Chingfest is back and better than ever!
Join us at the end of the summer holidays when Ridgeway Park is transformed into Waltham Forest’s very own free, family music festival, Chingfest! Find out everything you need to know...
Where is the event happening?
Ridgeway Park, Old Church Rd, London E4 6RS.
What are the times of the event?
The event starts at 1pm and finishes at 9pm.
What are the performance times?
Performance times are indicative and subject to change. Please plan to arrive with plenty of time, as we are expecting a high number of visitors and you may have to queue. Once the park reaches its capacity, we will be operating a one in, one out system.
Main Stage
Host: MC Momelo
1.30-1.55pm - Afrikan Simba
2.05-2.25pm - Drey Cheekz
2.40-3.05pm - Luke November
3.15-3.25pm - L.E.A.D.E.R.S.
3.30-4.10pm - DJ Luck & MC Neat
4.30-4.55pm - Bonez
5.10-5.35pm - Rose Gray
5.50-6.20pm – Lemzi
6.40-7.25pm – Incognito
7.45-8.45pm – NAO
DJ Dome
1-1.50pm - Krassus
2-2.50pm - Lillie P
3-3.50pm - Niro Tha DJ
4-4.50pm - Iamin
5-5.30pm - Reeps One
5.45-8pm - Lord of the Mics
EastSide Tent
Host: Amelia Poamz
2-2.30pm - Human Library
2.30-3.30pm - Rory Sky, Luvly, #ChooseMeChingfest Winner
3.30-4.15pm - EastSide Story
4.15-5.15pm - Miss Dionne, Hayreezy, #ChooseMeChingfest Winner
5.15-5.45pm - Jerome Harvey
5.45-6pm - Break tha Cycle
6-7pm - Kitch, Krxze, Amelia Poamz
7-7.30pm - Bonez, Luke November, Royalty
Do I need a ticket?
No, this is a free event and you don’t need to book in advance. However capacity is limited so we recommend you arrive as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The Festival kicks off at 1pm.
What happens if it rains?
We’ll be going ahead come rain or shine, so do check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately.
What is the nearest tube station?
The nearest train station to Ridgeway Park is Chingford (London Overground) which has step free access.
Which bus routes do I use to get to the event?
Ridgeway Park can be accessed by 357, 215, 97 bus routes.
Can I bring my bicycle to the event?
Yes, You are encouraged to cycle to the event, but you will not be able to bring you bike into the main site. There is cycle parking just outside. There will be a bike park available for guests to use, these are left at the owners own risk.
Is there any normal parking provided? If not, where is the nearest car park?
There is no public car park at the show. You are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible.
If you are still considering driving to the event, please consider GoCarShare or Liftshare and help reduce carbon emissions to and from the event. Surrounding residential parking is extremely limited, so be prepared to have to park some distance away from site and please be mindful of local residents.
To help you find a suitable parking place that won’t impact on surrounding, businesses, residents or roads please visit Parkopedia or JustPark.
Is there accessible parking available?
Yes –we will have a limited number of blue badge spaces available on a first come first served basis.
Please email Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 and request a space. You will need to send in your blue badge number and bring photo ID on the day that matches the blue badge.You can pre-register before the event by 12noon on Friday 30 August.
Once registered further details will be sent to you.
Is there an accessibility entrance?
Yes – we have an accessibility entrance on Wellington Avenue. You can pre-register before the event by 12noon on Friday 30 August. If you wish to pre-register, please email Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 for an e-ticket which will then be sent to you confirming you have been registered.
What time do gates open?
Gates open at 1pm
I am not able to queue. What can I do?
Please get in touch with us before 2pm on Thursday 29 August so we can best assist you to enjoy the event. Please email us.
Am I allowed to leave and re-enter the event?
Yes you can. The event will operate on a one in one out policy once the event space is full. If you leave the event you may have to queue to re-entre the site. Please bear this in mind if you are leaving family and friends inside the event space as you may have to wait to re-enter.
Is the show suitable for children and families?
Yes, this event is suitable for families and people of all ages. We ask that all children from the ages of 14 and under are supervised by an adult at all times.
