Overview
Like all Scout and Guide camps, there are always plenty of questions to be asked!
Below we have collated those that we think you are most likely to ask. If there are any other burning questions that you have then please contact us here.
Bookings and Payments
Bookings opened in April 2025.
Bookings close on 13th March 2026; however, they may close early if capacity is reached. We strongly recommend booking early to secure your places. Early bird pricing ends 31st October 2025.
Our policy is that all deposits and payments are non-refundable, though we always remain mindful of individual circumstances. Read more here.
Yes. A Bursary fund is available to Cheshire Scouts members. Read more here.. Similar Funds exist in other Scout and Guide Counties and Areas.
Pricing depends on when you secure your place:
For bookings confirmed by 31 October 2025 (price £265 per young person):
* £10 (non-refundable) deposit paid upon booking
* £125 paid before 19th December 2025
* £130 paid before 13th March 2026
For bookings confirmed after 31 October 2025 (price £295 per young person):
* £10 paid upon booking
* £155 paid before 19th December 2025
* £130 paid before 13th March 2026.
The fee covers all on-site activities for participants. Transport to/from camp and personal food provisions are not included.
You will see your payment updated on the Chamboree Booking system once the cheque has cleared. Please write your Group name and Invoice reference number on the back of the cheque so we can match it to your booking.
Please ensure that you log in with your Username, created by the system when registering, rather than your email address. Username reminders can be obtained by emailing [email protected]
Groups
Arrival window opens at 11:30 am on Saturday 8 August 2026.
* Long distance: Equipment by trailer + participants by coach
* Local: Equipment by van/trailer + participants by minibus
* Fewer cars mean less traffic, shorter queues, and a calmer arrival for everyone.
Yes, with approval from your subcamp leader, caravans may be parked in subcamp camping areas. Please note:
* No extra space will be allocated for the caravan
* A 3m clear zone must be maintained around the caravan for fire safety
* Caravans must be sited on Thursday 6th August
* Caravans cannot be removed until after 12 noon on Saturday 15th August and must be removed by 6pm that day
* No service hookups are available
* Tow vehicles must be moved to designated car parks once the caravan is sited.
Motorhomes, campervans, and motor vehicle-mounted roof tents are not permitted on subcamps due to fire safety regulations and our vehicle-on-site policy. Instead, a dedicated area near the IST subcamp and car park will be available for these vehicles. Please note:
* No electric hookup is available in this area
* No restrictions on access in or out of this area
* You must specify your vehicle type during booking.
Please speak with your Subcamp Leaders when subcamp allocation is completed in April 2026. It may be possible to pitch Thursday evening.
We allocate 10 m² per person (3.16 m × 3.16 m). Examples:
• 10 people → 100 m² (10 m × 10 m)
• 20 people → 200 m² (14.14 m × 14.14 m)
• 40 people → 400 m² (20 m × 20 m)
In April 2026 you’ll receive a “nominal roll” form to confirm your tent numbers and styles.
* A dedicated 14–17 subcamp is available with specialist volunteers.
* Alternatively, they may camp with a 10–14 group but must register with the 14–17 programme team.
Gateways are optional. If you choose to build one, ensure it’s safe, secure, and fire-resistant.
Allocations are confirmed in April 2026.
Yes—Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows, and Brownies from Cheshire will have a dedicated Minis programme. Read more here.
You must comply with your Scout or Guide Association requirements (e.g., permit/licence holder, first aider).
Follow your Association's guidance in respect of minimum numbers of adults to young people. Please ensure you have enough adults to support any young people with additional needs. If you have more adults than required, we encourage them to join the International Service Team (IST) to help deliver the event.
You may bring 2 young leaders without activity participation. To join activities, they must register as full-paying participants.
Yes. Each group or IST Staff member is responsible for arranging their own insurance to cover cancellation, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. Chamboree’s insurance does not cover individual participants or groups. Please refer to the Event Terms & Conditions for further information.
No group catering is provided, but there are on-site food outlets with pre-order service available.
* Please provide water buckets for kitchen areas.
* No Tilley lamps or naked flames in sleeping tents.
* No Petrol cooking stoves—only gas appliances are permitted.
No—cooking must use gas equipment in good working order with secure connections.
Yes—diesel or gas only (no petrol). Operate between 7:30 am–10:00 pm and plug appliances through an RCD.
Each subcamp has a fridge/freezer. Label all items clearly; storage is at your own risk.
Designated taps fill group water barrels. Do not use toilet block taps/basins for drinking or washing.
Yes. Exchange empty Calor cylinders at the Admin Centre for a fee. International visitors need UK/European regulators.
Yes—tie refuse in black bags and take to your subcamp collection point. Clear bags are provided for cardboard recycling. Hazardous medical waste must be disposed of in your own secure solution.
Use designated disposal points at each toilet block. Strain and collect washing-up water before emptying. Do not create wet pits or dump in hedges.
Accessible showers and toilets will not be placed on every subcamp, but we will allocate them based on the needs of participants. Please ensure any accessibility requirements are clearly noted during the booking process so we can plan accordingly.
