Mandatory Reading: Please read this orientation manual in full, as it is subject to yearly revisions.

About Bass Coast

Dates: July 12 - 15, 2024.

Location: In Merritt, B.C. on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Mission statement: An Innovative Creative Experience. Core values are respect, integrity, care, and accountability. We encourage you to integrate these values into your role at Bass Coast.

About Merritt

Please take time to learn about the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people: We Are Nlaka'pamux 

Merritt is 270 km northeast of Vancouver. Learn more: About Merritt

Mandatory Bass Coast Training Videos & Quiz

Bass Coast training videos feature key topics: cultural appropriation, consent, harassment, local knowledge and more. 

• NEW Safety Video for 2024.
• Bass Coast tracks quiz submissions for participation. 

Review: Bass Coast 2024 Team Education Series

Password: Coldwater2024

Bring at least 1 piece of government-issued photo ID. Our permit prohibits attendees under 19 years of age; no exceptions.

Market Vendor Passes 

Each vendor is awarded a specific number of Market Vendor passes as part of their contract along with the option to purchase additional General Admission (GA) with the same accreditation for their team. 

Market Vendor accreditation, including team members, will receive individual QR codes via email one week prior to the festival. All Market Vendor accreditation, including their team, is exclusively available at the Staff Gate. 

EACH MARKET VENDOR PASS INCLUDES: 

• Complimentary entry to Bass Coast Festival 2024
• Wednesday and Thursday Early Entry 
• Access to camp in Market Vendor Camping 

To update Market Vendor Passes:

• Invite sent in mid-May
• Revisit the BASS COAST 2024 ACCREDITATION form.
• The deadline to submit team names is June 10 at 5 PM. 

For late submissions due to exceptional circumstances or form resend requests, email basscoaststaffgate@gmail.com and ProductionAssistant@basscoast.ca.

General Admission Pass Purchases 

EACH GENERAL ADMISSION PURCHASE INCLUDES: 

• Passes are available to purchase for your team
• Wednesday and Thursday Early Entry 
• Access to camp in Market Vendor Camping 

TO PURCHASE GENERAL ADMISSION PASS:

1. Accreditation Form: In mid-May, you will receive an invitation to submit team names in order to purchase passes.
2. Purchase Link: After submitting the form, your purchase link will be sent to you via email in mid-June. Ensure that the names provided in the accreditation form match those submitted when purchasing.
3. Redeem: Visit our ticketing platform via the link, and select the number of passes specified in your contract.
4. Confirmation: Once purchased, you will receive a confirmation email.

Further details on purchasing or upgrading GENERAL ADMISSION PASS in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

Vendor Lead - Check In

The stall owner should be the first on-site. Staff Gate provides parking passes and accreditation to the main vendor contact. 

Vendor Lead and all vehicles dropping off vending equipment should arrive during Staff Gate open hours on Wed. July 10. Vendors will not be permitted to drive up to their stall on Thurs. July 11.

To designate another team member as the main contact for check-in, email basscoaststaffgate@gmail.com by June 30. 

Staff Gate Entry 

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Accreditation is only available at the Staff Gate. Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section. 

No early arrivals unless they have been pre-arranged with the Vending Manager before June 30; no exceptions. 

STAFF GATE HOURS

• Wed. July 10: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)
• Thurs. July 11: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)
• Fri. July 12: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)
• Sat. July 13: 9AM - 10PM
• Sun. July 14: 9AM - 5PM
• Mon. July 15: CLOSED

Arriving with GA Ticket Holders

General Admission ticket holders may arrive on site on Fri. July 12 at 9 AM at the earliest. Those without Early Entry tickets arriving before Friday will not be permitted on site; no exceptions.

To purchase: Wednesday + Thursday or Thursday Early Entry tickets 

If a GA ticket holder shares accommodation with you, the GA ticket holder can check in at A Gate. Please see the Camping section below for more info on accessing the GA Campgrounds.

Next Steps

When You Arrive:

• Proceed to the Staff Gate for check-in.
• Park in the Temporary Parking Lot while obtaining accreditation.
• Refer to the Parking section for limitations and enforced time restrictions.

Next, a member of the Vending Team will guide you to your stall space.

All stalls are pre-assigned, and placement requests must be made in advance through the Vending Manager. No on-site requests can be accommodated.

