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

About Bass Coast

Dates: July 11 - 14, 2025.

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

Team Passes

• Bring one government-issued ID.
• You will receive a QR code for accreditation by email one week prior to the festival.
• Go directly to the Staff Gate to check in and get parking/accreditation. 
• If arriving after hours, check in before your first shift to pick up accreditation. 

Arrival Expectations

• Arrive the night before your shift, no earlier.
• Notify photo@basscoast.ca if you are unable to arrive on time.

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.

STAFF GATE HOURS

• Tue. July 9: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)
• 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 GA may arrive no earlier than the date specified on their ticket. No exceptions.

• Wed. July 10: Requires a Wed/Thurs Early Entry + GA
• Thurs. July 11: Requires a Thurs Early Entry + GA
• Fri. July 12: Requires GA

To purchase: Wednesday/Thursday or Thursday Early Entry tickets 

Next Steps

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Proceed to the Staff Gate for check-in.
• Park in the Temporary Parking Lot while obtaining accreditation.
• Next, proceed to Artist Camp or if instructed check-in with the Photo and Video management team.

Enviro Vehicle Pass

Each team is assigned an Enviro Vehicle Pass as per the contract. If you have a vehicle, you will receive it at Staff Gate.

Anyone arriving in separate vehicles must purchase additional Enviro Vehicle passes in advance to expedite processing at the Staff Gate.

To purchase: ENVIRO VEHICLE PASS

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 10, to Sun. July 13, 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 prices: 

• Team members: $5 
• General Admission: $9 

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

HOURS OF OPERATION

• Tues. July 8 - Sun. July 13: 9AM - 7PM
• Mon. July 14: 9AM - 4PM

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

Weather at Bass Coast

Prepare for all weather. 

• Temperature and weather conditions can change dramatically. 

Bass Coast is a camping festival. 

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

Team Meals & Food Options

Team meals are served at the team kitchen per contracted terms. To enjoy these meals efficiently, here are some guidelines:

• Bring your personal plate, bowl, cutlery, reusable water bottle, and mug.Potable water and coffee are available while on shift.
• No disposable plastic water bottles will be sold on-site, and glass bottles are not permitted. Learn more: First Timers Guide and Festival FAQs

Access the Team Meal QR Code by completing the Team Information Collection form. Follow these steps for seamless use:

• The QR code is sent via email with the subject line '2025 Bass Coast Team Meal QR Code.'
• Save the QR code on your phone for on-site redemption.
• Ensure visibility of both the QR code and your full name in screenshots.

MEAL TIMES

• Breakfast: 7am - 9am; Dinner: 5pm - 8pm (allocated times for certain teams during the busy days, exact TBD)

Food vendors are open from Thurs. July 10, to Sun. July 13. Reusable containers and mugs can be used at food vendors and are highly encouraged.

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

PHOTO & VIDEO CAMPING 

Photo + Video Team and their guests (if contracted) are invited to camp, with two options available: the Artist Camp or the Production Forest (first-come, first-served basis).

Artist Camp: An open field adjacent to the forest. 

• Photo + Video Team can camp with their vehicles in this area. 
• Friends with general admission wristbands must camp in Campground B, C, or if they have reserved in A or Ventura. 
• Photo + Video Team and their guests (if contracted) will have accreditation for Artist Camp. Those without proper accreditation will be asked to relocate.

Production Forest Camp: A shaded camping area behind The Cabin Stage and Slay Bay Stages. Availability in the forest is space-permitting. 

• First come, First serve
• It is centrally located but may not offer the quietest camping experience. 
• Walk-in camping only,there will be a drop-off zone at the forest entrance. 

BASS COAST IS A WORKSITE ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 

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

General Admission Camping 

Location: Campgrounds B or C

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

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.
• Workshop Facilitators 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.

Stage Access & Etiquette

Always wear your lanyard and check in with the Stage Manager each time you arrive at a stage to shoot. They will inform you if the full set is being filmed by Subtle Radio. If it is, please be mindful of their static camera angles and avoid blocking them.

STAGE TIMING - RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT

NO PHOTO or VIDEO ON STAGE FOR THE FIRST 15 MINUTES OF A NEW SET (excluding Subtle Radio teams). 

This is crucial! The producers emphasise allowing DJs to settle into their performance and address any technical issues without interference. Violating this rule may disrupt the flow and perception of the event.

DANCE PERFORMANCE PROTOCOL

During dance performances, avoid being on stage as it may obstruct exits and quick changes. Consult the stage manager for guidance on suitable shooting locations.

ON-STAGE ETIQUETTE

• Always wear black attire.
• Always acknowledge the stage manager (direct eye contact or a nod) before stepping on stage.
• Minimise your time on stage and relocate promptly to the side.
• Respect fellow photographers and videographers; we're a team, and others may be covering the same act.

