FAQ's
The 'podpad' is designed to accommodate two adults comfortably on either a double or twin beds. In exceptional circumstances, we can accommodate a family of three wher there is a child under teenage years. Please talk to us in advance as we may be able to recommend a different configuration of beds in such an instance.
The ‘podpad’ is small but perfectly formed @ 8'x6' (2.4m x 1.8m)
They have a wooden floor with fitted carpet. They have raised beds either twins or a double with mattress to suit and creating useful storage space underneath for boots, bags etc.
There is a shelf running the full width of the ‘podpad’, three coloured windows with curtains, a mirror, light and a 12V socket. There is a nightlatch (YALE-type) lock on the door.
We have outlined the inclusions above so, the rest, you bring with you for maximum personal comforts. We do not supply as standard any bedding, sleeping bags, pillows etc. Similarly personal hygiene items and weather precautions are up to you – suncream/umbrellas?
Usually - green grass and your own personal space. You can leave the door open and watch the world go by without having your neighbours sitting in your porch or tripping over guy-ropes to and from your home. We aim to create a chilled and safe vibe by putting out large low level tables where you can relax and meet new mates.
The ‘podpads’ are solar powered via the iconic solar panel/sunflowers, that supply 12volts electricity via a car dashboard type socket. This can be used for low usage items such as charging mobiles, laptops, ipods but, please no kettles, hairdryers/straighteners please.
We will usually have standard 240V power sockets at reception for emergency/medical use.
Yes they have a light fitted as standard. This is a 12 volt x 8 watt strip light.
We suggest that you bring a torch for general use outside and around the area at night.
We have experienced some incredibly harsh weather conditions over the past few years and the ‘podpads’ have survived it all – see Glasto ’05; all of Summer ’07; Bestival ’08. Hand built from 18mm weatherproof plywood, they have a upvc ridge cap fitted to the top of the roof. There is also guttering between terraced units to take the rainwater away from the sides.
Accepting that there is always a degree of outside noise at a Festival, the ‘podpad’ has to be a lot quieter than a nylon/canvas tent. They are not soundproofed but arte quite effective in keeping the peace when resting inside.
Are the ‘podpads’ warm/cool inside?
One of the great advantages of the ‘podpad’ is that they are certainly cooler than a tent in the day time. Often by 9am in a tent the interior is already “hot and sweaty” almost making you have to get up before you want to. Also it is still dark after sunrise in a ‘podpad’ until you decide to get up.
The prospect of an afternoon nap in a nylon tent on a sunny day is unthinkable with the heat inside. However, the ‘podpad’ with its wooden structure stays cool.
By the same token, the thickness of the walls and the solid floor insulate against the cold at night.
Certainly more secure than a tent! The ‘podpads’ are set up in their own area – sometimes with other bespoke accommodation on offer – which itself is usually wristbanded access with Festival Security on the entrance. There is also a community feel with an unofficial Neighbourhood Watch in place.
Add to this each ‘podpad’ has a lock on the door and you hold the key (don’t lose it!).
However, remember, you are always at a Festival and general commonsense and warnings apply to leaving cash and valuables unattended.
The ‘bellepad’ is 4mts (13’) diameter and ~ 2.5mts (8’) high in the middle
We recommend a maximum of four adults sharing or, talk to us if you have a family of more than four, including children
They come with a heavy duty protective pvc groundsheet and carpet.
We supply with 4 x inflated airbeds as standard
We have outlined thee inclusions so, the rest, you bring with you for maximum personal comforts. We do not supply as standard any bedding, sleeping bags, pillows etc. Similarly personal hygiene items and weather precautions are up to you – suncream/umbrellas?
Usually - green grass and your own personal space. You can leave the door open and watch the world go by without having your neighbours sitting in your porch.
The ‘bellepads’ do not have power to them
We will usually have standard 240V power sockets at reception for emergency/medical use.
No, there is no light supplied with the ‘bellepad’. Please no candles/nightlights in the ‘bellepad’
We suggest that you bring a lantern or a torch for general use outside and around the area at night.
We have recently invested in new strong pvc groundsheets with upwalls to protect the floor inside.
The ‘bellepads’ are built around a central pole and are closed at the top so that rain cannot get in thro’ the roof. The canvas is weatherproof and you will stay dry. Please be aware that the door/entrance is a part of the side of the structure, facing up to the sky and, so must be kept properly closed during rainy times.
The ‘bellepads’ are set up in their own area – sometimes with other bespoke accommodation on offer – which itself is usually wristbanded access with Festival Security on the entrance. There is also a community feel with an unofficial Neighbourhood Watch in place.
However, remember, you are always at a Festival and general commonsense and warnings apply to leaving cash and valuables unattended.
