Some frequently asked questions about the show below:
Where is the show and what are the times?
Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN156NJ. The show opens officially at 10am both days, and runs to 4pm Sunday. There is no restrictions on night sailing.
How much does the show cost?
The show is free!
The park will charge you for parking, which is £7.50 per day. Please ensure this is paid before midnight of the day you visit, or the park will issue a fine. Disabled parking will be closest to the lake.
How many people will there be at the show?
We draw a crowd of at least 200 boaters round the lake at any given time, weather dependant. With the park being a public place, total numbers are in the thousands.
Are there refreshments and toilets available?
There is a refreshments tent on the amphitheatre with tea and coffee, burgers and baps will be available from the Wicksteed club. Toilets are in the nearest building to the lake. There are also several cafes in the park.
Where do I park?
The parking for the show will be clearly signposted and marshals will be guiding you where to park. The car park is roughly a 100yd walk to the lake, there are a couple of trollies available for carrying boats but these do get heavily used so there may be a wait to use them.
Can I bring my Internal Combustion engine powered boat?
Sorry, but strictly NO IC powered craft are allowed at Wicksteed Park, other than those which have been pre approved by Andy Nightingale for use in the IC demonstrations. They’re more than welcome to be displayed on tables, but they cannot be run on the water.
What about fast electrics?
FE boats are welcome, however the owner should bear in mind that it is a very small lake, there will be around 20 other boats on the water at any given time and the lake will be completely surrounded by members of the public throughout the day. Anyone who is seen to be driving a fast boat dangerously towards the safety of the public or other boats will be asked to remove it from the water.
Is onsite camping available?
Yes, this is done through the park’s website – we have no control over this. We will be camping in field 1 in a fenced off area clearly labelled with the Mayhem logo. There is a toilet / shower block very close to our pitch, but unfortunately no electrical hookup. Evening shenanigans will involve a barbecue and a couple of small alcoholic beverages…
How does the bring & buy work?
See one of the Luton club members running the stall.
We will need your name, phone number and prices for each item.
A fee will apply of £1 per boat, funds going towards running the show and a donation to the Wicksteed club.
( Bring & Buy is cash only but there is an ATM at the visitor centre. )
What’s the deal for Model Boat Clubs?
I highly recommend bringing a gazebo, tables, chairs and some promotional materials for your club (leaflets, banners etc). It is advisable to arrive between 8-9am on Saturday to set up as things will get extremely busy after this time. Clubs are welcome to arrive on Friday afternoon to set up gazebos etc.
What if I’m not visiting as part of a club?
No problem! We have permanent picnic benches lakeside which will be covered by a marquee for general use by those not in a club.
Do I have to stay the full day?
No! Arrive and depart whenever you wish.
Will there be any themed parts of the day?
We will be holding club 500 races, tugboat games, yacht races, a parade of naval vessels, lifeboats, an IC demonstration twice daily and a straight running competition. Times will be announced on the day and events will be subject to numbers interested.
Will there be traders present?
We have always tried to focus Mayhem on sailing on the water, rather than it becoming a trade show. There will be some traders on the amphitheatre, next to the bring & buy.
What if my boat sinks?
Any unplanned voyages to the bottom of the sea should be reported to either Phil or Andy on the Stevenage Model Boat Club stand, look for the giant Zip Tie Racing flag. Do not enter the lake yourself to retrieve models.
Is the event suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! We want to encourage as many people of all ages to come along. The show is an excellent way of bringing new people to the hobby.
What if I don’t have a boat?
You are still more than welcome to join us. It is worth noting, however, that the park does not allow any other forms of radio controlled vehicle, so no flying or cars.
Can I make a donation towards costs of running the show?
If you feel you’d like to, please do – the five of us run this completely out of our own pockets. Donations can be made via the bring & buy stall or the tea tent.
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Topic: Mayhem at Wicksteed Park - May 25, 26 (Read 10903 times)