Representing Bass Coast

DIVERSITY

Inclusive representation: 

• Ensure diversity in all content. 
• Celebrate and showcase ALL bodies, backgrounds, genders, orientations, fashion choices, and attendees. 
• Everyone is a valued participant and deserves recognition.

UNWANTED CONTENT - AVOID FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHING

Unkempt environments. Refrain from capturing dirty or messy scenes, including videos with littered grounds, bottles, water bottles or any form of MOOP. 

Branded water bottles & styrofoam. Unsustainable materials in general. While on the banned items list, these can end up in shots that will not be usable.

Alcohol bottles. Bass Coast is alcohol free outside of designated bar areas.

Cultural Appropriation. Exercise caution to avoid cultural appropriation in fashion and costumes. Refrain from filming attire that may verge on cultural appropriation, such as bindis, white dreadlocks, headdresses, or any other articles representing religious or cultural significance. Further details in the EDUCATION SERIES. 

Nudity. Especially while capturing river scenes, be mindful to avoid nudity. Unfortunately, media depicting nudity cannot be utilised.

Excess. Avoid images of individuals exhibiting excessive intoxication or loose behaviour. While the festival celebrates freedom and expression, portraying obviously inebriated individuals does not align with the festival's media presentation and overall vibe.

NUDITY & PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Respectful documentation: 

• Exercise sensitivity and mindfulness regarding capturing intimate moments. 
• Consider whether it's appropriate to preserve or respect individuals' privacy.

ARTIST LOCK UP 

Electronics and valuables can be locked up at the festival site at the Artist Lounge (Space Bar) area. Please connect with the artist relations team to secure your equipment. 

Media Room (Photo + Video Team) 

You have access to a media room under Main Stage. This room can be used as locked storage. Please be respectful to others also using this space from the Bass Coast Media teams.

Please note that this space will be locked up once the Main Stage opens; at 9:00PM. If you need access to anything inside. Please contact Michael directly and he can accommodate access. 

SET TIMES

Bass Coast Schedule

STAGE MANAGERS 

When arriving to a stage please make sure to introduce yourself to the stage manager and confirm that you are allowed to go on stage.

Cantina Stage Daytime: TBD

Main Stage: Holland Kerr

The Cabin Stage: Matt Reed, Phillip Elliott, Jamal Hamadeh

Slay Bay Stage: Ian MacKenzie, Dean Musani, Rachel Kirkpatrick

Slowtempo: Day: TBD   Night: Derek Frazer

The Brain: Heather Vardy and Natasha Cucek

Artist Lounge & Space Bar 

Space Bar Location: Close to the entrance of the forest behind the main stage and near the live art painters. 

The Artist Lounge is open 24 hours a day for artist information and a cup of tea and snacks. Only Performance Artists and guests will have access to this area.

Power will be available for computers and phone chargers. Wifi is not available on-site, but almost all cell phones receive good service. Beverages are available for purchase, and your complimentary drink tickets can be redeemed at the Space Bar or any of the bars on-site.

Space Bar Hours of Operation:

• Thursday (Opening Night): 4 PM - 12 AM
• Friday: 3 PM - 2 AM
• Saturday: 3 PM - 2 AM / Happy Hour: 6 PM
• Sunday: 3 PM - 2 AM / Happy Hour: 6 PM

Happy Hours at Space Bar: Starting at 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday, join us for complimentary snacks and beverages during artist happy hours.

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 10 to Mon. July 14 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 14.
• 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

Return all equipment immediately after use (i.e. radio, golf cart, etc.) and ensure they are signed back in.

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 Monday, July 15. Please plan to be well rested and ready to depart by 5 PM, if not scheduled to work the post-show period. Consider planning for a designated driver if needed.

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. 

If the stations are full, use the Green Team tent and sorting area; do not leave anything outside bins. 

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

Your Team Feedback

We continually work to improve the Bass Coast team experience. Please submit any feedback to Photo & Video Manager: Michael Benz.

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 11, 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 - Available in 2025.

Android & iOS Bass Coast 2025 App - Coming soon.

Site Maps

Harm Reduction

Sustainability

Towards Equity

Harassment and Assault Policy

Important Numbers

Photo & Video Team Discord Channel 

Most of the team communication will be handled thru Discord. 

Bass Coast 2024 Photo Video Server: Invite Link

Photo & Video Manager: Michael Benz

+1 (403) 690-3756

photo@basscoast.ca or info@michaelbenz.ca 

Photo & Video Assistant: Chelsea Blain

+1 (587) 703-6607

Photo & Video Night Time Assistant: Kayla Graham

TBD

Production Manager: Anna Hilliar   

+1 (604) 726-4044 

anna@basscoast.ca

Production Manager Assistant: Jenn Harkness 

+1 (604) 813-5405

productionassistant@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.