Your SIRF visit

Whether you’re a regular visitor, or this is your first SIRF, we are here to help you make the most of your festival visit:

• choose your shows – you can view this years shows by visiting the Programme section. Printed copies are also available from outlets across Stockton-on-Tees and from SIRF Central across the weekend
• follow us on social media for the latest SIRF updates, on Facebook, X and Instagram
• come prepared for all weathers - bring a raincoat, sunscreen and sunglasses too!
• take time out of your busy festival day to enjoy SIRF Green, where you can see fantastic performances, grab some tasty street food and refreshments, or even bring your own picnic

Getting here

We would encourage visitors to choose low-carbon, healthy transport options and recommend walking or utilising public transport where possible. You can visit the Connect Tees Valley website to help you find the best options for your journey.

Cycling

The Hub on Stockton High Street provides free, short-stay secure cycle parking with space for 55 bikes on Friday 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 6pm. what3words:fruits.thing.grit

Buses

Stockton Town Centre is well served by buses from across the Tees Valley. Visit the Connect Tees Valley website to see a list of all temporary changes to bus stops.

Train

Stockton Train Station is a five-minute walk from the town centre (0.5 miles). Thornaby Train Station is just across the river, a 15 minute walk to the town centre (0.8miles) and there are frequent buses from outside the station as well as a taxi rank. 

Driving

There is ample car parking within easy walking distance to Stockton Town Centre. Please see the below for a list of the available car parks along with any road and parking restrictions in-place during the festival.

Car parking

There's plenty of car parking spaces available during SIRF, all within easy reach of Stockton Town Centre. View our handy car parking map for a list of Stockton Town Centre public parking available during SIRF. See details of duration of stay, charges and RingGo codes.

You can view our handy car parking map on the Visit Tees Valley website. 

You can also park in Wellington Square. Visit the Wellington Square website for details, including parking charges.

Please ensure you park legally and sensibly, whilst adhering to any restrictions in place for the event. Please also be aware of any restrictions and charges in place if parking in a private car park.

Car park closures

There will be a small number of car park closures during the festival, which will be listed here. Keep checking back for updates.

Road closures

There will be a small number of temporary road closures in operation for the event. Visit the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council website for a full list of road closures.

Due to the ongoing waterfront development, this year the Riverside Road will be closed all throughout the festival. Diversions are in place.

SIRF Visitor Experience Team

Our incredibly friendly and helpful Visitor Experience Team in their orange SIRF t-shirts will be located at all our locations so do ask them for:

• directions and other useful information
• programmes (if you need another one)
• guiding you around the festival, providing support, advice and recommendations on what to see
• helping you navigate the festival with up-to-date information if anything changes

Festival venues

All our SIRF25 festival venues are within walking distance of each other in Stockton Town Centre making it perfect to catch lots of our shows during your visit.  

We try to ensure that all of the venues we use are as accessible as possible, if you have any access requirements, please call or visit SIRF Central for more information.