Sonder Bikes
September 2026, Great Longstone, Derbyshire
Watch this space for Big Shakeout 2026 info
We're already busy working on plans for this year's Big Shakeout Festival 2026 and we'll update this page with info as we get nearer to ticket release.
In the meantime, make sure to join our Espresso Newsletter to be the first to hear about all things Big Shakeout!
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!"
Get inspired - Watch last year's festival trailer (2025)
What to expect
Two days full of adventure
Do your own thing or join one of our activities. Over 1,300 course places to choose from.
Music, talks and films
Eclectic mix of music, films and talks throughout the evenings. Something for everyone.
Refuel and relax
Delicious food from local providers, a coffee stall and a well stocked Foundation bar.
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!"
What's in my entry ticket?
Your Big Shakeout ticket gets you
Individual, family or friends weekend entry
- 2 nights complimentary camping in the grounds of Thornbridge Outdoors
- Adventure films, inspirational talks and lectures
- Music on Friday night and Saturday night (main stage and campfire stage)
- Heaps of free on-site activities for kids of all ages
- 2 nights complimentary camping in the grounds of Thornbridge Outdoors
- Adventure films, inspirational talks and lectures
- Music on Friday night and Saturday night (main stage and campfire stage)
- Heaps of free on-site activities for kids of all ages
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
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