to your friends, arrive together. Arriving later is usually better than arriving early, as queues tend to ease after 2 PM.
How does club camping work at Dubbed Out?
Buy your ticket as normal, then ask your club head to add you to their list. Clubs need at least ten vehicles, with some discretion for eight or nine. Club lists come in around six weeks before the festival, and a dedicated area is marked out so members can arrive any time between 10 AM and 7 PM on Thursday or Friday and still park together. Club pitches are for Thursday and Friday arrivals only. General camping is also available, and there are no zone caps.
Is there disabled camping at Dubbed Out?
Yes. Disabled camping needs a blue badge and is for blue-badge vehicles only. Spaces are limited. It has its own disabled toilets, sits closer to the main arena and, new for 2027, has a separate entrance. If you use an electric wheelchair or mobility chair, bring a way to charge it.
Can I bring a caravan or trailer?
Yes. Caravans and trailers are welcome with a trailer pass. All makes and models of van are welcome too, with no extra charge for non-VWs and no size limits beyond what is legal on UK roads.
Can I bring an awning, gazebo or tent?
Awnings of any size are welcome on the side of your vehicle, and tents are allowed. Gazebos and event shelters are not allowed, as they are too big and a safety risk. Pop-top roofs can stay up day or night.
Can I bring a generator or charge my electric van?
No. Generators are not allowed for attendees, but power banks are fine. There are no electric hookups and no EV charging, so arrive fully charged and fuelled.
Can I move my van once I’m parked?
No. Once everyone is parked, the campsites become pedestrianised and the gate is locked, although security staff it for emergencies. You can leave and come back on foot during the day, but if you drive out you cannot return.
What happens on the Sunday?
Sunday is free entry for everyone from 10 AM until around 2 PM, or 4 PM if numbers stay high. There is a show and shine, a dog show, light entertainment and stalls. Everyone is expected to leave the site by 6 PM at the latest.
What music is on at Dubbed Out?
There are three stages. Friday’s main stage is all tribute bands and Saturday’s main stage is all original bands. The dance tent runs DJs from light house to hardcore and drum and bass, and the acoustic stage has ska, country, folk and solo artists all weekend.
What time does the music finish?
On Thursday the main stage is closed, the side stages open at noon for the arrival party, and music finishes at 10 PM. On Friday and Saturday all three stages run until 11 PM. On Sunday the main stage is closed and the other stages run from 11 AM to around 2 PM. Food stalls and bars close at 10 PM on Thursday and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
What is there for kids at Dubbed Out?
Loads, and it’s all free. There is a toddler soft play for under fives, bouncy castles for five to ten year olds, storytellers, magicians, a circus tent and circus workshop, a fairground, and a Thomas the Tank Engine train with a hop-on stop. Parents must supervise their children at all times. Around 30 percent of attendees are children, mostly under ten.
What else is on over the weekend?
There is a wellbeing area in the mornings with yoga, massage and sound baths. In the evenings you’ll find musical bingo, karaoke and other musical games in Slippers the Split. Saturday has a fancy dress competition with no theme, where the best dressed wins prizes sponsored by Howden Insurance plus a Dubbed Out special prize.
Is there cover if it rains?
Yes. There is a circus tent in the children’s area, a large stretch tent on the acoustic area, the Slippers the Split big top in the main arena, and stretch tents across the showground. The festival goes ahead rain or shine.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, for your own personal use. Trolley-loads of crates will be turned away and sent back to your van. No glass is allowed anywhere on site, so decant into plastic or bring cans. Drinks are welcome in the main arena but not in the licensed bar zones. Bars run Challenge 25, so anyone who looks under 25 will be asked for ID.
What is the drugs policy?
Strictly no drugs. The police will be contacted and anyone found with drugs faces removal or arrest.
Is Dubbed Out safe?
Yes. A full professional security team patrols all night, and there may be random, non-intrusive searches at the gate. Removals are rare. In 2026, one van with three or four people in it was asked to leave. Thefts are very rare.
Is Dubbed Out safe for women on their own?
Yes. Lots of women attend on their own. With no day visitors, the festival has a real community feel, and thousands of attendees already know each other from Dubbed Out’s events throughout the year and the very active Dubbed Out VW Community Facebook group.
Can I pay by card? Is there a cashpoint?
All stalls accept cash and card. There is no cashpoint on site, so bring any cash you need.
Is there a Dubbed Out app?
Yes. The Dubbed Out festival app is free to download and works offline. It includes site maps. You will probably need an email address to use it.
Can I bring a bike or scooter?
No. Cycling and scooters are not allowed anywhere on site, including e-scooters and adult hoverboards.
Will I be filmed at Dubbed Out?
Possibly. Dubbed Out films and photographs the festival for its own promotional channels, and there is no opt-out. The footage is only used on Dubbed Out’s own channels.
