Big Fake Festival 2026
2026
Fri 04 Sep - Sun 06 Sep
11.00AM-12.00AM Daily
Campsite open Wed 02 Sep
Walesby Forest, Brake Road, Walesby, Newark
24 Fake Bands 3 days of live music
HUGE CAMPSITE Beautiful setting FREE camping for tents Family/Quiet zones Up to 5 nights camping
Every summer’s end, when the days are still warm and the nights start to sparkle, a unique tribe of music lovers makes their annual pilgrimage to the heart of Walesby Forest. They come from every corner of the UK, a glorious mix of faces, accents, ages and stories. Sometimes organised and early, sometimes just winging it, they roll in with motorhomes, quirky caravans and well-loved tents, all chasing that unmistakable Big Fake buzz.
And what a buzz it is! 🤩 It’s more than just the music, it’s a feeling of belonging. A wild, heart-lifting vibe that starts the moment you arrive, floats you through, and even nurses those morning afters. From the wild fancy-dress crews battling it out for top honours 🤪 to the campers who somehow leave their pitches cleaner than they found them (legends!), these guys prove that festival spirit can be loud, proud, considerate and full of love. ❤️
These are our people, the Big Fake fam. 🥰 The beating heart of everything we do. When they come together, singing, laughing and living in the moment under the open sky, they create something truly special: a weekend of music, magic and unforgettable memories.
If you know, you know. If you don’t, it’s time to find out. But don’t hang around – tickets vanish fast. Grab yours, bring your crew and come live the Big Fake dream with us. We can’t wait to rock wiv ya! 🤘🔥
Join the ‘Big Fake Fam’ – everyone is welcome. 😎
Our Facebook Group is where the party starts. Early updates, pre‑fest buzz, fancy-dress plotting, band banter, campsite chat, tips, tricks and more! Home to the fam and the place to be before we hit the fields!
Over 11k lovely peeps - and room for you!
Lineup
24 jaw-dropping Fake Bands. 3 days of spine-tingling anthems
For over 15 epic years, our hand-picked Fake Bands have rocked Fake-Fest crowds across the UK — but nowhere hits harder than the Big Fake Festival! With its grand stage, killer production and the UK’s most awesome peeps bringing the roar, this is where the bands go full-festival-throttle. 💥 Get ready for chart-topping bangers, soaring vocals and riffs that’ll have your hands in the air and your voice gone by sundown. 🎸🤘
Which day’s your favourite lineup? 👀
Day 1 - Fri 04 Sep
-
10.45 PM
Vicky Jackson is Pink
-
9.00 PM
Antarctic Monkeys
-
7.30 PM
Fleeting Rumours
-
6.00 PM
Really Hot Chili Peppers
-
4.30 PM
R.E.M. by Stipe
-
3.00 PM
Blondied
-
1.30 PM
Alanish
-
12.00 PM
Kings Of Lyon
Day 2 - Sat 05 Sep
-
10.45 PM
Coldplace
-
9.00 PM
The Fillers
-
7.30 PM
Oasish
-
6.00 PM
Plug In Maybe
-
4.30 PM
Nirvana Tribute
-
3.00 PM
Aladdinsane
-
1.30 PM
The Rolling Clones
-
12.00 PM
Pulp'd
Day 3 - Sun 06 Sep
-
10.45 PM
Flash
-
9.00 PM
Young Elton
-
7.30 PM
Ultimate Green Day
-
6.00 PM
Fore Fighters
-
4.30 PM
Guns 2 Roses
-
3.00 PM
Blur2
-
1.30 PM
The Jam'd
-
12.00 PM
Enjoy The Silence UK
Tickets
Not long now, guys! 😎 We’re busy getting ready for the ticket rush. To get notified when tickets are released, subscribe to our emails below.
Ticket sales will open:
WED 12 NOV 2025 at 10:00AM
Time remaining until tickets go on sale:
Event & Camping
| EARLY Camping from Wed 02 Sep |
STANDARD Camping from Thu 03 Sep |
|
|---|---|---|
| ADULT 18+yrs | £165.00 | £145.00 |
| YOUNG 10‑17yrs* | £145.00 | £125.00 |
Children (0-9yrs) enter for FREE (no ticket needed) when accompanied by a paid adult.
