The festival / floor seating format is quite different to standard seated "concerts".

It is more flexible, less controlled allowing more fun than having to sit in seats (that kids never sit in anyway) and gives you the chance to move around and find your own fun amongst the activities across the day. 

See below for our tips, tricks, insights and recommendations for the festival.
We've broken it down into a few categories for you to make it easier to find any important bits you are interested in too.

Q. What time can I come to the grounds?
A. Gates open at 8am with the first show being at 9.00am. Please note that the busiest time is 8.30am - 9.00 and there may be delays as we scan tickets.

Q. Can I buy tickets on the day?
A. Not from the gate - however, you can purchase online on the day of the event.
Q. Can I buy tickets just for my kids?
A. No, they must be accompanied by a paying adult to enter the festival. Each adult must also purchase a ticket.

Q. If my child is under 1, do I need to buy tickets for them?
A. You do not need to buy a ticket for children under one year old. You do need to purchase a ticket for any child 1 year or older at the time of the event. Each adult coming to the festival also needs to buy a ticket.

Eg: 2 adults + 1 year old + 8 month old = 3 tickets needed.

or

EG: 1 adult + 8 month old = 1 ticket needed
or

EG: 1 adult + 1 yr old + 5 yr old = 3 tickets needed 


Q. I have some special needs that need to be considered for my child / family?
A. Please contact us to let us know of your details and we can ensure we accomodate where possible to ensure you enjoy your day on site at Rhymes.
Q. Do you accept companion cards?
A. Absolutely and we're always happy to help carers to make the day as smooth as possible.
Q. Is there free public transport?
A. Unfortunately not.
Q. Can I get a pass out?
A. Yes. Get these from the main gates on exit.

Q. Are there refunds available?
A. No, there would be no way we could run this festival if refunds were offered due to the amount of pre-planning that happens based on the numbers coming to the event.
Q. What if I don't want myself used in Rhymes promotional images from the day?
A. Rhymes staff will be taking photos and interviewing ticket holders on the day and these images will be posted on facebook and used in our website / promotional materials. If you do not wish to be in any of these shots, please let us know when you see our Rhymes staff taking photos on the day.

Q. Can I bring chairs?
A. No, chairs are NOT allowed onsite as they create height differences that doesn't allow people to see behind.
A. We strongly recommend you bring a picnic blanket or thin cushion if you are choosing to sit down and watch shows for most of the day as you may end up with a bit of a “numb bum” otherwise. 

A. We have some seating areas outside that can be used if you are not wanting to be sitting on the ground / picnic blanket most of the day.
A. If you have a specific issue where you may need to bring your own seating, we do have areas to the side of stage where you can place your seat near a wall so as not to stop visibility behind you.

Q. Can I bring food & a picnic onto the grounds?
A. Yes, a picnic blanket, food made at home.
A. No alcohol, no glass, no sharp or dangerous objects / utensils.
A. Please just be mindful of others around you who may be walking past or on your picnic blanket if you are in a busy area, especially if you have any hot drinks, flasks or items that could be dangerous to those around you.
A. Please note that you may be randomly asked to show what's in your bags or little eskies before entering grounds or while on grounds.

Q. What happens if I lose my child?
A. Please alert security or Rhymes Roadies or any Rhymes event staff asap as our team will instantly start helping you.

Q. Where is a central spot for children to go if they are lost?
A. Our help desk is the best option adjacent to the stage (half way back)
Q. What can I do to minimise the time my child might be lost?
A. Please note what they are wearing on the day or wear something easily identifiable (ie - there are typically a lot of Ben 10 shirts being worn by 6 year old boys so it can be less distinguishing)
A. Please write YOUR mobile phone number and YOUR name on their arm or utilise one of our free wristbands so if lost and another ticket holder finds your child they can call you.

Q. What do I do if I find a lost child?
A. You can bring them to the help desk as it is often the parent will be there also reporting them lost.

Q. Can my children easily escape the Rhymes grounds?
A. We have only 1 official entry and exit to the festival grounds to help reduce this risk.

Q. Why do you have clear ways?
A. It's important to keep this area clear in case of any emergency at the stage for personnel to get to, or for ticket holders to move away from.
A. It also allows you to easily move around the grounds with out the risk of stepping on toes, and other people's posessions.

Q. Why am I always being asked to sit down as a parent? 
A. We ask all parents to be seated during shows, with kids standing and dancing. This allows children to be able to SEE, which is an important part of them feeling comfortable with their environment.
A. Feel free to move to the side of the crowds if you want to have a dance with your kids. 

Q. Where do I go if there is an emergency or quick access out of the grounds.
A. There are multiple exits that can easily be opened up to the left and right of the stage. Please look to directions from event staff if this needs to happen.
Q. How much of the event is indoors and do I need to worry about Sun / Rain?
A. The event is 90% indoors and it's important that you are sunsmart to avoid sunburn / sun issues in case being outdoors. Plus, don't forget to bring a poncho in case it rains and you want to still take part in outdoor activities.

Q. Why should I pace myself at Rhymes?
A. It seem's a bit crazy, but, as you would know from your own festival glory days, it pays to not use up all your energy in the first hour when you've got a full day in front of you and your children.
Q. What if I / my children can't last the whole day?
A. We set the day up so you can get maximum value for the time you choose to spend and we don't expect you to be there all day to be able to do this. Many of the top acts are on in the morning allowing the audience to leave earlier if they like, seeing most of their favourites. We add a few more acts / double up acts in the afternoon to allow late comers or older children the chance to see their faves twice and stay longer if possible to also gain value from the day.
Even if you only last for 2 hours (which is longer than most concerts where you'd pay a similar if not higher price), you should find yourself seeing nearly 4 - 5 acts. So don't worry if you can't last the whole day, you should still see a lot of value out of the time spent at Rhymes! But we definitely challenge you to do the full 7 hours it's an amazing feat and the kids will sleep like never before ;-)
Q. What if my plans... aren't going to plan?
A. It's important to note that you should plan to have fun, but, still find other ways to have fun at the festival when things don't go to plan. You have 7 hours of entertainment, so, there's plenty of time to go and come back if needed or try something away from all the action to get kids back on track
Come and see us and we can try and help with your day. 

Q. Why shouldn't I try and "barr my spot"
A. We have catered for families with lots of space. So, why not enjoy it. Try the festival up the front, try it from the side, , try the silent disco... the main idea is to try lot of experiences and make it a day where new experiences are had (not the same old usual thing).

Q. How do I give feedback or ask a question of Rhymes on event day?
A. Please see our help desk and they can formally take down your feedback to help. 
A. If you feel you need to talk about a negative experience on facebook, please understand that it's hard for us to deal with this on facebook on the day if we are busy elsewhere, please see us at the help desk first if possible.
A. Please also feel free to tell us about things you like to, so we can continue to do them :-) 

Always feel free to contact us on info@rhymesfestival.com if you have a different question you would like to have answered.