Stunning Peak District Loction
Thornbridge Outdoors, Great Longstone, Derbyshire
26th - 28th of September 2025, Great Longstone, Derbyshire
Big Shakeout 2025
Grab your tickets for the best outdoor weekend of the year.
Big Shakeout Festival 2025 tickets are selling now. Come join our end of summer party, a weekend of adventure and entertainment.
Pack your days with adventure and fill your evenings with good company, delicious food, great music, inspiring talks and award winning films. Or just sit back and enjoy golden hours that can be found in the September Peak District.
"So many great activities to choose from, I wish I could have done more!"
"Loved the camping setup — relaxed and well organised."
"Such a warm, welcoming atmosphere — it’s why we come back."
Big Shakeout Festival 2025 tickets are selling now. Come join our end of summer party, a weekend of adventure and entertainment.
Pack your days with adventure and fill your evenings with good company, delicious food, great music, inspiring talks and award winning films. Or just sit back and enjoy golden hours that can be found in the September Peak District.
"So many great activities to choose from, I wish I could have done more!"
"Loved the camping setup — relaxed and well organised."
"Such a warm, welcoming atmosphere — it’s why we come back."
A weekend of adventure and entertainment since 2009
What is Big Shakeout Festival?
Big Shakeout is Alpkit's end of the summer party, a weekend of adventure and entertainment.
Try something new, build your skills or just have great days in the Peak District. Be inspired by adventurers' tales and watch award winning mountain festival films. Delicious food, even better craft beer. Chill out, have fun. Then bring the party into the night with live music across two stages.
About 1,000 people come through for a small, perfectly formed festival of adventure. And since our very first one in 2009 it has grown to be our favourite weekend of the year.
It's an Alpkit Foundation fundraiser with 100% of proceeds funding direct action grass roots projects that help more people Go Nice Places, Do Good Things.
"Beautiful location — the perfect backdrop for an adventurous weekend."
"Brilliantly organised. Everything ran smoothly and felt relaxed."
"The Big Shakeout is my favourite weekend of the year and I think that it’s bloody brilliant!"
Try something new, build your skills or just have great days in the Peak District. Be inspired by adventurers' tales and watch award winning mountain festival films. Delicious food, even better craft beer. Chill out, have fun. Then bring the party into the night with live music across two stages.
About 1,000 people come through for a small, perfectly formed festival of adventure. And since our very first one in 2009 it has grown to be our favourite weekend of the year.
It's an Alpkit Foundation fundraiser with 100% of proceeds funding direct action grass roots projects that help more people Go Nice Places, Do Good Things.
"Beautiful location — the perfect backdrop for an adventurous weekend."
"Brilliantly organised. Everything ran smoothly and felt relaxed."
"The Big Shakeout is my favourite weekend of the year and I think that it’s bloody brilliant!"
Lovingly brought to you by everyone at Alpkit
Who runs the Big Shakeout?
The Big Shakeout is run by the team at Alpkit.
For 52 weeks of the year we run an outdoor brand.
Then for one weekend we find our inner Eavis and put on a festival that makes us proud.
Want to be part of the story? Every year about 20 people volunteer at the Big Shakeout, Shakermakers, as we're affectionately known, work tirelessly behind the scenes to help put on the show. If you're interested in volunteering at this years show then please email support@alpkit.com
"The bands were amazing — proper campfire vibes!"
"Enjoyed the food on offer and the music. Loved the atmosphere at the festival which is what brought us back this year."
"Alpkit food was great… especially the vegan and gluten-free options!"
For 52 weeks of the year we run an outdoor brand.
Then for one weekend we find our inner Eavis and put on a festival that makes us proud.
Want to be part of the story? Every year about 20 people volunteer at the Big Shakeout, Shakermakers, as we're affectionately known, work tirelessly behind the scenes to help put on the show. If you're interested in volunteering at this years show then please email support@alpkit.com
"The bands were amazing — proper campfire vibes!"
"Enjoyed the food on offer and the music. Loved the atmosphere at the festival which is what brought us back this year."
"Alpkit food was great… especially the vegan and gluten-free options!"
