The award winning bluedot festival will be opening its doors for the first time with The Blue Planet in Concert, performed by the Hallé Orchestra to kick off a brand new family four-day format. The show combines live music against a backdrop of remarkable footage from the original Blue Planet 2001 television series produced by the acclaimed BBC Natural History Unit.
Conducted by the composer, the Hallé will perform the internationally critically acclaimed concert version of the original Blue Planet, promising a unique and awe-inspiring spectacle in HD, exploring the vast oceans on our pale blue dot, and the challenges we face for the future.
Opening the Thursday will be Filming Blue Planet II: BBC in conversation with the British Antarctic Survey. In the final episode of Blue Planet II, bird ecologist Dr Lucy Quinn showed the world how a charismatic seabird – the wandering albatross – eats plastic pollution in the sea. Described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘tragic’, producer Yolly Bosiger who worked on the series, explains how they chose what to include in the programmes and how the impact of the series has led to a UK Government ban on plastics and a new movement where people are taking action to make changes for the future benefit of our Earth.
Following the talk will be Laura Misch, a saxophonist, vocalist and producer popular with Gilles Peterson and Worldwide FM, whose extraordinary one-woman show fuses jazz and progressive electronic genres through exploring the space between analogue and electronically-manipulated sound.
Taking place on the opening evening, Thursday tickets are available to be purchased separately for just £29 with a weekend ticket, or £35 as a stand-alone ticket. Upgrade to our VIP package priced at £59.
Enjoy The Blue Planet in Concert with the Hallé by booking a VIP ticket, allowing you access to the Celestial VIP bar and bathroom. With stunning views of the stage and an unrivalled backdrop of the giant Lovell telescope, the Celestial VIP bar is a great place to relax with a drink of choice and enjoy the show. Free VIP car parking is also included with this package. We can’t wait to see you for a night like no other.
FAQs
What time can I arrive from if I have a Thursday ticket?
If you have a Thursday ticket alongside your weekend bluedot festival camping ticket you can arrive from midday.
If you are only joining us for the Thursday, you can arrive from midday but will only be able to access The Arboretum until our arena opens at 5PM.
When does the car parks open on Thursday?
Car parks open at 12PM and both weekend and day customers.
What time does the entertainment start on Thursday?
The Hallé Orchestra are performing on the Lovell Stage after 9PM. British Antarctic Survey talk and Laura Misch will be on beforehand. Entertainment will be from 6PM until 10:30PM.
What time is last entry on Thursday?
Last entry will be at 9PM.
How much are kids tickets for Thursday?
We’re happy to tell you that all teen, child and under 5’s tickets are free!
Are we able to bring chairs?
You’re able to bring chairs with you into the arena on Thursday only, due to the type of performance. Please note that we won’t allow chairs in the arena Friday - Sunday.
Are we able to bring food and drink/picnic?
We won’t be allowing food and drink into the arena as we have a vast selection of delectable food stalls catering for all dietary requirements.
Is The Colony boutique campsite or our pre-pitched Tangerine Fields available to stay in from Thursday?
As long as you have a Thursday entry ticket alongside your weekend ticket then you can access and stay in your tent from Thursday.
If I purchase the Thursday VIP offering, can we use the VIP bar all weekend?
VIP access to The Blue Planet in Concert with The Hallé will be for Thursday only. If you have a bluedot VIP weekend ticket you can access VIP on Thursday too.
Is the Thursday VIP offering just for stand-alone Thursday customers?
No, those who wish to extend their bluedot experience and join us from the Thursday can also upgrade to a Thursday VIP ticket for once price.
Please note: If you are not joining us on Thursday, and you are a standard weekend ticket-holder, rest assured that you will still be able to find space for camping. There are large camping fields that won't open until Friday, when the majority of festival-goers will be arriving.
About BBC Worldwide
BBC Worldwide is a principal commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also champions British creativity globally.
In 2016/17 BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £157.3m and headline sales of £1,059.9m and returned £210.5m to the BBC.
For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review webpage:
bbcworldwide.com/annual-review/ bbcworldwide.com twitter.com/bbcwpress
