Breakfast Baps at The Arc

The Arc in Chippenham is opening early on Saturday 23, Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May 2026 to serve breakfast to Chippenham Folk Festival campers, performers and day visitors. Hot baps are served from 8.30am to 11am and cost £6 including a tea or americano. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, our sunny decking is open if the weather plays along, and dogs and instruments are welcome. While you’re here, you can also try climbing on the same trip — drop-in bouldering needs no booking or course.

Breakfast offer at a glance

Why we’re opening early

Every May Bank Holiday, the Westmead campsite fills with tents, vans and folk fans for the Chippenham Folk Festival — four days, 69 bands and performers and a programme packed with concerts, dances and ceilidhs across town. We’re right in the heart of the campsite and each year we welcome campers for a hearty and affordable breakfast to set them up for a weekend of music and community.

Sunny decking, fiddles, dogs and all

If the sun’s out, our extensive decking is one of the best spots in town for a slow breakfast in the morning light. Bring your fiddle, bring your dog, bring last night’s setlist for a debrief. We don’t mind a tune to start the day or pop back later for a jam.

Try climbing while you’re here

The festival schedule has gaps — and we’re a five-minute change of scene from the campsite. If you’ve ever fancied giving climbing a go, this is the easiest possible introduction:

• Drop-in bouldering is open all weekend. No booking. No course. No prior experience needed.
• You don’t need to be tall, strong or sporty — bouldering is climbing close to the ground, on padded mats, suitable for all ages.
• First-timers watch a short safety video, sign in, and you’re away.
• Want to try the higher walls? We aren’t running roped taster sessions this weekend, but just ask at reception and we’ll give you a free auto belay induction, where possible. Auto belays let you climb higher routes without needing a partner.

It’s a brilliant way to spend time between sets — kids, beginners and curious folkies all welcome. All entry prices let you stay and climb for as long as you want. Plan your visit:

See Drop-In Bouldering Prices

Folk Festival breakfast: how to find us

The Arc is a situated right beside the Westmead Recreation Ground campsite, which makes us the closest hot breakfast to the festival site that won’t involve a queue at a coffee van. Pop in any time between 8.30am and 11am on the festival weekend to grab a breakfast. Savoury and sweet treats as well as great coffee are available throughout the day. Find us:

Opening hours and venue info

Frequently asked questions

• Where can I get breakfast near Chippenham Folk Festival?
  The Arc, right beside the Westmead campsite, is open from 8.30am on Saturday 23, Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May 2026, serving breakfast baps with a hot drink for £6.
• What time does The Arc open during the Folk Festival?
  8.30am on 23, 24 and 25 May 2026. Breakfast is served until 11am, and the centre stays open into the day for climbing.
• Are there vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free breakfast options?
  Yes.
• Is The Arc dog-friendly?
  Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome on our outdoor decking, which is the perfect spot for them in the sunshine. We also have dog gelato, biscuits and water bowls.
• Can I bring my instrument?
  Absolutely. Fiddles and other instruments are welcome — a tune over breakfast is encouraged.
• Can I try climbing during the Folk Festival weekend without booking?
  Yes. Drop-in bouldering is available throughout the weekend with no booking and no course required. First-timers watch a short safety induction video on arrival, sign in, and start climbing.
• Where is The Arc in relation to the Westmead campsite?
  The campsite is right beside The Arc.

The Arc is an indoor bouldering and climbing centre in Chippenham, welcoming first-timers and seasoned climbers alike.