The UK's Original Adventure Festival Since 2009
Big Shakeout is built around a few simple ideas
Everyone belongs — no matter your adventure, your pace, your age or your background
Be yourself — be yourself as everyone else is already taken. Weird, normal, quiet, loud, knackered - everyone is welcome
No spectators — this weekend is made by those who take part
No sponsors — low key, good vibes only
Leave no trace — we leave the land better than we found it
Be present — take time for devices down, eyes up, enjoy time with friends
Small, independent, rooted in nature, local landscapes, and old ways of gathering — slow, kind, real
Be yourself — be yourself as everyone else is already taken. Weird, normal, quiet, loud, knackered - everyone is welcome
No spectators — this weekend is made by those who take part
No sponsors — low key, good vibes only
Leave no trace — we leave the land better than we found it
Be present — take time for devices down, eyes up, enjoy time with friends
Small, independent, rooted in nature, local landscapes, and old ways of gathering — slow, kind, real
Big Shakeout, 26-28 September 2025
Days full of adventure
Over 1,300 School Of Adventure course slots on and off site
Street food and a well stocked bar
Delicious food from local providers, coffee stall and a well stocked Foundation bar with local craft beer
Music, talks and films
Eclectic mix of music, film and talks throughout Friday and Saturday evenings. Something for everyone.
5 steps to plan your Big Shakeout
Your guide to get Shakeout-ready
Step 1: Buy your festival entry ticket
Your entry gets you 2 nights complimentary camping, heaps of free onsite activities and full access to music and talks. Car parking, onsite lodge accommodation and 'School of Adventure' courses are extra.
Step 2: Get your car parking pass
Bringing a vehicle? You'll need a car or campervan parking pass. Limited spaces available - be quick as car parking can often sell out.
Step 3: Book your School of Adventure courses
Alpkit Foundation runs a packed programme of outdoor courses over the festival weekend. Try something new, get close to nature and step out of your comfort zone. There's something for every festival goer to find their own challenge.
Adrenaline Rush
Low rope obstacle course and high rope protected climbing challenges. Scrambling up trees, over cargo nets and along balance beams.
£25.00
Adventure Caving
A true adventure for experienced or keen beginner cavers. Head deeper underground exploring, abseiling, traversing and climbing in some of the Peak District’s finest vertical caves.
£55.00
Archery Tag
Archery tag is an exciting combat game which combines elements of dodge ball with the timeless skill of archery.
£12.00
Beginner Outdoor Bouldering
This half day course is suitable for anyone wanting to learn the essential skills of bouldering outdoors in a safe and enjoyable way.
£35.00
Bikepacking Tarp Workshop
Expert tarpologist delves into the world of lightweight shelter and helps simplify the potentially flappy, tangled world of tarps.
£15.00
Bushcraft Skills
Learn how our ancestors crafted jewellery; carve a pendant out of bone using traditional tools.
£12.00
Dark Arts Of The Compass
This course will teach you that the compass is actually a simple and invaluable piece of kit to make sure you always take the right path.
£20.00
Guided Family Weaseling Walk
Ever wanted to try caving but don't like the idea of getting cold and wet? Fancy combining the excitement ?
£25.00
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Email when available
Hike and Plunge Intro to Wild Swimming
Walk to a secluded waterfall/swim spot. Swim for an hour and walk back, all while discussing the pertinent things to consider when getting into wild swimming.
£30.00
Introduction to Bikepacking
Explore the confusing world of kit selection and luggage options before showing you what and how to pack.
£15.00
Introduction to Sit On Top Kayaking
Try open top kayaking at the scenic Tittesworth Reservoir. If you’ve ever fancied trying paddling,...
£40.00
Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing paddlesports in the UK. This session is ideal for complete beginners.
£40.00
Mini Adventurer
Mini Adventurer is all about letting your kids free to tackle and overcome challenges by themselves.
£25.00
Monsal Bike and Abseil
Starting directly from the Big Shakeout site this makes an ideal activity for groups of friends or families with half a day to fill.