Tickets can be upgraded at the event. You pay the difference between the Young to Adult, or Standard to Early.
*Under 16 year-olds must be accompanied by a paid adult to enter the festival. 16-17 year-olds must show proof of age if entering the festival alone, or otherwise must enter with a paid adult.
Camping Vehicles
| CAMPING VEHICLE† | £65.00 |
|---|
†Camping Vehicles are vehicles equipped with facilities for sleeping, such as Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper-vans, and Pods. This includes those with attachments, such as a roof tent. More details below.
Accessibility Features
| ESSENTIAL COMPANION‡ | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESSIBILITY PASS‡ | Available | ||
| ACCESSIBLE CAMPING‡ | Available | ||
‡Accessibility feature purchases are subject to post-purchase validation of access requirements. See the Accessibility page for all details.
Info/FAQ
After years of rockin’ Big Fake with you legends, we’ve listened, learned and levelled up. Everything’s tighter, smoother and full of that extra spark that makes Big Fake feel the kind of weekend you’ll talk about for years.
Entry & Exit
15 years, 100's of Fake-Fests… we run smooth as Barry White on valentines night.
How to find us
The site is easy reached because of its UK midlands location and access near the A1. Set your sat-navs for NG22 9NG or use this Google Maps pin to be delivered right to the gates! For large vehicles and towing, beware the bridge on Whitewater Lane.
Please do not queue on the road. Vehicle queuing is through the site gates into the first field.
Arrival & Check In
Site open times for new arrivals (requiring ticket check in) are listed in the Site Times section.
1. Ticket scan
Printed paper tickets - if the tickets are printed onto paper, then simply give each person their own ticket so that they can have the barcode scanned and then enter with ease.
Tickets on your phone -if the tickets (or email) are held on your phone, then we will need to scan each barcode off your phone screen. Everyone who has their ticket stored on your phone will need to be with you. If your phone holds a ticket for somebody arriving later, you can pop out when they arrive and get the barcode scanned with them.
2. Wristband application
Next, we will apply your Event access wristband so that you can come and go during the event. Do not remove the wristband until the event has finished.
3. Park or pitch
If you are camping in tents, proceed to the secure carpark or through the site towards a drop-off area to offload your equipment before returning to park. Parking is not permitted with tents.
For camping vehicles, display your vehicle hanger pass and follow the signs through the site towards your chosen camping area.
If you are not camping, proceed to the secure day carpark.
Leaving and re-entering
If you are visiting the event daily, or if you need to leave to get supplies, your access wristband allows you to leave and enter the site as you wish, within reason.
Please see the Site Times section.
Parking
There will be adequate FREE parking for both those who are camping and for anyone staying outside the site and visiting daily.
The camping and parking areas will have 24 hour patrolling security to ensure everyone can relax and have a great weekend and by all means leave your vehicle on site overnight if you need to. If you do leave your car overnight on the last day then please ensure you collect your vehicle by 12:00 NOON the following day.
Event area
The event area is where the magic happens! The giant 'Big-Top' contains the stage and 'fast-serve' bar, and the large garden area has food traders, stalls and tables/chairs.
Event entry
Use your event access wristband to enter the event when it is open.
The main entrance is located at the 'Big-Top' but we also have a short-cut entrance to the south of the event area. Please see the Site Times section for daily times.
There will be both male and female security staff carrying out appropriate searches. Everybody entering the event area has to be searched and anybody refusing a search will not be allowed entry. Bags and pockets will be searched for anything that could be concealed.
There is no limit on the size of bags, but they will all be searched. Our security team are super friendly and approachable - they are there to keep everyone safe and to make sure that everyone is sticking to the rules. If you have any questions, please just ask - they will be more than happy to help.
