Visitor FAQ

This page will attempt to answer many of your frequently asked questions, and to fill in any information about the Yorkshire Cycle Rally and Festival. We will attempt to answer any further questions sent by email ASAP – please don’t hesitate to ask.

Please note that during the event weekend and in the days immediately before, it is best if you contact us by phone:

General questions

Is it free to get in?
Yes! And all of the activities are free too unless otherwise stated, including the rides (there is however a small entry fee for the Audax rides). Of course we do have to charge for camping pitches, and for trade stands. And we would very much appreciate visitors supporting the event by joining the Friends of York Rally.

What are the opening hours?
The site is open all weekend, so there are no opening hours as such, but trade show and arena events mostly start at 10:30AM, and end at 6PM on Saturday, 4.30PM on Sunday. The campsite is open from 4PM Friday to 10AM Monday.

Is the site accessible for disabled people and wheelchair users?
In general, yes – Driffield Showground is basically a level field but sections are rough or bumpy grass, which can be wet.

We will confirm full details of facilities after further site visits, but in our current understanding:

• There are three external toilet blocks,all with accessible toilets
• There’s a block for showers, and we understand there is also a separate accessible shower.
• There are also accessible toilets in both of the indoor pavilions. Both of these are reasonably modern buildings so should be accessible, but again we will confirm after a future site visit.

We will have a disabled parking area and can also site disabled campers close to facilities if necessary – please just mention to the campsite team if you have any particular requirements.

Our team is keen to make the Festival as accessible as we possibly can: please do contact us with any queries or to suggest adaptations we might be able to make.

Is there free parking?
Yes, there’s ample free parking on site! There will be a donation bucket, and all contributions are much appreciated.

Are dogs are allowed on the site?
Short answer: yes!
Longer answer: Dogs are permitted in all areas of the site except for any condoned off areas, including the arena and any other areas from which the general public is excluded and, with exception of assistance dogs, in the pavilions or in the vicinity of catering areas. Dogs must be kept under close control and keepers are requested to refrain from using extending leads in all camping, trade/exhibition areas, other circulation areas and designated access routes. All waste from dogs must be disposed of appropriately and certainly not in the recycle bins.

Is it free to join the rides and where do they leave from?
Unless otherwise stated, all rides are free of charge. But you must register in advance for rides in the Rix Pavilion – this allows us to collect emergency details, to ensure that numbers on each ride are limited for safety, and to ensure rides depart promptly.

The rides info and bookings will be open as soon as the campsite opens (4pm on Friday) – we recommend early booking to guarantee a place, especially on some popular rides. Places cannot be reserved ahead of the event – you must come in person to the Rix Pavilion.

Departure points will be near the “cycling entrance” – see here.

Please note that riders must satisfy themselves that they and their machines are capable of the pace, distance and type of the organised rides. The event organisers and ride leaders can not be held responsible for riders who fail to do so.

What COVID precautions will be in place?
We hope COVID is now behind us, but in any case, the event will only take place if it can do so safely. If it must be cancelled, all campsite bookings with be refunded in full, just as they were after the COVID-caused cancellation of the 2020 event.

Campsite questions

Do I need to pre-book or can I just turn up and pay on the day?
You can pay on the day, no problem! Advance booking means quicker check-in, the option of being sited with your friends, club or other group, and if you book early, cheaper rates. But it’s no problem to pay on the day, too.

For paying on the day, do you take cards?
Yes, we have a card payment facility but please do bring cash if you can – the card reader can be temperamental. Cash on the other hand is very reliable!

Where do we go when we arrive?
All the details are on this page.

Do we need any receipts for online bookings etc. when we get there?
No, if you have pre-booked just tell the person at the desk your name and they will have you on their list. You’ll then be allocated a pitch.

Is it OK to arrive late at night?
No problem – but it would be helpful if you could let us know in advance. Please call us on  0746 732 1443. We can probably give you a pitch number in advance. If that’s not possible and you arrive after 11:30ish at night, just park up safely on site and check in at the Info Hub in the morning.

Is the campsite accessible for wheelchair users?
In general, yes – see the answer given above under “General”

My family consists of two adults and three children with one car . We may have to bring two smaller tents rather than our big family tent as it takes up a lot of room in the car. Would I have to pay for two pitches?
You only need to book one motorist pitch – there will be plenty of room for two small tents and a car.

Are we allowed BBQs at the site providing they are off the floor?
BBQs are not an issue as long as they are off the ground and you do not put the charcoal in the skips until it’s cold.

Are fire pits allowed?
Sorry, no, those are not allowed.

Are there electric hook-ups for tents?
Unfortunately we have no electric hookups for any of the pitches.

Are there facilities to charge e-bike batteries?
To be confirmed, but we very much hope to offer this facility in 2026!

How many showers will be on site and when are they open?
There are two proper shower blocks. The showers will be open throughout the event.

Is there on site security, especially if we are leaving bikes at tents?
There will be overnight security but it is a large area so please do remain vigilant and LOCK YOUR BIKES whenever you are not riding them. We strongly recommend that you lock bikes in or to your motor vehicle if you have one. We will ensure there are good locking points for the lightweight camping area – please use at least one substantial lock (a flimsy cable lock is not sufficient) and for additional security you could also consider removing the front wheel and keeping that inside your tent – that way the cycle cannot easily simply rolled or ridden away even if the lock is cut.

Catering questions

Will there be catering on site?
Yes – we always ensure there is a good selection. There’s always a dependable burger (and chips, drinks & more) van, ice cream, coffee, and usually three or more other outlets.

Will there be a beer tent/bar?
Yes, we will have a bar on site! Opening hours:
Friday: 4 pm to 11 pm
Saturday: 10.30 am to 11 pm
Sunday: 10.30 am to 4 pm

What are the catering and bar opening hours? Will there be something be open in time for breakfast?
Yes, the catering outlets have been asked to open from 7AM.
Opening hours:
Friday 4 pm to 11 pm.
Saturday: 7 am to 11 pm
Sunday: 7 am to 4 pm

Evening entertainment questions

Will there be any evening entertainments?
There will be evening entertainment, and live music at various times throughout the event! See the Talks and Performances page.