Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Herts Big Weekend about?

The Herts Big Weekend is all about celebrating what is great about the county and helping local Herts people to discover the great places to visit and things to do on their doorstep so they can recommend them to their friends and family. Tourism is important for Herts being worth £2.2 billion to the local economy and supporting 40,000 jobs so we need to support the industry.

The Herts Big Weekend is proud to have Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink Railway as their Official Transport Partner. 

What are the rules for applying for tickets?

This ballot is only available to people living in Herts. This includes, but is not limited to, postcodes starting with AL, EN, HP, SG, WD. You must be over the age of 18 to apply for tickets.

Please see here for our full terms and conditions. 

Please see here for our privacy policy

What happens if I forget my account details?

If you have forgotten your password for your account, simply click on 'Login/Register' on the homepage and then click on the 'Forgot Your Password?' link on the login page. You will be asked to enter the email address used when creating your account. An automated email will be sent to this address, if it is in our database, containing a password reset link. You will then be able to reset your password.

Why isn't my account from previous years recognised?

To ensure your data remains secure we made changes to our system meaning that everyone needs to re-register this year. The system will send you an email validation and you MUST confirm your new account details by clicking the confirmation email within the hour. Should you fail to validate your account within the hour, your account will automatically get deleted. Please check your Junk Box if the email doesn't reach your Inbox.

How do I apply for a ticket?

To apply for tickets for the Herts Big Weekend, you first need to create an account, or if you already have one, you need to log into the site. This can be done through the ‘login / register’ link.  

Once registered and logged in, just scroll through all the offers we have on our site and click ‘apply’ for prizes for wherever you fancy! Remember, you can browse for attractions by category or search by location or name. Please make sure you are free on the dates you are applying for tickets as they are limited. 

The ‘My Tickets’ link at the top right hand side of the page will show you a record of all the tickets you have applied for. 

Please remember if successful in the ballot you will need to have access to a printer to print out the tickets or a mobile device where you will have downloaded your tickets in order to show the attraction on the day.

How many tickets can I apply for?

You can apply for prizes to as many attractions as you like! Each ticket is normally valid for two people (please note that for some attractions, different numbers of people may be covered by each ticket, so please check carefully), and some attractions have multiple ticket offers, so you can apply for each type of ticket available. You will not be able to apply for the same type of ticket multiple times, but there's so much to try you'll be spoilt for choice! The more attractions you apply for, the more chance you have of winning a day out. You never know which tickets you will win, as the tickets are all allocated at random to winners, so make sure you apply for any tickets you like the look of - and don't be afraid to try something new!

How are tickets allocated?

At midnight on 1st April, the website will close for applications. A ballot will then be drawn, randomly selecting winners from all those who have applied. If you are successful for one attraction, you will be removed from the ballot for any other attractions you have applied for. 

You can only win one pair of tickets (some family tickets are available) per household, in order to give as many people as possible an opportunity to enjoy the Herts Big Weekend. You will receive an email on the 2nd April to inform you if you have been successful or unsuccessful in the ballot. If successful, you will first be sent an email to show you which ticket you have been allocated. You will be invited to print or download your tickets once the return period has closed. You will receive another email from the Big Weekend Team. Some attractions may require you to pre-book, any specific redemption details will be stated on your ticket.

What if I cannot use my tickets or can I access returned tickets?

The ballot is always oversubscribed so you are very lucky if you have been allocated a ticket! However we understand that sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances, you might not be able to use your tickets any longer. In order to give this opportunity to somebody else, you will be able to return your ticket by logging into your account on the Big Weekend site. This will return your ticket to the ballot, and it will become available for any other registered user to claim through the website on a first come first served basis. Tickets for other attractions may therefore become available after the initial allocation has been made, so keep checking back on the site! 

What if the weather is bad?

We advise participants to wear suitable clothing and footwear and check the weather/travel conditions beforehand. If you have any concerns please check direct with the attraction themselves.  If due to circumstances beyond a venue’s control, such as severe weather, they have to close over the Big Weekend they are not obliged to offer an alternative date, so please liaise with them direct for guidance. 

What do I need to do before I visit the attractions?

• Check the terms and conditions of the Herts Big Weekend.
• Check the date and opening times of the attraction on your ticket (some attractions will be offering tickets for an alternative date to the Herts Big Weekend).
• Check the weather and travel conditions - if you are going by car, don’t forget to check the travel information on BBC News Herts to make sure your journey goes smoothly. We encourage people to consider using public transport over the weekend.
• Remember to print off or save an electronic copy of your ticket and bring it along with you, along with identification, as attractions may ask for this.
• Many attractions will be open as usual during the Big Weekend period, so you can bring other friends who can pay the normal admission prices.

Who to contact?

If you have any queries regarding your ticket, please contact the attraction directly. Their phone number will be displayed on their page on the Big Weekend website. For any other queries please email Enquiries@visitherts.co.uk with the subject 'Herts Big Weekend 2024'.