General
Chamboree runs from 8–15 August 2026 at the Royal Cheshire Showground
* Arrival: Saturday 8 August (from 11:30 am)
* Opening Ceremony: Saturday evening
* Programme: Sunday 9 – Friday 14 August
* Closing Ceremony: Friday evening
The Cheshire Showground is situated close to Manchester and Liverpool and less than 2 hours from London by train!
Chamboree 2026
Cheshire Agricultural Showground
Pickmere Lane, Tabley
Nr Knutsford
Cheshire, UK
WA16 0JE
Please note Flittogate Lane must not be used to access the Chamboree 2026 camping ground. Access is off B5391, Pickmere Lane only.
Children under 10 years can attend, but there is no formal crèche. Dependants remain the responsibility of the accompanying parent or guardian.
Participants must be aged 10–17 on camp. If your date of birth falls between 30 July 2008 and 29 July 2016, you’re eligible to join as a participant.
Absolutely. We welcome volunteers aged 18 and over in a variety of volunteer roles—no prior experience required.
Yes. Our Media Team will capture photos, video, and audio across the site. During registration you’ll be asked to consent to use of images in print and digital media. If you prefer not to be recorded, please notify your leader and avoid media zones.
Yes—located in the IST Staff subcamp. All leaders and IST Staff must follow our Alcohol Policy and “Green Card” guidance. Under-18s may not consume alcohol on site.
No. Alcohol may only be consumed in the designated bar area.
No. You can pre-order essentials (milk, bread, eggs)for café-area pickup, or use our daily bus service to local supermarkets.
Yes. Deliveries go to a dedicated collection point. When ordering, include your Scout Group Number, Subcamp name, your name, and mobile number. Our Camper Experience Team will help move items to your pitch.
No. But retail outlets will take card payment.
Designated smoking/vaping areas are located away from participants. Under-18s may not smoke or vape on site (UK law).
Yes—keep volumes respectful and turn off music between 11 pm and 7 am.
A multi-faith space and visiting faith leaders will be available. After sign-up, request your slot via your group leader.
Most networks have 3G/4G coverage around the Showground.
Each subcamp HQ has power-bank charging stations. Label all items clearly; you use them at your own risk.
No—drones are strictly prohibited, except those used by our Media Team.
Please leave pocket-knives at home; they are not required on site.
Yes. All vehicles park in a designated car park; you may sign in/out if you leave site for shopping or emergencies.
Wear uniform for arrival, departure, Opening Ceremony, and Closing Ceremony. Attach the Chamboree camp badge on the left breast above the World Membership badge.
Yes—collect both from your subcamp HQ upon arrival and wear them at all times.
Lost items go to the Chamboree Information Centre and are held for four months before charity donation.
UK weather can be unpredictable. Bring sun and rain protection. Some activities may be postponed or cancelled if unsafe.
Subscribe to updates on our homepage via the “Keep up to date with Chamboree” widget.
Participants must be in their own subcamps by 11 pm. Quiet hours run 11 pm–7 am.
You need a valid DBS for the entire event. Apply for renewal up to six months before expiry.
* Unit Leaders manage routine first response per your Association guidelines.
* A fully staffed Medical Centre is on site for referrals.
* Report all accidents to your Subcamp leader.
* Use our Medical Hotline (not personal phones) to call an ambulance.
* Groups complete RA for their own pitches, cooking areas, and travel.
* Chamboree provides RA for shared activities and tasks.
* All activities are covered by Public Liability Insurance and staffed by qualified permit holders.
* A Risk Management Handbook will be sent to adult leaders and volunteers in June 2026.
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted at Chamboree 2026. However, service animals supporting young people or adults are welcome. Please notify us during the booking process so we can make appropriate arrangements.
**By Car**
The route to Chamboree 2026 will be signposted from major roads. Please follow the directions below and **display your car pass** clearly on your rear-view mirror. For safety and to avoid congestion, **do not use any routes other than those described**.
Once on site, marshals will direct you to your subcamp lane. Due to proximity to the M6 and A556, it’s essential to follow marshal instructions.
**From the M6**
- Exit at Junction 19
- Take A556 Altrincham exit
- First exit signposted Mere (A50) B5569
- First exit at roundabout into Old Hall Lane
- Turn left at triangular verge junction
- Turn right at next triangular verge onto Pickmere Lane
- Site entrance is approx. 1,100m on the left
**From Knutsford, Macclesfield & Wilmslow**
- Leave Knutsford on A5033
- Cross M6
- Turn right at A556 traffic lights
- After 900m, turn left into Pickmere Lane
- Site entrance is approx. 2,000m on the left
**From Chester, Holmes Chapel & Northwich**
- Follow A556 past Northwich toward Manchester
- After dual carriageway ends, continue 3 miles
- Turn left into Pickmere Lane (do not use Flittogate Lane)
- Site entrance is approx. 2,000m on the left
**Leaving the Site**
Use the same routes. **Do not use Flittogate Lane** to access the A556.
All on-site traffic is managed by the Site Operations Team—please follow all instructions.
Vehicles are parked at the owner's risk.
**By Train**
We recommend booking via [National Rail](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk) or [Trainline](https://www.thetrainline.com).
