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.

Explore these short videos to learn more and hear the correct pronunciation:

We Are Nlaka'pamux 

Syilx Language House Info Video

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.

• Notification sent if new videos are added.
• Bass Coast tracks quiz submissions for participation. 

Review: Bass Coast 2025 Team Education Series

Password: Coldwater2025

Test Your Knowledge: Take the Quiz for 2025

LIMITED INTERNET ACCESS

Bass Coast Coordinates: 50°05'24.0"N 120°47'43.9"W

Public access wifi is not available.

ROGERS NETWORK has coverage throughout most of the festival grounds. Phone calls and texts should work. However, data speeds may be slower due to high usage.

TELUS NETWORK is very spotty and does not work in most areas on the festival grounds. In past years, Telus provided a cell booster at Bass Coast, but this service was discontinued last year, and they will not be restoring service. 

Although every service can have its challenges, we have experienced good performance with devices connected to the Rogers network or portable satellite options such as Starlink.

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 details: 

• Workshop Facilitators: $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.

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

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

Workshop Facilitators Passes

Facilitators will receive a notification to visit the ticketing portal to claim their credentials. Each attendee must log into their own User Portal to accept the terms and liability waiver before generating their individual QR code pass. This QR code must be downloaded or printed and will be validated against the system and the attendee's ID upon entry.

All passes must be claimed before arriving on-site. Artist and Guest accreditation is exclusively available at the Staff Gate.

Artist will receive instructions on accessing the User Portal, where they can:

• Transfer passes to co-facilitators (each pass can only be transferred once).
• Download or print QR code closer to the festival date.

For support requests, email StaffGate@basscoast.ca and ProductionAssistant@basscoast.ca.

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 are in the ORIENTATION FAQs section. 

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

STAFF GATE HOURS

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

Arriving with GA Ticket Holders

General Admission ticket holders may arrive on site on Fri. July 11 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.

Next Steps 

When You Arrive:

• Head to the Staff Gate for check-in and receive accreditation.
• Park in the Temporary Parking Lot while you are receiving your accreditation. 

Refer to the Parking section for limitations and enforced time restrictions.

Workshop Facilitators 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 facilitator as the primary contact for check-in, email StaffGate@basscoast.ca by June 30.  

Workshop Facilitators 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

Location: General Admission Camping 

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.
• Park your vehicle at your camp.

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

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 9: There is no ‘skip the line’ at Main Gate.

Thurs. July 10:  Anyone with accreditation can ‘skip the line’ after 11 AM.

GA camping access details for Wed. July 9: 

• 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.

Bass Coast Schedule: coming soon. Check back here closer to the festival date.

Please check in with your stage manager at least 1 hour before your set. The production team will provide all contact information and key scheduling updates if needed. For any advancing communication please contact the Production Assistant Manager: ProductionAssistant@basscoast.ca

STAGE MANAGERS

Cantina Stage Daytime: TBD

The Cabin Stage: TBD

Slay Bay Stage: TBD

Slowtempo: Day: TBD Night: TBD

The Brain: TBD

THE BRAIN

Equipment provided: 

• Screen (bring your own laptop and dongles)
• 3 microphones and stands
• full sound system 
• 8’ x 3’ table
• chairs

Please bring any dongles or cables  that you will need to plug your device into the mixer

For any tech needs beyond these requests, please contact Anna@basscoast.ca immediately

SLOWTEMPO

The Slowtempo Stage is located at the C bridge on the beach. Please remind folks to bring their mats for yoga classes.

Equipment provided:

• PK Sound System 
• 1 microphone, 
• 1 wireless sports headset,
• Mixer 
• 2 CDJs 
• 2 Tech 1200 

Please bring any dongles or cables that you will need to plug your device into the mixer.

For any tech needs beyond these requests, please contact Anna@basscoast.ca immediately.

THE CABIN STAGE

The Cabin Stage is located in the forest. Please remind folks to bring their mats for yoga classes.

Equipment provided: 

• Funktion-One Sound System 
• 1 microphone 
• 1 wireless sport headset 
• Mixer
• 2 CDJ
• 2 Tech 1200 

Please bring any dongles or cables that you will need to plug your device into the mixer.

For any tech needs beyond these requests, please contact Anna@basscoast.ca immediately.

CANTINA STAGE

Equipment provided:

• PK Sound System 
• 1 microphone, 
• 1 wireless sports headset,
• Mixer 
• 2 CDJs 
• 2 Tech 1200 

Please bring any dongles or cables that you will need to plug your device into the mixer.

For any tech needs beyond these requests, please contact Anna@basscoast.ca immediately.

Workshop Expectations

For all The Brain Workshops expectations, refer to the The Brain Workshops Information Package 

For all Movement Workshops expectations, refer to the Movement Workshops Information Package 

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

Bass Coast photographers and videographers may capture content from workshops, though coverage is not guaranteed. Any captured content may be shared on Bass Coast’s social media channels.

If you choose to bring your own photographer or videographer, they must have a valid festival ticket. Bass Coast does not provide complimentary tickets for personal media teams.

Weather Warning

Prepare for all weather. 

• Temperature and weather conditions can change dramatically. 
• Ensure your equipment withstands the elements, providing the comfort needed for active participation.

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, stolen, or damaged items.

Please take a moment to read our Liability Waiver

Key Dates to Remember

May 1: Proof of insurance for Movement Workshops only and confirmed technical needs deadline for all workshops

July 9: Staff Gate opens for Wednesday and Thursday Early Entry ticket holders

July 14: Depart site by 6 PM

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 is 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

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), 
• Merch Store, 
• 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 on-site.

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 the 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 on 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: Near the Food Vendors closer to the Bridge

Access: Both in-house members and patrons 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 will be donated to a local charity on Tue. July 15.
• Non-confidential items will be donated to charity two 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 14. 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 and recycling 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.

Pack It Out - Compliance Matters:

• Adhere to our Sustainability leave-no-trace policy by packing out as much waste generated as possible.
• Sort materials correctly for offsite disposal.
• Approach a Green Team volunteer if extra bags are needed.

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

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 Wed. 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 Thurs. 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 Thurs. 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 Fri. 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 - Coming soon.

Android & iOS Bass Coast 2025 App

Site Maps

Harm Reduction

Sustainability

Towards Equity

Harassment and Assault Policy

Important Numbers

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

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.