FAQS

How do I get to Future Now?

Future Now takes place across four venues situated around the Argyle Street / Hamilton Square area of Birkenhead, all of which are within easy reach of three train stations, a bus station and the Birkenhead Tunnel, and just minutes walk from one another.

Complete ‘How To Get Here’ can found here.

 

What venues are involved in Future Now?

Future Yard hosts two separate festival stages across the weekend, the indoor LIVE ROOM stage and the outdoor GARDEN stage. The Live Room is able to be accessed via the main venue entrance on 75 Argyle Street, and the Garden is accessed at the clearly marked outdoor gate directly next the main venue entrance. The garden must be exited at the back of the venue on Henry Street. Direct access between these two stages will not be available.

BIRKENHEAD TOWN HALL hosts the main stage for the festival. Located directly on Hamilton Square, 5 minutes walk from Future Yard, the stage is accessed on the south-side of the building on Brandon Street (rather than through the main entrance directly on Hamilton Square).

JOY (fka Make Hamilton Square) is situated at 2 Cleveland Street, 5 minutes walk from Future Yard, and hosts a covered garden area away from the indoor stage.

MAKE HAMILTON is situated just two doors down from Future Yard, with the building entrance just around the corner on Hinson Street. This acts as the festival’s box office, help centre, merch area, with djs playing throughout the weekend.

You are free to move from venue to venue throughout the festival.

Full venue information can be found here.

 

Where can I pick my festival wristband up?

Wristband exchange is at Make Hamilton, situated on the corner of Argyle / Hinson Street, just two doors down from Future Yard. You must exchange your ticket for a wristband before entering any other venue. Please do not go to any other Future Now venue before you pick up a wristband from Make Hamilton.

You can pick up a wristband from midday each day at Make Hamilton.

Please note – if you have bought a weekend ticket, you will be given a weekend wristband on Saturday and don’t need to pick up a second wristband on Sunday.

 

What are the festival opening times?

Future Now begins at midday each day, with wristband exchange at Make Hamilton open from this time.

Performances begin at the Live Room, Garden and Joy stages at 1pm each day, and 5pm at Birkenhead Town Hall each day. Performances at Joy finish at 7pm, in the Live Room at 10pm, and the Town Hall and Garden at 11pm.

 

Can I stay late?

Yes, there will be after-parties in the Future Yard bar area both evenings, with djs performing 11 til late.

 

Am I guaranteed entry to each venue?

Wristbands include entry to all venues, however, some acts will be very popular and venues are subject to capacity so we would recommend arriving in good time to avoid disappointment.

 

Can I pay with cash?

No – Future Now is an entirely cashless festival.

 

Can I get something to eat at the festival?

Yes, however food is only available in the Future Yard garden.

The FY Kitchen open will be open until 9pm, and Sparkle and Magic will have a food truck serving vegetarian hot food and ice cream on Henry Street, accessed via the Garden.

 

Will I be able to get in to see all the artists I want?

Each performance space has limited capacity, but you should be able to get access at most time. During busy periods, we will be enforcing a one-in, one-out policy on. We would recommend getting in early to some venues to make sure you get in, in particular Birkenhead Town Hall and Future Yard Live Room.

 

What else is there to do at Future Now?

We have teamed up with Toucan Tango once again for Onomatoposter, a gig poster screen print exhibition, hosted throughout the weekend in Make Hamilton. There is also the Leftbank Soundtrack audio walking tour, with sites dotted around the festival site where you can listen to unique pieces of music by She Drew The Gun, Bill Ryder-Jones, Andy McCluskey and Half Man Half Biscuit. You can find full details of this at leftbanksoundtrack.org.

 

Are there any age restrictions for the festival?

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. We cannot issue wristbands to under 16s without an adult accompanying them. All under-18s will be given a specific wristband to wear.

 

Is there a cloakroom?

There is a cloakroom at Future Yard, in the Live Room. There are no other cloakroom facilities across the festival site.

 

Can I bring a bag?

Yes. Please refrain from bringing large bags or rucksacks unless absolutely necessary, for audience and crowd safety. Security will be undertaking spot bag checks.

 

Where can I find the accessibility information for Future Now?

You can read our full festival accessibility guide here, and you can contact our Access Team with any further queries on access@futureyard.org.

 

How can I get in touch?

For ticket enquiries please email tickets@futureyard.org.

For all general enquiries, please email enquiries@futureyard.org.