Question 1

Who are First Timers Fest?

Accepted Answer

First Timers is a small community group. We used to be part of the DIY space but after it closed we are now just a tiny team of volunteers who do most of the back end organising part-time to ensure that first timers can continue to offer a space for people to start a band. Most of us are disabled and/or neurodiverse and identify as the communities we aim to support. However volunteering is open to all and we desperately need help to continue to make the festival better for everyone!

Question 2

Where is First Timers this year?

Accepted Answer

Our workshops in 2025 are taking place in the Cavendish Arms in Stockwell. Our festival will be at Signature Brew Haggerston on Sunday 24th May 2026, 3pm onwards.

Question 3

Accessibility information: Cavendish Arms, Stockwell (workshop venue)

Accepted Answer

Nearest stations: Stockwell (no step-free access; escalators at station) and NIne Elms (step-free access available)

Nearest bus routes: 196, 2, 452, 77, 87

Venue access: 
The venue is step free throughout. The access passage to the venue space is narrow but would accommodate a wheelchair as long as no one is going in the opposite direction.

An accessible gender neutral toilet with grab bars is available in the venue room (no RADAR required). There are also single stall male and female toilets in both the venue room and the pub.

Outdoor table space is available at the front of the pub. There is also a smoking area.

The pub is carpeted and plays home to a cat and sometimes a dog. The venue space is tiled. Seating is available.

Windows can be uncovered during non-gig hours.

Question 4

Accessibility information: Signature Brew Haggerston (festival venue)

Accepted Answer

Nearest stations: Haggerston (step-free access available)

Nearest bus routes: 30, 38, 56, 394, N38, N277

Venue access: The ground-floor bar is step-free. Doors can be heavy, but staff can assist. Accessible gender-neutral toilets with grab bars are available on the ground floor (no RADAR required).

Question 5

What is your COVID policy?

Accepted Answer

We unfortunately cannot provide any assurance that our events are COVID-free zones. The event will be indoors and busy.

Mask wearing is strongly encouraged, and we encourage attendees to take a lateral flow test within the 48 hours before any ticketed events including workshops and gigs.

If you’re feeling sick, please stay home – email us if this is the case and we will refund you.

We aim to operate at 60% or less of our venue capacity and the Oslo has air conditioning installed to encourage air flow.

Question 6

I want to play! What do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Find our signup sheet below!

To play, you must fulfil BOTH of the following criteria:

1. One or more of us identify as one (or more!) of the following: disabled (visible or non-visible), LGBTQIA+, a person of colour, a woman, working class.

2. One or more of us has never played in a band before OR one or more of us has never performed their role in a band before.

Question 7

Can I sign up as a solo act?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, no - we work with bands, so two people or more!

Question 8

Are your workshops affordable?

Accepted Answer

We charge a standard fee of £7.50 to keep our workshops running. Each workshop is approximately 2 hours long.

If you would like to attend a workshop that has availability but funds are a barrier for you, please reach out to us at dsflfirsttimers@gmail.com and we can arrange for you to attend.

Question 9

I am/need a PA/carer. Do you do PA/carer tickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes - please email us at dsflfirsttimers@gmail.com and we will provide you with a free carer ticket.

Question 10

I want to attend a workshop, but I don't have an instrument. Can I still come?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We usually request that you let us know in advance if you require an instrument, and any specifications to that instrument (i.e. left handed guitar). We will aim to sort one out for you or to have house equipment that attendees without their own instruments can share on site.

Question 11

Where can I buy a ticket to support my friends?

Accepted Answer

Tickets will be available soon and will be linked below!

Question 12

I'd like to teach a workshop! How can I get involved?

Accepted Answer

Workshop facilitators are currently paid £100 (any travel expenses are pre-arranged). If you'd like to give teaching our community a go, please send us an email at dsflfirsttimers@gmail.com. You don't have to have taught your subject before - we're all about first timers on every level!

Question 13

How can I get involved in organising First Timers Fest?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at dsflfirsttimers@gmail.com - we'll invite you to join our Signal group and start attending our monthly meetings. We have an AGM that is mandatory to volunteers that want to stay involved.

Our next AGM will be on June 10th, please email us if you'd like  to join!

First Timers Fest

A series of workshops culminating in a fest where each band plays its first show

WORKSHOPS 2026

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