FAQs
We’ve pulled together some A’s for the most frequently asked Q’s – have a read below to see if we’ve covered what you’re looking for. If not, pop us an email at hello@wearesatellites.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
Camping
Where will I be camping?
+-We’ll allocate each group to a camping ‘village’, with enough room for their group to camp safely alongside other youth groups. You’ll need to let us know how many tents etc your group are bringing on your booking so that we can make sure you all fit onto the village. We’ll be in touch with all group leaders closer to the time of the event.
We tend to allocate these villages by geographical region so you’re with churches in a similar area to you. There’s a space on the booking form to tell us if you want to camp with a specific group.
Are we allowed to bring our own marquees or gazebos?
+-Absolutely, it’s great for groups to have some communal space to eat and hang out together. Group leaders should include this on their booking (for free) during registration so that we can allocate you space for your marquee/gazebo. Please do make sure your marquee or gazebo is about to cope with all weathers, we recommend having a spare just in case!
Can I bring a caravan/campervan/motorhome to Satellites?
+-Yes absolutely, but space for this must be booked (for free) during registration to ensure there’s space for it. If you require power, this will need to be booked and paid for too.
If you’re planning to rent a caravan or motorhome rather than bring your own, you’ll need to arrange this directly and make sure you're on site to receive delivery of it on arrival day (delegates allowed onsite from midday on arrival day). The Satellites team cannot take responsibility for meeting or arranging collection of caravans/motorhomes. We are not affiliated with any camping hire companies so a google search is your best place to find what you need.
How can I get electricity to my campsite?
+-Electric hook-ups will be available to book for a fee, either 16amp (£115) or 32 amp (£230). We will be uploading an Electric Hook Up Guide soon. Please note that anyone who arrives having not booked a hook up will not be able access power. Generators are not allowed on site.
As a rough guide, with a 16 Amp hook-up, you could plug in an urn, fridge, lights and charge a few phones - or a single caravan.
There has been issues with some hook up cables. We suggest that you only use adaptors with built in trip switches.
These are some examples that have suggested.
Can I keep my car with me next to my tent?
+-No. To make everyone’s stay at Satellites as safe as possible, we don’t allow cars to park on the campsite by the tents or to be driven at all on the site except for the few hours around arrival and pack down. If you have any mobility issues, please get in touch with us to discuss how we can support you moving around the Satellites site. You may wish to invest in a wheely trolley to transport items such as shopping from the car park to the camp site during the event.
Can I camp next to another church?
+-Yes! If you'd like to camp near another church then please add this info in the additional requirements box of the camping/accommodation page. We'll do our best to honour these requests when doing village allocation.
Event Info
If we’ve not answered your burning question, please pop us an email.
When does the event start and finish?
+-Guests can arrive at Satellites from midday on Wednesday 6th August with our 1st meeting at 7pm that evening. The final main meeting will be on the evening of Sunday 10th August and venues will close at 11 pm; you’re welcome to stay on site that night. We’re asking everyone to be packed up and on their way home by midday on Monday 11th August 2025. Cars will be allowed onsite for these arrival and pack down times only.
Can I charge my phone? Is there Wi-Fi on site?
+-There will be multiple charging points around the site in various venues and cafés. Electric hook-ups are also available to book for your camping pitch (for a fee). We are looking into Wi-Fi possibilities for 2025.
Can I bring my pet?
+-We don’t allow our guests to bring animals onto site. If you need to bring animals for assistive purposes, then please contact us.
What time do the gates open?
+-For those coming to the whole event: Gates open at midday on arrival day.
Gates will be manned around the clock for emergency purposes. Between the hours of midnight and 8am, access to the site will be limited with access only given in specific circumstances (illness, parents collecting a young person, etc).
Can I get food delivered to site?
+-Yes – delivery vehicles from local supermarkets will be allowed to drive to the main gate for you to collect your order from. Our team won't be able to receive or sign for the deliveries so please make sure you give the delivery driver your mobile number so they can let you know when they arrive! Just a reminder, no cars are allowed onsite so you’ll need to come prepared to carry the shopping back to your campsite (or bring some trolleys or crates on wheels!).
What if I’m going to New Wine, can I stay on?
+-We are working with New Wine to talk through lots of logistics. We do not have an answer for this yet but we will contact delegates and update this page when we know.
Where is Satellites 2025?
+-Satellites 2025 is taking place at The Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN.
The showground is easily accessible from the M5 and is situated along the A371 Castle Cary – Shepton Mallet road. We are approximately 25 miles from Bristol and 20 miles from Bath. The nearest train stations are at Frome, Castle Cary or Templecombe.
Directions By Car:
The showground is situated on the A371 between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary and for New Wine 2024 there are free onsite car parks.
Coming from the Bristol area: Turn off at M32 and take the A37.
Coming from Devon or Cornwall: Turn off at junction 23 off M5
Coming from the North or East: Take the M3, A303, A371.
Team
Hopefully the team page covers most of the information you might want to know about joining a Satellites team, but if you need some help with your application or you’ve got any questions, please drop us an email.
How old do I have to be to serve on team?
+-Satellites teams will be open to anyone aged 16 and over, with some requiring team members to be 18 and over. Any team members under the age of 18 will need a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to be on a team. Any team members under 18 can opt for the 50/50 ticket if they would prefer to – this is an opportunity to be on team for half of a shift each day, and enjoy the event as a guest for the rest of the time. These 50/50 tickets will only pay £50 for their ticket.
How long do I have to serve for?
+-Depending on your role, each team member should expect to serve around eight hours each day (minimum of six hours and maximum of ten hours each day). Those with a 50/50 ticket should expect to serve for about four hours each day.
I am bringing a youth group, can I still be on team?
+-We love that you’re up for serving at Satellites! However if you’re coming to Satellites as a youth leader, we’d love your young people to be your focus during the week. Serving for eight hours a day might not allow you to give your young people the care that they need and so we’d encourage youth leaders to not serve on the Satellites team.
I have additional needs – can I still serve on team?
+-Of course! We may ask for a bit more information about your additional needs on the application form, so that we can best support you during the week.
Do I need a DBS check?
+-Yes. In line with our safeguarding policy, all adults onsite will need a current enhanced DBS. You’ll receive an email asking you to apply when you complete your team application. You'll be guided through the process from there on.
Who can be my referee?
+-We ask that your referee is either:
the senior leader of your church or home group leader, your employer or a leader from somewhere you may volunteer.
You can’t choose a friend or someone who is related to you, and you must have known them for at least six months. Please also let them know that you’ve put their name down to be your referee and give them a heads up to expect an email from us!