Wristbands will be issued for all children and vulnerable adults on entry gates and information points. These wristbands enable you to write your mobile number on, but not the child’s or vulnerable adult’s name, and attach to their wrist. This means we can reunite you much quicker if you become separated
Is the show wheelchair accessible?
Yes – most of the main site is flat and easily accessible in good weather. A hard path runs through the centre of the park enabling access to the grounds to the three performance areas. But please be aware that The Main Music Stage, Food court and some of the other areas are all located on grass, so in wet weather these areas may get muddy, and might be difficult to access.
Is there a viewing platform? Can I bring my Personal Assistant/companion(s)?
Yes – there will be a viewing platform for the Main Music Stage which will be stewarded during performance times. Please be aware that the Main Music Stage is located on grass, so in wet weather access to the viewing platform might get muddy.
We do understand that you would like to have your friend and, family with you but we ask that you bring a maximum of two people with you and that they move off the platform if it becomes crowded so that other people with access requirements can use it as a priority. There will be some chairs available on this platform.
Will there be allocated seating available? What about those who find it difficult to stand for extended periods?
The majority of the stages have been designed for standing audiences. Some seating will be available around the site. Should you have any specific needs, please go to one of the main info point and we’ll do our best to help.
Are there accessible toilets?
Yes - accessible toilets are available at each of the toilet blocks on the site. All accessible toilets will be located as close to hard ground paths for easier access. There are also accessible toilets inside the parks permanent toilet blocks that operate on a radar key. An accessible toilet will also be located at the viewing platform.
Is the show suitable for someone with photosensitive conditions?
Some of the stages might use flashing lights. No strobe lighting will be used
What advice is there for people with sensory needs?
The festival weekend will generally be busy, loud and some of the stages might use flashing lights so if this may cause distress, caution is advised. However, there will be a Quiet Space in an area of the park with less programming – this will be easily identified and will be close to the accessible entrance. If you have specific questions please email us.
Are there cash machines on site?
There are no cash machines on site, but there are machines on the way to the event. We advise you bring enough cash with you.
What food and drink is available at the event?
There will be a selection traders selling a range of hot food and drinks.
Why can’t I bring my own alcohol to the event?
There will be plenty of licensed bars across the event and a Challenge 25 policy will be in place.
If you are lucky enough to look under 25 you will be asked to prove that you are aged 18 or over when you buy alcohol at the show. If you are under 18 you are committing an offence if you attempt to buy alcohol. All bars accept the following forms of identification:
- Current UK Passport
- Current Driver’s License or Provisional License
- The following cards (part of the PASS Scheme): Validate UK, CitizenCard
Zero-tolerance policy
At Chingfest, there is a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and substance misuse. Those caught in possession of drugs will be removed from the event. This policy includes, but is not limited to the following substances: nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’) and alkyl nitrites (‘poppers’). There will be searches for drug and substances at the front entrance as well as sniffer dogs patrolling the queues.
Can I bring my own food and drink to the event?
You may bring your own food into the event site.You are not permitted to bring opened/unsealed containers with soft drinks or water into the festival. You may bring sealed cans of soft drinks into the festival site. You can bring empty bottles sized 500ml or less to use at water refill points inside the festival,
If you have a valid medical condition or need to bring babies milk, please email the
Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 team.
What items can/can’t I bring with me?
Please see our full list of T&C’s here
Will there be vegan and gluten free food options?
Yes.
Will there be Halal food options?
Yes.
Is there access to free drinking water on site?
Yes.
I am a local resident, what is the phone number to reach the event organisers on to make a complaint?
Please call Waltham Forest Council on 0208 496 3000, they will log your complaint and the organisers will be in touch as per the Councils complaints procedure.
What are the festival ground conditions like?
The festival is located outdoors and on a green field site. The site is generally flat and accessible however please consider that as is the nature of a green field site, the ground can be uneven and conditions underfoot can be effected by weather and heavy footfall.
Please wear sensible shoes and take care in areas where ground is uneven or has been affected by adverse weather.
Which roads and CPZs will be affected by the event?