Stall Setup Deadlines:

• Wed, July 10: Festival grounds are not accessible for early entry general admission or artists.
• Thurs. July 11, at 9 AM: Food Vendors must be open in the field. 
• Thurs. Soft Opening: Encouraged for Spa and Market Vendors, as Bass Coast team, volunteers, and some artists will have access to the Forest.
• Fri, July 12 at 9 AM: Spa and Market Vendors must be open in the forest.

Packing List & Festival Amenities

Reusable water bottles - Free water is available on-site. Bring a personal reusable water bottle. Glass of any kind is not permitted.

Food vendors - From Thurs. July 11, to Sun. July 14, healthy food vendors and bars are open on-site.

Appropriate shoes and clothing - The terrain and weather can vary; consider water or river shoes and waterproof clothing. Steel toes are required for stage-build teams and are recommended for all team members.

Camping gear - Bring headlamps/flashlights, sunscreen, bug spray, and prepare for all weather conditions.

Camping -  It can be extremely windy. Please ensure all tents are secured with rebar and fasten loose items securely. 

Accessibility - Please refer to updated information at Bass Coast Accessibility

Fire ban - No fires, fireworks, open flames, or grills are allowed. Camp stoves are acceptable.

Cash and credit - ATMs will be available on-site during festival days. Bars, ice, showers, and the general store are cashless. Individual vendors may accept cash or cards.

Showers - There are two shower locations on-site; all team members will have access to showers in Campground B. Updated locations will be provided on-site, and shower access details are included in your contract.

Shower details: 

• Vendors: $5 
• General Admission: $9 

Show your wristband to the shower team to receive the reduced price. 

Please clean up after yourself and limit your showers to 5 minutes. It is costly to pump the tank.

Packing Checklist

• Headlamps/flashlights
• Appropriate shoes (running or hiking shoes - terrain is uneven)
• Water or river shoes 
• Bankcard or cash (there are ATMS on site)
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Fresh socks for every day
• Water bottle
• Coffee mug
• Plates and utensils
• Warm clothes for night
• Camp chair
• Recycling system for your camp
• Bike (if camping far from the stages)
• Snacks for camp

Enviro Vehicle Passes

Vendors are assigned a specific number of Enviro Vehicle passes as per the contract, with the lead contact receiving them at the Staff Gate. 

To designate another team member as the primary contact for check-in, email basscoaststaffgate@gmail.com by June 30. 

For contracts with multiple Enviro Vehicle passes, email basscoaststaffgate@gmail.com to assign a pass to a team member. 

Vendor team members arriving in separate vehicles or with multiple vehicles must purchase additional Enviro Vehicle passes in advance to expedite processing at the Staff Gate.

To purchase: ENVIRO VEHICLE PASS

Parking

Medium & Large Stalls:

• Receives 1 Vendor Forest Parking Pass and 1 Vendor Lot Pass
• Vendor Forest Parking Pass allows 1 vehicle to park behind the stall with no in/out privileges from Thurs. July 11 at 8 AM - Mon. July 15 at 9 AM
• Vendor Lot Pass does not permit parking behind the stall and provides parking a short walk from the Market

Forest Parking Pass: 

• Must enter before Wed. July 10 at 12 PM.

Small Stalls:

• Receives 2 Vendor Lot Passes
• Vendor Lot Pass does not permit parking behind the stall and provides parking a short walk from the Market

Vehicles found in restricted areas without the designated pass for that location will be removed at the owner's expense.  

Supply drop-off: 

• If needed, obtain a Temporary Forest Vehicle pass at the Staff Gate.
• Note the strict time expiry on the pass, as enforcement will be applied.
• If the expiry time has passed, the vehicle will be removed at the owner's expense.

No exceptions will be made to parking pass allocations or guidelines.

Market Vendor Camping 

Large & Medium Stall Locations: 

• Behind market stall (limited space)
• In General Admission Camping
• Area assigned by the Vending Manager
• Pre-purchased reserved site in Campground A or Ventura

Small Stall Locations: 

• In General Admission Camping
• Behind market stall (tent only - if space permits)
• Area assigned by the Vending Manager
• Pre-purchased reserved site in Campground A or Ventura

Vehicle Camping Space Guidelines:

• Oversized RVs are free to park in the flat meadow areas in General Admission Camping. 

See GENERAL ADMISSION CAMPING for Campgrounds B or C access date and time details. 

Bass Coast is a camping festival. 