Bar drinks
We run our own well-stocked “fast-serve” licensed bar inside the marquee (tent), that sells both bar (alcohol) and soft drinks. Bar drinks are chilled - we really look after your drinks as they are such an important part of your experience.
A drinking water tap is positioned in the garden area.
Drink Tokens
For speed at the bar, we use a Drink Token scheme at all Fake Festivals. Buy them from the token desk (next to the bar), then exchange them at the bar for drinks. One token gets you a single bar drink (alcohol) or two soft drinks (Coke, Fanta, etc). Both cash and card are accepted and 'cash-back' is available.
Food traders
A variety of food traders will be situated outside in the secure garden area. Traders are independent, but we do ask that they keep their prices reasonable and in line with Fake Festivals tickets and bar prices.
You can expect to see traders such as your classic burger, wood fired pizza, Greek salads and wraps, Chinese noodles, Indian curry and 'pie & mash'. Not forgetting the all important sweet treat - crepes or donuts and of course hot drinks - tea and coffee etc. There is also always an ice-cream van for the classic 99!
The food traders cannot guarantee to cater for all special dietary requirements, lifestyle choices (vegan etc) or those with allergies or food intolerances. Please ask the individual food traders for information.
Food traders may also sell drinks, such as tea and coffee. Most traders except card payments, but it cannot be guaranteed.
Merchandise
Outside in the Garden Area you will find our Merch Tent, selling all our official Fake Festivals merchandise. Using drink tokens you can grab yourself a Fake-Fest tee, hoodie or bag! Maybe some sunglasses or a bobble hat - who knows with the Great British weather - we’ve got you covered (literally!)
Campsite
Walesby Forest is a stunning location, within 250 acres of woodland, unspoilt scenery and great camping facilities. There’s so much space, you’ll easily find your perfect campsite spot, whether that’s in amongst the party or tucked out the way in one of the many quiet corners. Dib dib dib!
Camping areas & pitches
There are no reservations and pitches are provided on a first-come-first-served basis. Please view the Site Map and choose a camping area before you arrive, so that you know where you are heading after check-in. Camping areas nearest to the Event Area get busy first, but the site is large and can accommodate everyone with ease.
Camping areas
You'll love the luscious space and greenery, with dedicated camping zones.
- QUIET AREA - this area is tucked out the way, for families or anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed and quiet campsite. No shouting or loud music permitted and we ask for extra-extra quiet during the hours of midnight to 8:00AM. No cars. Security will patrol and move anyone not adhering to the area rules.
- CAMPING VEHICLES - for motorhomes, campervans and caravans only. Cars can park with caravans.
- TENTS ONLY - for tents only. Cars must be parked in the car park, not with the tents.
- MIXED - for motorhomes, camper-vans and caravans (with cars) and tents (cars not permitted) and for those wishing to camp in groups. No group pitch reservations and caution when moving vehicles around tents must be shown.
- ACCESSIBLE - situated in a convenient place near facilities. To use this area somebody in your group must have an Accessible Camping pass and have provided evidence for the requirements. Please see our Accessibility page for all details.
Tents
Camping in tents is FREE for all ticket holders! No tent or pitch permits or additional tickets are required.
Tents are allowed in the campsite areas designated TENTS ONLY, and the MIXED areas where tents and Camping Vehicles are allowed to camp together. Tents are not allowed in the Camping Vehicle only areas.
Please use the Site Map to plan your camp before you arrive and to find the nearest camping equipment drop-off zone. Cars are required to use the site Car Park after the drop-off.
Camping Vehicles
Camping Vehicles are vehicles equipped with facilities for sleeping, such as Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper-vans, and Pods. This includes those with attachments, such as a roof tent. Each Camping Vehicle requires its own ‘Camping Vehicle’ hanger pass, which will be issued on arrival and must always be hung/displayed in camping vehicle or towing vehicle. A towing vehicle that is not for sleeping in does not require a ticket and should be parked with the towed vehicle (eg. a Car and Caravan).
Camping Vehicle tickets are not valid as a means to park a vehicle at your camping area, such as a car next to a tent. Our campsite and security team will enforce this rule throughout the event, and any non-compliant vehicles will be removed, without a refund.