Yes. All quoted and Book Now Prices are inclusive of VAT at the current UK rate
Generally, the accommodation hire period coincides with the Festival Campsite Opening Times. Sometimes, this is 4 nights from Thursday to Monday, sometimes 3 nights.
However, please be aware that we request that all guests leave and return keys by 10:00 on the Monday (as, we have a busy day ahead and need to clear site by teatime!!)
‘podpad’ hire is for up to 2 people.
‘bellepad’ hire is for up to 4 people
No, festival tickets must be purchased thro’ official Festival Ticket Outlets.
Please ensure that all guests staying with Podpads have Festival tickets and the required weekend camping/area passes as stated on the Festival website.
The deposit – usually @ Ł25 per unit – is to cover any loss, damage incurred during the hire period.
PLEASE be sure that you report to reception and return key to staff before leaving site.
We reserve the right to hold back a Ł10 key-cutting charge for lost/unreturned keys.
We aim to carry all returned deposit cheques ready to collect from reception when you sign out.
Alternatively, we will hold uncollected cheques for 3 months if claimed after the event.
Whilst we try to avoid the boring & heavy side of life, we have these T&C’s to protect both parties – us (the supplier) and you (the customer). Please read them here and on our book now page and, fully understand prior to booking.
Yes, we always try to procure an area which is unique to ‘podpads’ and this is often shared with other bespoke accommodation on offer eg tipis, yurts.
This area available to us will vary between Festival sites..
We always try to procure an area which is defined either by natural boundaries such as a separate field or an area fenced off from the general public access.
We always ask for a 24/7 security presence from the Festival Organiser and we have our own wristbands for accessing the area.
The areas where we set up are only occupied by other paying guests and so, like-minded people will tend to “look out for one another” within the area.
Again, the level of security will vary between Festival sites.
As always, remember, you are at a Festival and general commonsense and warnings apply to leaving cash and valuables unattended.
We try and give you as much arrival detail and helpful info in a guests’ email which we send out one week before the Festival. This will include as much detail as we have to share with you. We will include a site map, preferred car parking, reception opening times and contact numbers etc.
We will have a large BLUE gazebo with our name on it at the entrance to the field/area and there you can book in, have a drink and collect the key to your ‘podpad’.
Opening times for our Reception will be listed in the Arrivals info email sent out one week prior to the Festival. You will be given onsite contact numbers to call if you anticipate arriving outside these Opening Times or if your journey gets delayed.
Your accommodation will be ready for you at the same times as Festival main Campsites open.
However, your access to the Festival site may be limited by the rules and regulations of the Festival itself.
This will vary from Festival to Festival. Leaving time is up to you. Our reception hours will fit in with most popular times, however, if you choose to leave site at 3.30 on Monday morning, do not expect a big send-off.
We will, however, leave a key drop-off point clearly accessible and, we can always forward your deposit cheque on to you.
All confirmed festivals and events for 2010 will be listed on our FESTIVALS page
You can link to the secure booking page via the BOOK NOW link.
Alternatively via the FESTIVALS link above and then by specific Festival – Book Now
Occasionally, ‘podpads’ must be booked through the Festival Organisers – usually via a Ticketing Agency and this will be accessible via the FESTIVALS link. When this is the case – all dealings are direct with the Organisers and, the Festival takes responsibility for all pre-arrival contact. However, we will usually have a ‘podpads’ crew to look after you onsite and we will never avoid your questions in the meantime.
Inability to book online by the above methods will mean either ‘podpads’ are not yet available or we are fully booked already. The explanation will be given in the FESTIVALS link above. Should the case be that we are not yet taking bookings – please CONTACT US with your details and we will put you on our mailing list and update you on the day of release.
To view our cancellation policy, go to our Terms & Conditions pages – click here
Yes, that is no problem – just email us with their names and booking reference and we will put you next door. Similarly, we have had instances where ex partners have booked independently and they have wanted to be as far away as possible. We aim to please.
No. The ‘podpads’ area is a no-go nylon zone.
Quite simply, you and your neighbours are paying for the exclusivity and services that come with the area If we were to allow others in, this would lead to a reduction in one’s ‘personal space’ and an overloading on the facilities and services. It is quite likely that with a bit of careful planning and a site map, your friends can find a place in Public Camping quite near to where we are set up.
We will use our discretion and, this will depend on who is on duty/security. The general policy is a NO for the same reasons as above. One or two visiting / just taking a look inside is one thing – however, six or seven friends coming in armed with sound-systems, towels, shampoo and shower gel is quite another!
You can contact us through the contact us page or why not add "Podpads at Festivals" as a friend on Facebook.