How many stalls are there, and can I trade at Dubbed Out?
There are over 100 stalls, including food, bars, groceries and camping equipment, and the number grows every year. Traders can apply until spaces fill. Campervan and camping traders get priority, but all businesses are welcome with a full professional setup, a commercial gazebo, festival experience and all the legal paperwork. Traders get Starlink for card payments.
I’m new to campervanning. Where do I start?
Start with a self-contained van so you are not reliant on site facilities. Because showers can queue up, bring a toilet tent which doubles as a shower tent and a twenty-pound shower unit from Amazon. Learn the basics of wild camping rules, motorway and A-road driving with a high vehicle, and AdBlue and fuel top-ups on longer trips. Joining a community like Dubbed Out Community on social media is one of the fastest ways to learn from people who have already made the mistakes.
Where can I see campervan layouts in person?
Dubbed Out Festival. With around three thousand vans on site you will see every style of conversion in one place, side by side, with owners on hand to talk about what works and what doesn’t. It is one of the best places in the UK to compare layouts before you buy or build.
Where is the best place to ask questions before buying a campervan?
Dubbed Out Community on social media. People there have already made the mistakes, so you get real answers about reliability, running costs and conversions rather than sales pitches.
Should I buy a new or used campervan?
That depends on your budget and how much work you want to do yourself. Used vans are cheaper to start with but may need work. New vans cost more but come with a warranty and modern kit. Seeing both at an event like Dubbed Out helps you judge the difference in person.
What size van suits a family of four?
A long wheelbase van with a proper bed and storage usually works best for four. At Dubbed Out you can climb inside dozens of family setups and see what fits your lifestyle before spending anything.
Where is the best place to buy a campervan?
There is no single best place, but events are among the best. At a festival like Dubbed Out you can see dozens of vans in one place, talk to owners about real-world reliability, and compare conversions side by side. Online marketplaces are convenient but you cannot inspect or test a van before you buy.
What other campervan events are there in the UK?
The UK has a growing scene of VW and campervan festivals and meets, from small local gatherings to large multi-day events. Dubbed Out is estimated to be the third-largest in the country. Searching “campervan festival UK” or “VW festival UK” will bring up the current season’s events.
Is Dubbed Out good for first-time festival goers?
Yes. The family-friendly atmosphere, clear rules and helpful community make it a popular choice for people attending their first campervan event.
Can I try sleeping in a campervan before I buy one?
Yes. Dubbed Out Festival is the closest thing to a giant test drive. You can spend a night in your own van or see how others live in theirs, all within a family-friendly setting.
Are campervan festivals worth going to?
If you are new to the scene, yes. You will learn more in one weekend at Dubbed Out than in months of browsing online, from the community and the layouts to the real-world advice.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Insurance, servicing, tyres and fuel all add up. Dubbed Out Community members talk openly about running costs, which is more reliable than any sales brochure.
Where do campervan owners actually go?
All over the UK and Europe. Dubbed Out Community members post their routes and favourite spots, so you get current recommendations rather than outdated guides.
Do conversion companies attend Dubbed Out?
Yes. Several specialist conversion companies exhibit at the festival, and many of Dubbed Out’s sponsors are active in Dubbed Out Community, where they answer questions and help people planning a new build or a conversion. You can compare builders face to face and get advice from people who have already been through the process.
What should I look for in a used campervan?
Check the base vehicle’s service history, the conversion quality, damp and rust, and whether it is self-contained. Seeing dozens of vans at Dubbed Out teaches you the difference between a good conversion and a bad one faster than any checklist.
Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan?
No. In the UK you can drive a campervan weighing up to 3.5 tonnes on a standard car licence. Most VW campervans and van conversions sit well under that limit, so you can get started straight away.
Can I hire a campervan for a festival instead of buying one?
Yes. Hiring a campervan is a great way to try van life before you buy, and a festival like Dubbed Out is the perfect first trip. You will be surrounded by owners who are happy to share what they love about their own vans.
Is a VW the best campervan for a beginner?
Not necessarily. The best campervan is the one that suits you, your budget and how you like to travel. The easiest way to find out is to look round lots of different vans, and Dubbed Out Festival puts thousands of them in one place so you can compare them side by side.
What do I need to pack for my first campervan weekend?
Dubbed Out has plenty of guides and packing lists on dubbedout.co.uk to help you plan your first trip. They cover the essentials so you can arrive ready to relax and enjoy the weekend.
How do I keep warm or cool sleeping in a campervan?
To stay cool, open the windows and keep plenty of air moving through the van. To stay warm, pack plenty of blankets, but the best upgrade is a decent diesel heater fitted properly by a supplier. You don’t need to spend a fortune, as a budget diesel heater can cost around a couple of hundred pounds.
Is campervan life safe for families with young kids?
