The target for Poacher is to enable young people to have the adventure of a lifetime. This is achieved by giving Scouts and Guides aged 10-17 the opportunity to take part in activities they typically wouldn’t get to experience. Activities such as the simulator where you can experience the thrill of being in a Formula 1 race car and feel just what the drivers of the sport experience throughout the season.

Want to find out everything that's happening on site? You'll want to read 'Best of Fest', our on-site newspaper, published every day from Monday - Friday!

Its been the first full day of activities today. 

Our headline act for the opening ceremony was Max and Harvey. The identical twins are one of Britain’s most popular creative duos, with a string of popular singles and over 6.5 million followers on TikTok. They’ve toured all over the world, but Saturday marked their first ever appearance in Lincolnshire as they performed to an excited audience of nearly 10,000 Scouts, Guides, and staff!

It was time to get Medieval with out first lunchtime event: Jousting! The Cavalry of Heroes arrived just In time to help defeat the evil Black Knight, who wanted to steal all the ice cream in the world. The host laid three challenges before them: skill, tricks, and the joust. Campers flocked to witness the grand event in the main arena, with the banks filled with supporters of the knights. There was power to the girls with Kayley Islington Guides Carnival Fest stating that ‘the girl gonna win’ - it didn’t matter which side! 16th Scunthorpe supported Sir Jammidodger to win, while Martin from Folk Fest wanted Lady Morgana to get knocked off her horse. Hugh also commented on the clothing choice, saying ‘the best clothes is probably the dark knight.‘

Angel and Reece of Angels n' Bandits performed four songs at the opening ceremony; two originals and two covers. The crowds lapped up the energy and style. Their original ‘Bruises’, was written for a bullying campaign in 2018. Positive messages were everywhere and the atmosphere was upbeat and accepting.

With so many activities on offer at Poacher 2022, you would think lunchtime would give you time to catch your breath. Not so! Lunchtime activities take place every day from 1pm to 1:30pm in the main arena. 

Before the Opening Ceremony began, we were lucky enough to chat to TikTok stars and five-piece band, Here at Last. Band mates Pedro, Tommy, James, Zach and Ryan said “we’ve never done an event like this before”.

Here we are… Poacher 2022! Kicking off our weeklong festival, the opening ceremony has started us off with a bang. Circus Fest led the parade into the main stage, with the subcamp team towering over us all as they walked in on stilts, showing off their amazing skills - which I am sure they will pass on to their participants. In the middle of the celebrations we were treated to a surprise jamboree proposal, congratulations Dave & Claire! As Folk Fest finished filling in the main stage area, all 5,500 participants were ready for the start of one of the first Jamborees since 2019. 10,000 people will pass through Poacher over the next week making it the 20th biggest settlement in Lincolnshire.

Every day throughout Poacher 2022, JamFM are broadcasting live telling stories from around the site.