Everything You
Need to Know

Absolutely. Brandywine is designed to be welcoming to complete newcomers. The pre-event LARP & Roleplaying Workshop is specifically designed for people who've never done anything like this before. You don't need any prior experience, any special kit, or any particular confidence.

Hobbit Costumes are required.. Many guests come in simple rustic, earthy-coloured comfortable clothing for their first event. Our Costuming Guide has all the information you need to prepare in your best Hobbit attire! A MUST READ!

Relaxed, warm, and full of things to do — but never overwhelming. You wake up, have breakfast, wander the grounds, get pulled into something interesting, attend a workshop, participate in the Games, eat well, watch some live music, dance a bit, and fall asleep by a fire.

More than okay — many of our guests arrive solo and leave with a group of lifelong friends. The shared Hobbit identity means you're immediately part of a community the moment you arrive.

UK tickets are now on sale in tiered batches of 400. The earlier you buy, the less you pay — Batch 1 is the most affordable.

Both festivals are strictly limited to 1,200 guests. The US festival currently has less than 300 tickets remaining. The UK festival has 1,200 tickets available in five tiered batches of 400 to 500.

Yes - both in-game and out-of-game camping spaces are included with every ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra to camp on-site. Be sure to complete the Camping Survey before its deadline though!

Yes — group discounts are available for parties of 6 or more. Please contact us before purchasing. Don't buy individual tickets first — we can only apply the discount before purchase.

Refunds are not available. As a general rule, tickets are transferable to others via SKALD.com. Please contact us if you have any questions.

It means that when you're inside the game world, you play as a Hobbit character of your own creation. You're not playing as a pre-written character; you're playing a Hobbit of your creation, imagined by you! Our Character Creation Guide makes this easy and genuinely fun.

The immersion is real — and that surprises a lot of first-timers in the best possible way. But nobody is ever forced into anything that makes them uncomfortable. Most guests report that any initial awkwardness disappears within about 20 minutes of joining in!

There are clear out-of-game areas throughout the festival site. You can step out of the game at any time, for any reason, without any fuss. Safety and comfort always come first.

In-game camping means your tent is located within the festival's game world — the immersive experience continues right through to bedtime. Out-of-game camping is a modern area just outside the game boundary — no costuming requirements, no aesthetic rules.

There's no wrong answer. Many first-timers choose out-of-game and switch to in-game the following year. Both options are included in your ticket.

Your sleeping camp is fixed. However, you can move freely between in-game and out-of-game areas at any time throughout the day. Visiting and Roleplaying in the In-Game areas throughout the day is a great way to find opportunities for fun.

Participation is entirely up to you. You can compete as much or as little as you like. Many guests love cheering on their Farthing from the sidelines — that's a completely valid way to experience the Games.

Farthing registrations are done through the Pre-Event Survey when submitting your Character information. Keep an eye out for this announcement to now miss out.

Target games, Shire races, riddle and lore trials, strength and balance contests, a multi-stage team relay, and a mystery event revealed on the final morning. Events are designed to be inclusive and accessible.

The closing ceremony takes place on the final evening of the festival. Dress in your finest Hobbit attire.

Food is not included in the standard ticket price, but there is a wide variety of food vendors on-site. Pricing is kept reasonable and all produce is sourced locally and seasonally where possible.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary requirements are catered for. Please indicate your requirements when booking.

You're welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks for personal consumption in your campsite. Outside alcohol may not be brought into the festival bar or tavern areas.

Yes — the in-world Tavern serves locally brewed ales, craft ciders, mead, and non-alcoholic alternatives.

Yes — free parking is available at both venues.

Yes — dedicated festival shuttles will run from nearby train stations and town centres at both venues. Full timetables released Summer 2026.

For the US festival: Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX, ~35 miles) or Louisville International (SDF, ~75 miles). For the UK festival: Birmingham Airport (BHX, ~40 miles) or Manchester Airport (MAN, ~65 miles).

The Brandywine Festival is family-friendly and children are very welcome. All under-16s must be accompanied by a ticketed adult at all times.

Both venues have accessible pathways, toilet facilities, and dedicated accessible camping areas. Please contact us before booking to discuss your requirements.

Yes — designated quiet rest areas are available at both venues throughout the event.