If you leave the site in your Camping Vehicle, you must display this ticket to return to your campsite pitch. You may be refused access or asked to leave the camping area if you do not display it.
Please note that there are no reservations; pitches are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shops
Walesby operate a small shop onsite stocking essentials such as milk, bacon, bread etc.
There will also be a small camping shop in the Event Area Garden (next to the 'Big-Top') which will sell those forgotten camping essentials, inflat airbeds and provide phone charging. They will also sell some additional items such as cigarettes and vape fluid.
Food & drink
You are welcome to bring your own food and drink with you, but it must only be consumed within the campsite area. Please remember that no glass is permitted on the site.
Food traders are open in the mornings inside the garden area, ready to cook up a full breakfast and fresh coffee for all the Fake Festival campers. See the Site Times information on this page for all food serving times.
Facilities
DROP-OFF ZONES - are available around the site so you can dump your gear close to camping areas before you park up in the carpark. You are able to retrieve items from your car at any point.
SHOWERS - the site will have two types of warm water showers with individual cubicles. The site's own permanent showers will run 24hrs daily and our temporary shower placements will run between 07:00 and 14:00 daily.
STANDING WATER - provided around the camping areas.
TOILET WASTE - grey water waste can be disposed of at the designated Elsan points located around the camping areas.
TOILETS - provided all around the camping areas.
Fires & BBQ's
Fires that are sat at ground level are not permitted, for fire risk reasons. We do allow BBQ's and stoves that are raised off the ground to about 0.5m-1m on legs or by such other means and must be fully extinguished after use, with all waste/ashes removed from site in the appropriate manner.
Accessibility
Our events are for everyone, no exceptions! Check out our Accessibility page for info on our access support and how to get it.
Site times
Wed 02 Sep - EARLY WED SITE ACCESS
| 10:00 | Site opens for new arrivals |
| 22:00 | Site closes for new arrivals |
Thu 03 Sep - STANDARD THU SITE ACCESS
| 10:00 | Site opens for new arrivals. Food traders, Merchandise Shop and Camping Shop open in the Event Garden area |
| 22:00 | Site closes for new arrivals, Event Garden area closes |
Fri 04 Sep - Event day 1
| 08:00 | Breakfast food traders, Merchanise Shop and Camping Shop open in the Event Garden area |
| 10:00 | Site opens for new arrivals |
| 10:30 | Breakfast food traders and Event Garden area closes |
| 11:00 | Event 'Big-top' doors open, event bar and day food traders open |
| 22:00 | Site closes for new arrivals |
| 23:45 | Event 'Big-top' bar closes |
| Midnight | Event 'Big-top' doors close, food traders close |
Sat 05 Sep - Event day 2
| 08:00 | Breakfast food traders, Merchanise Shop and Camping Shop open in the Event Garden area |
| 10:00 | Site opens for new arrivals |
| 10:30 | Breakfast food traders and Event Garden area closes |
| 11:00 | Event 'Big-top' doors open, event bar and day food traders open |
| 22:00 | Site closes for new arrivals |
| 23:45 | Event 'Big-top' bar closes |
| Midnight | Event 'Big-top' doors close, food traders close |
Sun 06 Sep - Event day 3
| 08:00 | Breakfast food traders, Merchanise Shop and Camping Shop open in the Event Garden area |
| 10:00 | Site opens for new arrivals |
| 10:30 | Breakfast food traders and Event Garden area closes |
| 11:00 | Event 'Big-top' doors open, event bar and day food traders open |
| 22:00 | Site closes for new arrivals |
| 23:45 | Event 'Big-top' bar closes |
| Midnight | Event 'Big-top' doors close, food traders close |
Mon 07 Sep - Post event
| 08:00 | Breakfast food traders open in the Event Garden area |
| 10:30 | Breakfast food traders and Event Garden area closes |
| 12:00 | Site closes, everyone must be vacated |
Need more help?
Contact the Event Team