This will be available very shortly. Please keep an eye on this page.
Will there be filming and photography at the event?
Yes. By entering this event you give your consent for your images to be used without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by LBWF including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television and websites.
If you have any concerns please raise them with the staff at the information marquee.
What medical facilities do you have in place?
There will be a first aid point located on site. Mobile first aiders will also patrol the site at various points throughout the day. We remind you to drink plenty of water at all times. You are encouraged to bring refillable water flask containers with you and refill at the various designated water points across site.
Please help us reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill by choosing to refill your bottles rather than purchasing plastic water bottles and bringing them with you to the show.
The show is an outdoor event, so be prepared for all conditions .
Will dog walking on the site be affected?
Partially during the event certain areas will be fenced off for public safety. On the day of the event the park will be closed from 7am.
Can I bring my dog?
Our general approach is to welcome well-behaved dogs on a lead at our events. There may be circumstances relating to the location or nature of the event which make it unsuitable for dogs and we will advise accordingly.
Can I smoke at the event?
The same regulations apply at Chingfest as the rest of the country. You can smoke in the open air but not inside the tents or seated food court. Look out of for the no smoking signs.
Where can I find my lost property?
Any lost property handed in will be taken to the lost property area located within the information point. This is clearly signed within the event space. If you have any trouble finding it, show ambassadors will be on hand at information points and walking around site to assist you.
Lost property will be kept by the organisers for two weeks only post show. After this time, any property left unclaimed will be passed on to either a local charity shop or destroyed.
What time will the music / noise finish?
9pm.
What security arrangements are in place? Will everyone entering the site be searched?
Public safety is paramount for all public events in Waltham Forest. An assessment of the security and crowd management plans for the event is carried out in consultation with the local police the security company working the event. This is constantly reassessed up until the event.
In line with all other major public events, a condition of entry is that all visitors will be subject to mandatory bag and body searches. Metal detectors will also be in operation.
You are advised to allow extra time to get in, especially if you bring bags with you. Please make a note of the show’s prohibited Items before attending.
Will there be gender neutral toilet provision?
Yes.
Will mobility scooters be allowed entry?
Yes, electric mobility scooters are permitted, these will be subject to a full search. Please be aware that the event is taking place on a grass field. Please note there are unfortunately no charging points available at this site.
I want to have a stall at the event, who do I contact?
Please contact the Enterprising Council team on [email protected].
Can I bring DSLR camera?
We do not allow cameras with detachable lenses such as SLR and DSLR cameras. You can bring any other camera to the festival for your personal use.
Any other professional film and video equipment, which is not authorized by management in advance, will not be permitted. If you wish to film and record at the show, please get in touch.
Amateur photography does not require advance accreditation and is permitted on site.
Can I take photos?
Yes as long as it is for personal use.
Can I film the event?
Yes. Any other professional film and video equipment, which is not authorised by management in advance, will not be permitted. If you wish to film and record at the show, please get in touch.
Amateur photography with professional equipment does not require advance accreditation and is permitted on site.
Are drones permitted to be used within the event space?
No - The use of drones within the event space is prohibited.
I want to volunteer at this event, how can I get involved?
Anyone can sign up to be a Legend of the Forest here.
Don’t forget:
- All visitors will be subject to searching on entry, so you are advised to allow extra time to get into the event
- Wristbands will be issued for all children and vulnerable adults on entry gates and information points. These wristbands enable you to write your mobile number on (please don't include the name of the person) and attach it to their wrist. This means we can reunite you much quicker if you become separated
- We reserve the right to refuse entry to the event. See our full Terms and Conditions
- CCTV may be in operation throughout the whole of the event
- We operate a zero tolerance policy on drugs and ‘legal highs’
- Official filming and photography will be taking place at the event
- The use of drones/UAV’s is strictly prohibited. For more information, visit Government Legislation
- All BBQs are strictly prohibited, including disposables
- Please help us reduce waste going to landfill and increase our recycling rate. You can do this by simply discarding your drinks, plates and other waste in to the clearly marked bins correctly
- When leaving the show, please be considerate of our neighbours and leave quietly.