Surviving the Jesters Gold Card Challenge

Exams are finished, the sun is finally shining (well, sort of) and the pre-summer binge drinking has commenced. For those of you brave enough to attempt a 12 hour stint […]


Exams are finished, the sun is finally shining (well, sort of) and the pre-summer binge drinking has commenced. For those of you brave enough to attempt a 12 hour stint in Jesters where you’ll be rewarded with an elusive Gold Card, we’ve got some tips for making the most of the Cider Festival this weekend.

It’s a long day. A very long day. Chances are you’re going to be hanging from the night before, so get down to Kate’s Cafe or Poppins in Portswood and get a fry up. You’re going to need to soak up as much of last night’s booze as possible and stock up on calories for the day ahead. 

Get there early. Even though to qualify for the Gold Card challenge you need to be inside before 1.15pm, sitting in the empty dancefloor or in a puddle isn’t fun. Queueing outside is a must if you want a table.

Bring some entertainment. 12 hours straight in Jesters sounds awful but it doesn’t have to be, but boredom can kick in very quickly. The key to getting your shiny piece of gold plastic at the end of the night is to stay occupied. Board games, Gameboys, decks of playing cards are necessary to get your group through the day.

Bring food. All that sitting around is going to make you hungry. Be sure to bring enough food to feed a small army.

By around 8pm, you’ll be flagging. You’ve spent 8 hours in Jesters already in what can only be described as a refugee camp. You’re pacing yourself on the cider and the afternoon sun has made you sleepy. See off a can of Red Bull (or the cheap Jesters equivalent) to liven up and now start getting on the drink.

Just before midnight you’ll be sick of the sight of Jesters, but you’ll be on the home stretch. Keep necking those Jesticles, the end is in sight!

When 1.15am arrives, you’ll be knackered, you just want your gold card now. Make sure you finish the night off with a group visit to Tariq Manzils’.

Tab Top Tip: You need to get your pass stamped at the beginning to sign in and to collect your card at the end. Don’t lose it!

This is worth more than your degree.

Check out our photos from last year’s Cider Festival: