Going to a festival, while some of the best fun you can have in a summer, brings a host of challenges. When your socks are damp, you haven’t showered in days, and you’ve run out of money for food, the festival experience can feel much less glamorous than it looks online. Luckily, these problems can be avoided! This article will run through all the essentials to bring (that you might forget about), tips for having the best time, and what you definitely shouldn’t do. By the end of the article, you’ll be a festival-going expert.
What to bring:
- First, prepare for the weather. ALL types of weather. It doesn’t matter what the forecast says, because that CANNOT BE TRUSTED. Pack both a light waterproof coat (or the festival classic, a poncho) and some sun cream, as well as a hat.
- If it does tip it down, you at least want to keep your stuff dry – therefore, pack some plastic bags to line your bag with and keep any wet clothes separate.
- Getting lost at 11pm while drunk is the worst, and it’s important to stay in contact with your friends if (and when) this happens. Pack a power bank to keep your charge up, and if you’re really worried, share your location with your friend group, so they can track you down!
- Festivals tend to be two things: gross and loud. They’re also brilliant fun though, so pack a mini hand sanitiser and some earplugs to have the best experience. Baby wipes are also a popular choice for campers who know the shower queues will be impossible to conquer.
- This tip is a little sneaky, so make sure you check your festival’s regulations before you do it. Food and drinks at festivals can be ridiculously expensive, so pack as many snacks as you can to get you through. Cereal bars are a classic breakfast choice for when £6 porridge doesn’t seem appealing. You can also sneak alcohol in via different containers, but absolutely check whether this is okay before you try it – you want to get into the venue in the first place!
Now that you’re kitted out for a great weekend, there’s a few top tips to remember while you’re living your best life. Here’s the do’s and don'ts of festival-going, to make sure you have a great time.
DO…
…have a meeting place. We’ve already covered getting lost in the ‘What to bring’ section, but if you do forget your power bank, it’s good to have a meeting place to reunite with your group. The main stage tends to be a good option, because it’s so easy to find.
…plan out your day. Don’t stress – you don’t need a detailed itinerary. It might be good to check out the schedule beforehand, though, so you have a rough idea of who you want to see. Missing out on your favourites can be easily avoided!
…figure out your tent before you get there. Everyone thinks they know how to make a tent until they’re actually in the field, covered in tarpaulin. Try it out before you head off to the festival, but don’t worry – you can always ask for help!
…make your tent identifiable. Putting a flag on top can make sure you get back easily after a long day of jumping up and down. Even if that flag is just a shirt on a stick, it can save you wandering around at midnight for too long.
DON’T…
…try to see everyone. You’ll overwhelm yourself, and end up more stressed than excited. Festivals are supposed to be fun, so make sure you’re pacing yourself and listening to your body for when it’s time to stop.
…put your tent at the bottom of a hill. This is a recipe for disaster, or in other words, a very swampy tent. Any level of rain, even a drizzle, might collect at the bottom of the hill, and foil your plans for a dry night’s sleep.
…skimp out on socks. You can never have too many socks! You might step in a puddle, or get muddy, or just want some fresh socks. Be nice to yourself. Pack extra.
You’ve made it to the end, and you’re now an expert. The most important thing is to have fun – festivals are experiences of a lifetime, and are all about the people you meet, the independence you learn, and the crowds you surf! Have a great time, and check out Ruby Thorpe’s article to grab some cheap last-minute tickets to festivals around the UK. Enjoy the festival season!