Nearby stations on the Manchester–Chester line:
- **Plumley** – 2.7 miles (Shuttle bus, pre-book required)
- **Knutsford** – 4 miles (Shuttle bus, pre-book required)
- **Northwich** – 4 miles
Nearby stations on the Liverpool–Crewe line:
- **Hartford** – 8 miles
- **Winsford** – 9 miles (Shuttle bus, pre-book required)
**Shuttle Bus**
A shuttle service is available from select stations. Please contact us **at least 4 weeks before the event** to book, including arrival times and baggage details.
**By Air**
Manchester Airport is just 13 miles away. We recommend flying into Manchester.
**Manchester Airport to Chamboree 2026:**
- **By Car** – 30 mins (rent a car or book a taxi)
- **By Train** – Approx. 1hr 30min to Plumley (see train info above)
- Alternatively, contact us for recommendations on local bus companies.
Yes you can and we would love to have you join the team. If you are between 16 and 18 (at Chamboree 2026) then you will join our Junior IST team. You will camp in your own sub-camp and have the opportunity to join one of our many activity teams. You will be a key part of delivering a fantastic week to an international audience of young people. Be sure to let us know if you have any permits, or if you have a particular interest in one of the activities. We will do our best to make it happen.
If you are between 18 and 25, then you will join our main IST team. The same information applies, you will just camp in a different subcamp area.
Programme
Separate venues for 10–13 and 14–17 age groups, plus an open-air cinema under the stars.
From 1:00 pm daily in the main arena—grab a packed lunch from your subcamp and enjoy performances on the big stage.
Basic requirements:
• Long trousers and covered arms
• Closed-toe shoes
• Change of clothes for water-based activities
All specialised kit is provided on site. Detailed clothing info will arrive in your subcamp pack.
No—one consent form covers all activities and is completed at registration.
Yes—please note any access requirements during registration so we can make reasonable adjustments.
Expect a mix of adrenaline-fuelled adventures, creative crafts, cultural showcases, and surprises you’ve never seen before—designed to challenge and delight everyone.
We don’t use tickets. You’ll be scheduled for a variety of activities so everyone can try everything during the week.
* Morning: 9:30 am–12:30 pm
* Early-bird sessions: 8:30 am–9:15 am
* Lunchtime arena: 1:00 pm–1:45 pm
* Afternoon: 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
* Evening: From 7:00 pm into late evening
Main programme activities are for ages 10–17. Over 18s may join as leaders or IST Staff.
Transport is included. Please gather at your subcamp pick-up point on time—details announced at your evening meeting.
IST Staff
Aim to arrive 18:00–20:00 on Friday 7 August 2026 unless instructed otherwise. Report to IST subcamp HQ for check-in, scarf, ID etc.
No—all will be provided at mealtimes. You may bring a personal mug or flask for ad-hoc drinks.
Yes—provided you have sufficient leaders to care for your unit. Register as IST Staff via the website
Yes—enjoy the IST bar and special evening activities just for you.
Absolutely—arrangements can be made during booking.
Yes—please note this restriction on your application and we’ll match you to suitable roles.
Minimum age is 16. Some roles require IST to be 18+.
Yes—your Team Leader ensures adequate breaks so you can enjoy evening activities and rest.
Yes—two Quiet Zones on IST subcamp:
* Quiet Zone 1: Late-start/late-finish IST
* Quiet Zone 2: Early-start/early-finish IST
All other IST camp outside these zones.
IST Staff may park caravans in the IST camping area, but they must be booked in advance. Please note:
* A limited number of electric hookups are available for a charge
* Priority for hookup will be given to those attending build, takedown, and the main camp week
* Caravans must be onsite by 4pm on Friday 7th August
* Caravans cannot be removed before noon on Saturday 15th August
* Tow vehicles must be moved to designated car parks once the caravan is sited.
Motorhomes, campervans, and roof tents
These vehicles are not permitted on subcamps due to fire safety and site policy. However:
* A dedicated area near the IST subcamp and car park will be available
* No electric hookup is available in this area
* No restrictions on access in or out
* Please specify your vehicle type during booking.
You’ll have the chance to state role preferences on the IST jobs list or join as a general helper. During camp, you may be asked to support other teams as needed.
Family camping is available but no childcare is provided. Dependents aged 16–18 in Scouting or Guiding may volunteer as young IST.
No—enthusiasm and a willingness to help are all you need. Roles for all skill levels and chances to learn new skills await you.
Yes—indicate your availability on your application form.
We do our best to accommodate swaps subject to approval by the IST Team.
A small subsidised fee helps cover your camping costs and optional catering, allowing us to keep participant fees low and accessible.
Please choose from Retail, Programme, Subcamps or General Support when signing up as IST. Further information regarding IST roles will be provided closer to the event.
Internationals
Transport to/from camp is your responsibility. We offer pre-booked transfers from local train stations—email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
We don’t hire equipment, but our International Team can connect you with local units who may be able to help.
You must supply your own food. A supermarket bus service runs daily for shopping or delivery to site.
No. We may introduce partnerships with UK groups for equipment loans—contact us early if you need assistance.