• Ensure your equipment withstands the elements, providing the comfort needed for active participation.
• Secure your camp with rebar; the wind can gust upwards of 80kms.

BASS COAST IS A WORKSITE ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 

The main festival field and forest are closed to everyone but contractors, vendors and suppliers until 9 AM on Thurs. 

General Admission Camping

Location: Campgrounds B or C

Wed. July 10: There is no ‘skip the line.’

Thurs. July 11:  Anyone with accreditation can ‘skip the line’ after 11 AM.

GA camping access details for Wed. July 10: 

• GA campsites open to patrons on Wed. at 12 PM.
• Vendors and all in-house teams who want to move to GA camping must wait until Wed. at 1 PM before entering the lineup at Main Gate.

Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

Vendor Expectations

Outdoor Setting: The market is held outdoors, be prepared for wind, rain, and dust. The area is partially sheltered by trees and is somewhat close to the river.

Vendor Equipment: Vendors are required to provide their vending equipment, as specified in the contract.

Stall Size: Ensure that the public-facing area of your stall aligns with the size specified in your contract.

Creative Expression: We welcome you to decorate the exterior and surrounding area of your stall to match your brand and the Bass Coast theme. Creativity is encouraged for an interactive shopping experience.

For all other Vendor Expectations, refer to the Market Vendor Information Package

Entry / Exit

• Staff Gate opens to vendors on Wed. July 10 at 9 AM
• Late after hours arrivals will not be processed until the following morning; no exceptions. 
• Departure by Mon. July 15 no later than 6 PM
• Late departures will not get the LNT deposit back.

HOURS OF OPERATION

• Store hours are flexible but should be a minimum of 8 hours a day. 
• Stalls should have front lighting kept on all night even if the store is not open, to create a safe and secure area.
• We request that stores be ready and open for business as of Fri. at 12 PM .

POWER

Bass Coast provides one electrical box per store with a standard 3-prong (20amp) power outlet for general lighting. Use only the allotted power for your stalls. 

Additional requirements may incur extra fees. If required, inform the Vending Manager beforehand; the cost is $30 per additional 15amp plug.

• Generators are strictly prohibited in the vending area.
• Do not plug your camper into on-site power.
• Do not run high-powered personal items like blenders or hair dryers, etc.

Weather

• Merritt is very hot and can be very windy so your stalls and goods must be able to be secured.
• Thunderstorms are also likely so be prepared for heavy rains.

Security/Safety

On-site Security: 

Bass Coast implements a comprehensive on-site security plan, supported by a dedicated security team. Continuous security patrols cover all areas 24 hours a day.

Valuables Protection:

• Secure all valuables. 
• Due to the unfortunate reality of theft at festivals, again it is crucial to lock up valuable items.
• Bass Coast holds no liability for any lost or damaged items.

Lighting Guidelines:

• Vendors are encouraged to bring sufficient lighting for their stalls.
• Leaving lights on outside your Stall after closing enhances Stall security and provides illumination for festival goers navigating the area at night.

These measures collectively contribute to a safer environment for everyone participating in the festival.

 Environment

• To ensure our environment is left clean, we require a Leave No Trace deposit.
• LNT deposit returned via cheque on Mon. July 15, after your plot has been inspected and approved. 
• Pick up LNT deposit at the Staff Gate before you leave.
• Pack it in, pack it out.

Festival safety is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of your team. We all contribute to harm reduction, being the eyes and ears of the festival.

LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER

• Take care of yourself and each other.
• Remind people to take breaks, stay hydrated, and come by the Harm Reduction space for a break as needed.

HARM REDUCTION SERVICES

• Open to patrons and everyone involved in the festival.
• Judgement-free access to supplies and a welcoming space in the Harm Reduction area.

SUPPORT FOR NON-MEDICAL DISTRESS

• If someone shows signs of non-medical distress (anxiety, looking lost or upset), please walk them to Harm Reduction.

HARM REDUCTION LOCATION 

• On the path to Slay Bay as you enter the forest. It’s a large space that can’t be missed.

Consent Culture

We all share the responsibility of promoting consent culture.

Checking in on someone who seems uncomfortable is simple:

• “Hey! I’m Sam, and it’s my responsibility to ensure everyone feels good all weekend. Are both of you alright? Can I help you with anything?”

ADDRESSING CREEPY VIBES

Don’t hesitate to involve security in addressing any uncomfortable situations. Security there to help.

