Beginners guide to GoldCoast Ocean Festival
If you love a good beachside festival that sits right next to the sun-drenched Atlantic coast and is full of surfer boys and gals, we think we’ve got just the right place for you. GoldCoast Ocean fest is coming back from the 17th-19th June to its home in every beach-bum’s paradise – Croyde, North Devon. Promising an event which is big enough to feel like a proper party but small enough that you won’t get lost in the crowd, it sounds like the perfect weekend. So, if you’ve never headed down to the golden coast and are wondering what all the fuss is about, here is a beginner’s guide to the multi-award winning festival.
The Line-Up
GoldCoast Ocean fest are all about that chilled out, summer vibe, so have made sure to treat us all to a line-up which is sure to produce some great anthems for the summer holiday. For headliners, you will see DJ Fresh, Sunset Sons and KT Tunstall giving it all they’ve got for all you festival goers, so expect to see some pretty amazing sets. Throughout the weekend, you can also expect to see Fuse ODG, Clean Cut Kid, Zak Abel, Reverand and the Makers, Prides, Hannah Grace, The Cuban Brothers, Flight Brigade, Seafret, Cortes, Mullally and a few more class acts. The full line up is yet to be confirmed so keep an eye out on their official Twitter page for some surprises which will be coming soon!
Surf’s Up
To make sure it’s not all just about the music and there is a little something for everyone, the folks at the fest have a few more tricks up their sleeve.There’s a dozen or so sporting events which will be taking place throughout the weekend and give you the opportunity to compete at something you know you can kick ass in or let you try your hand at something for the first time. These include skateboarding, surfing, beach volleyball, beach soccer, surf lifesaving, Iron Man and Diamond Lady evens, the nipper challenge and open water swimming.To keep you energised and happy throughout all this family friendly fun, there is a range of food and bars around the arena, offering everything from burritos to burgers, coffee to doughnuts and of course, classic seaside fish and chips. We are talking about a multi-award winning festival here, so these folks know exactly what you want.The arena will be open from 11am-11pm each day, so make sure to keep the essentials with you at all time – we’re talking water, camera’s, a stash of cash and definitely some sun cream and something waterproof (because who knows what this English weather will decide to throw at you).
Tickets and Travel
GoldCoast Ocean fest is a no-camping festival, so you need to make sure you’ve got somewhere to go after the partying finishes for the evening. There’s a list of nearby accommodation on the website so take a look and take your pick! There’s a few different ways you can get yourself to the festival so you can pick the one that is best for you. Access to the arena is via Moor Lane and there is some parking available nearby, but this is limited so you’re best to make sure you arrive early. The surf bus, which runs from Barnstaple Station will drop you right off at the arenas doorstep and is surfboard friendly, perfect for anyone who can’t wait to go and catch some waves. Also, you can check out coach routes with the National Express or catch a train to Tiverton Parkway or Exeter St. Davids stations.
A weekend adult ticket comes at the bargain price of £55, or just £25 if you only fancy one day. Children can attend for £45 or there is an option for a family to attend together for £145. With bargain prices like this, there is no excuse to miss out on the most intoxicating yet laid-back party of the summer.
By Emily Thursfield