£25.00
Step 4: Book accommodation
Camping for the weekend is included in your entry ticket. Don't want to camp? Upgrade to a pre-pitched teepee or bunkhouse room to dial up the comfort.
Step 5: Complete your festival camping kitlist
Get set up for a good night's sleep and be ready for adventure in the morning. Shop tents, camping equipment, outdoor clothing and more.
Build your base camp
Explore our range of 1 - 6 person tents
Sleep soundly
Wake up ready for adventure
Layer up
Outdoor clothing for every activity
Location: Thornbridge Outdoors
Our Big Shakeout base camp in the Peak District. Known for its world class rock climbing. Mountain biking. Caves. And endless walking trails. All within a 20 minute radius.
Big love for Big Shakeout
"With loads going on for families and adventurers of all ages, The Big Shakeout is a great weekend. Don’t forget to allow a bit of time to soak up the vibe and chill out with like-minded folk, as well as making the most of all the great activities and new skills you can learn... A lovely event."
- Rob Slade, Wired for Adventure
"We absolutely love living in the Peak District with all the outdoor adventures and stunning family walks on our doorstep... But for those families who live in towns and cities who want to cram as much outdoor adventure into a weekend as possible, Alpkit’s Big Shakeout Festival is a must."
- The TraveLynn Family
Frequently asked questions
When is the Big Shakeout?
The Big Shakeout is held on the last weekend of September: 26-28 September 2025
Where is the Big Shakeout?
The Big Shakeout takes place atThornbridge Outdoorsnear Great Longstone in the Peak District.
Who runs the Big Shakeout
The Big Shakeout is run by the team at Alpkit. For 52 weeks of the year we run an outdoor brand. Then for one weekend we find our inner Eavis and put on a festival that makes us proud.
Can I volunteer to help at the Big Shakeout?
Yes please. Every year about 20 people volunteer to help our. Our Shakermakers, as we're affectionately known, work tirelessly behind the scenes to help put on the show.
If you're interested in volunteering at this years show then please email support@alpkit.com
Can I bring my pets?
Sorry no. Pets are not allowed on site.
Can I book on an AKF School of Adventure activity without a weekend pass?
No. You must have a valid Big Shakeout weekend ticket to participate in any School of Adventure Activities. Any orders for activities without a Big Shakeout weekend ticket will be cancelled and refunded.
Will School of Adventure activities still go on if the weather is bad?
We will do everything we can to make sure your chosen activity goes ahead, however in some circumstances a course may have to be cancelled due to weather or lack of numbers. In these cases we will either offer you a place on an alternative activity or refund.
When will I receive my tickets?
You will receive an email confirmation with an order reference number upon completing your order. Your order number is your unique reference number, bring it along with you and present it at registration.You will need your order reference number to register on arrival.
What disabled facilities are there?
There are no dedicated disabled weekend activity tickets, however some activities may be suitable with additional instruction. Please contact us with your requirements to see how we can tailor the experiences accordingly.
Is there any parking, and what if I am in a camper van?
Tickets will be available for on-site parking. If you are in a campervan, please buy a campervan ticket for the Big Shakeout festival, there will be a designated campervan space available for you. If the ground is unsuitable due to conditions, parking will be along the public road.
Can I make a group booking?
We do not reserve tickets for group bookings. Everyone in your group needs to register and purchase tickets in the same way as anybody else buying tickets.
What about under 18s?
Under 18 year-olds must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Proof of age / photo ID may be required for entry.
What about refunds/cancellations/exchanges?
We cannot give refunds unless the event is cancelled or substantially altered. Tickets cannot be transferred to another name.
Can I get a day ticket?
This is a weekend event - no day or evening tickets are available for purchase.
What time can I arrive/what time should I leave?
We know you'll be eager so start arriving from 2pm on the Friday to access the car park and pitch up. Access to the full site will be from 4pm. The last course is scheduled to end at 2pm on Sunday, so we'll be clearing away the site from then.
Site Rules
Prohibited items include, but are not restricted to:
Glass bottles, naked flames, drugs/illegal substances, guns, crossbows, generators, fireworks, chinese/flying lanterns, flares