Reporting Responsibilities

Bass Coast team and volunteers are required to immediately report to Bass Coast security personnel any incidents of:

• Violence
• Threatened violence
• Harassment
• Risk of harm

NEW IN 2024 - REES ONLINE REPORTING

Bass Coast has partnered with REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) to provide online reporting for unwanted sexualized behaviours. REES allows festival-goers, performers, staff and volunteers to Create a Record of the incident and share it with festival organisers. 

To submit a report: Bass Coast x REES Online Reporting 

For all other consent and festival safety-related inquiries please contact consent@basscoast.ca, we will respond to you within 14 days.

First Aid Assistance

IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE PROTOCOL

If you observe someone requiring medical attention, immediately locate an individual with a radio.

Security members are all equipped with radios.

Team members equipped with radios are stationed at:

• Camp A, B, C, and Ventura outposts, 
• Harm Reduction lifeguard chairs (back of each dance floor), 
• the General Store, 
• the Volunteer Centre,
• Bar Managers, or
• all festival gates.

PROMPT RESPONSE ASSURANCE

• First Aid teams are mobilised swiftly to provide assistance upon receiving the call.

How to Call for First Aid & Manage Medical Distress

Ensure you provide First Aid with the three most important pieces of information they need: 

• Who you are 
• Where you are
• What is happening (keep it simple i.e. “I am with an unconscious patient”)

The First Aid l team will move quickly to help you, once you call for their assistance. The following are some basic steps that can help you while First Aid arrives at your location.

Basic First Aid

ASSESS: Evaluate the patient's condition. Check for breathing, pulse, and responsiveness or unresponsiveness to pain stimulus. If unconscious, do not hesitate to apply a second stimulus attempt to rouse the patient.

REPORT: Immediately communicate the incident to First Aid, providing key information:

• Who you are
• Where you are
• What has happened or is happening

AIRWAY: Ensure the airway is open.

CPR ADMINISTRATION: Administer CPR if necessary until medics arrive. Do not administer any medications of any kind to the patient without notifying First Aid.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION PROTOCOL

• Only if the patient is conscious and can instruct you to help them take life-saving medications (e.g. EpiPen)
• Always notify First Aid of any medication administration.

Naloxone / Narcan FAQ

NALOXONE TRAINING OVERVIEW

• Many team members and volunteers are trained in administering Naloxone.
• Formal training for additional teams will not be provided onsite.

NALOXONE PLACEMENT

• Naloxone is strategically placed around the festival site that First Aid can administer if appropriate. 

SCOPE OF USE

• Naloxone (Narcan) is specifically for opioid overdoses only: fentanyl, heroin, or codeine.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• In the case of an overdose, the First Aid team will be on the scene within minutes.
• Immediate action is to open the patient's airway and assist with rescue breathing if necessary.

Administering rescue breaths is the primary action for opioid overdoses.

See details in the BASIC FIRST AID section above.

Fire Safety

If you see a fire:

1. Inform Security, First Aid or any team member with a radio.
2. Give as much info as possible on location and what is burning.
3. FIGHT the fire ONLY if it is small and you are able to.
4. Evacuate all guests and patrons in immediate danger to a safe location. (200 ft away)
5. Help people requiring assistance
6. Proceed to a safe area and wait for the fire response team.

Bass Coast has a recovery and evacuation plan. Should the area require evacuation, our trained team members will give you instructions as to what to do in case an event of this nature occurs. 

Bass Coast takes place in a very dry climate. We need your help to prevent fires. Please dispose of cigarettes in designated bins and encourage your community to do the same. Pocket ashtrays are available at the Bass Coast Merch Store.

Location: Beside the Bass Coast Merch Store.

Access: Both in-house members and guests can drop off or claim lost items.

Hours of Operation: Thurs. July 11 to Mon. July 15 from 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Limitations: Cannot retain or store large items.

UNCLAIMED ITEMS DEADLINES

• Water bottles donated to a local charity on Mon. July 15.
• Non-confidential items donated to charity three months post-festival.

Contact Lost and Found: BassCoastLostandFound@gmail.com

Post-show Item Inquiries: Lost and Found Inquiry form

Equipment Return

Please return all equipment that was signed out to you during the festival.

Pre-Departure Rest & Readiness

We encourage you to plan the time needed to rest fully, pack your belongings, and clean your campsite thoroughly to feel ready for the journey ahead.