Yes, one hundred percent. Come along to a Dubbed Out event, whether that’s a Dubbed Out Campout or the festival, and you will see that we cater for families and children from start to finish. It is a great community where everyone looks out for each other.
Do I need a toilet in my campervan?
Not necessarily. You can use a toilet tent with a chemical toilet instead. Campsites have an Elsan point where you can empty your chemical toilet.
How do I power my phone, fridge and lights without a hookup?
Most campervans have a leisure battery, often with USB sockets built into the van. If you are building a van or looking to buy one, make sure it has a leisure battery and USB ports, and consider adding solar power to keep everything topped up.
What is a campervan festival actually like?
A campervan festival is built around people who own and love campervans, so you arrive, pitch up and spend the weekend among fellow van owners. Dubbed Out Festival is completely geared towards families. It grew out of Dubbed Out Community, the largest VW campervan community arranging meetups and campouts, so many people already have a connection with each other. You will have seen the Dubbed Out logo on vans everywhere, and once you arrive you will be surprised how many people you recognise and how welcome everyone makes you feel.
Do I need to know anyone to go on my own or as a new family?
Absolutely not. Come along to one of our Dubbed Out Campouts and you will be welcomed with open arms. By the time you leave, you will have hundreds of new friends.
Can I go if my van isn’t fancy or finished?
Yes. You don’t need a fancy van to have a campervan. A standard van with a mattress and a duvet in the back is a campervan, and you will be just as welcome as anyone else.
What’s the best time to arrive on my first visit to Dubbed Out Festival?
The gates open at 10am on Thursday and Friday. If you want to avoid the early queues, leave it a few hours and you won’t miss anything. Thursday’s entertainment doesn’t start until 2pm, so arriving around midday still gives you a couple of hours to set up and settle in.
What do people do during the day at Dubbed Out Festival when the music isn’t on?
There is plenty to do from first thing in the morning. The wellbeing area runs yoga, sound baths and meditation, and the kids club has entertainers such as Luby Lou. Breakfast is served at some of the stalls, you can grab a coffee, and you can even help out with the litter pick if you fancy it. From midday there is music, children’s entertainers and shows, with stacks to do all the way through to 11pm.
How do I meet other campervan owners at Dubbed Out Festival?
It happens naturally. You will be parked next to new people and surrounded by new vans, and because of the way our community is, everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. Just grab a drink, say hello to your neighbours and you could make friends for life.
Is Dubbed Out Festival noisy at night, and will the kids get any sleep?
Yes, you will easily get some sleep. Security patrols the site all through the night, and quiet hours are enforced across the campsite. If you have any problems with neighbours, just let a member of staff know and we will deal with it. Dubbed Out is a family festival and we will not put up with unruly behaviour or noise at night.
What is Dubbed Out Community and is it free to join?
Dubbed Out Community is an online campervan community run as a private Facebook group, so anything you post can only be seen by other members. It has over 70,000 members and is the largest campervan and van life community in the UK. You will have seen the Dubbed Out logo on the backs of campervans everywhere. The group started out mainly for Volkswagen campervans, but it now has thousands of non-VW members too. Everyone is welcome, whether you own a campervan, are looking to buy one, or just love vehicles.
How do I find VW or campervan meetups near me?
Search for Dubbed Out, Dubbed Out Community or Dubbed Out Festival and you will find us on Google, Instagram, X, TikTok and, most of all, Facebook, on the Dubbed Out Festival page and in the Dubbed Out Community group. We hold regular events throughout the year, usually four or five, and you are more than welcome to come along in your van. You will meet other Volkswagen and campervan owners and have plenty to share.
What are the Dubbed Out stickers about?
A Dubbed Out sticker shows you are part of the community. Lots of companies offer a discount when you turn up with a Dubbed Out sticker on your van. It is also an easy way to spot fellow members. We have heard stories of people pulling over to help a broken-down van because they spotted the sticker, and of members becoming friends on campsites in Europe without speaking the same language, all thanks to the sticker. If you see one, it is the perfect excuse to say hello and share a drink.
How do I join club camping or camp with a group at Dubbed Out Festival?
Club camping works best once you have made a few friends in the community. Join Dubbed Out Community, introduce yourself, post a picture of your van and say hello. Some club leaders run groups especially for newcomers, so if you would like to camp with a club, ask in the group whether anyone has spaces left and the club leaders will let you know.
Are there Dubbed Out events outside the main festival?
Yes. Dubbed Out Campouts run throughout the year. They are family camping weekends open to all makes and models of campervan, held at venues such as Hooton Lodge Farm in Rotherham and Fat Bob’s at the Blue Lias near Stockton in Warwickshire. We are always looking at new locations around the UK, so keep an eye out and you are bound to find one that suits you.
For press or media, email Neil or Germaine at [email protected] [email protected]