The festival is over at 9 AM on Mon. July 15. Please plan to be well rested and ready to depart by 6 PM. 

Departing Campsite Cleanup & MOOP Guidelines 

As you prepare to leave Bass Coast, please sort your garbage, recycling and compost and take it with you or bring it to designated areas.

Walk your campsite grid to ensure you LEAVE NO TRACE of MOOP; no glitter, feathers, bobby pins, or orange peels, no trace. 

Recycling & Waste Management

Ensure responsible waste management:

Prioritise Waste Reduction:

• Bass Coast prioritises waste reduction; consider upcycling materials whenever possible.

No On-site Bins for Setup/Teardown:

• Do not use on-site bins for setup or teardown waste; bring your own garbage and recycling bags.

Pack It Out - Compliance Matters:

• Sort materials correctly for offsite disposal.
• Approach a Green Team volunteer if extra bags are needed.
• Failure to ahere will result in withholding your LNT deposit until waste is appropriately managed.

For detailed guidance on waste sorting, refer to Sustainability - leave-no-trace – Bass Coast Project

Collect LNT Fee 

LNT deposit returned via cheque on Mon. July 15, after your plot has been inspected and approved. 

Please remember to pick up your LNT deposit at the Staff Gate before you leave.

Since my team has already bought General Admission tickets, can we use them instead of buying the General Admission Pass included in my contract?

Yes. If you or your team have purchased GA tickets or are currently on a payment plan and wish to upgrade with Art Installation accreditation, Bass Coast will cancel your existing General Admission Purchase passes linked to your contract. For payment plans, upon completion of payments, your tickets will be upgraded to include Art Installation accreditation.

All necessary information for facilitating this upgrade, including the TICKIT order number, will be collected on the Accreditation form (to be sent in mid-May).

Can I check in at Main Gate instead of Staff Gate?

The Staff Gate is highly preferred for all artists, in-house teams, and volunteers to check in before proceeding to the Main Gate for access to Camp B & C. All accreditation processes are exclusively handled at the Staff Gate. 

It is crucial to note that if you choose to enter through the MAIN GATE, you must immediately check in again at the Staff Gate, as the temporary wristband will expire shortly thereafter.

After Wednesday at 1 PM, you may join the General Admission lineup and enter through the Main Gate to obtain a date and time-stamped temporary wristband. There are ‘no skip the line” privileges until Thursday at 11 AM.

Can I skip the line at Main Gate on Wednesday if I already have my credentials?

No, there are “no skip the line” privileges on Wednesday for any artists, in-house team or volunteers.

Beginning Thursday at 11 AM, those who have checked in at the Staff Gate and have all their credentials can skip the line at the Main Gate.

Drive past the entrance to the Main Gate line and turn left behind the Main Gate Office.  Security will stop to search vehicles and check credentials.

Is there a re-entry fee if I leave Bass Coast to purchase supplies in town?

Starting Friday, July 12, at 12 PM for all gates, there is a $20 re-entry fee per vehicle if you need to leave Bass Coast for supplies.

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

Festival FAQS

Online Schedule

Android & iOS Bass Coast 2024 App

Site Maps

Harm Reduction

Sustainability

Towards Equity

Harassment and Assault Policy

Important Numbers

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

We request all communications to be concise, due to the high volume of emails we receive.

Market Vendor Manager: Megan V 

+1 (778) 233-4128 

vend@basscoast.ca 

Production Manager: Anna Hilliar   

+1 (604) 726-4044 

anna@basscoast.ca

Production Manager Assistant: Jenn Harkness 

+1 (604) 813-5405 

productionassistant@basscoast.ca 

Senior Bookkeeper / Accountant: Jennifer Strelive  

accounting@basscoast.ca

Directions

The festival site is located one mile southwest of the City of Merritt, BC, just off the Coquihalla Hwy. 

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Accreditation is only available at the Staff Gate. Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

FROM KELOWNA

• Take Hwy BC-97C to Merritt
• Once in Merritt, continue through onto the Princeton - Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF (east) GATE. 

FROM KAMLOOPS

• Take Hwy BC-5 S towards Merritt 
• Take exit #286 from the Coquihalla hwy and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road) 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE. 

FROM VANCOUVER

• Take Hwy BC-1 and then Hwy BC-5 N towards Merritt
• Once in Merritt, take exit #286, keep right at the fork, and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE.