FESTIVAL season is still rockin’ and rollin’! Whether it’s a one-day wonder or a mad weekender, there’s plenty more fun to be had before summer is out.
End of the Road and Radio 2 in the Park are on the horizon. Even if you’re a total newbie, don’t fret. Here’s your ultimate guide to being a fest legend – you’ll totally smash it.
A bum bag is a handy place to store your phone when things start getting lively. You should also stock it with essentials: painkillers for sore heads and plasters to deal with blisters. A supply of wet wipes will be like gold dust if the facilities leave something to be desired, and a small bottle of hand gel wouldn’t go amiss.
Not like that. You need to stay properly hydrated or it’s going to get very messy, especially in the heat. There will be taps, but be aware some festivals no longer sell plastic bottles so bring a refillable one.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad festival clothing. A pair of cut-offs and a hoodie are unlikely to suffice. Pack a quality rainproof and, because churned mud is a nightmare, sturdy boots or, better still, a pair of wellies. With a bit of luck you’ll also need a hat, high factor sunscreen and chapstick.
Don’t take up valuable space with extra Hawaiian shirts or spangly boob tubes – a few pairs of fresh socks and clean underwear are much more important. And it can feel icy once the sun sets, so think layers. Wear a watch (in case your phone flatlines) but avoid expensive accessories like designer sunglasses. When it all goes off you might well lose them.
Bring your own supply of toilet paper if you’re camping. This needs no further explanation.
Agree a rendezvous point. It’s easy to become separated at a festival, and the Law of Sod says your phone signal/battery will let you down when you most need it. Don’t pick an obvious spot – everyone will do the same thing and you’ll never hook up. Choose a specific food stand.
On that (voice) note, the queues for phone charging points, if there are any, will be unrelentingly long. Carry an emergency battery pack.
If you’re doing an overnighter, put up your tent properly. It’s easy to get excited, do it badly and run off to the nearest stage, but if the wind is strong your home for the weekend will be gone. Water runs downhill: camp at the bottom and you may wake up wet, or find you have floated off overnight. Most tents are a similar colour – you’re going to struggle to find it, particularly at night. Find something distinctive to tie to it, and memorise the location.
You can’t see every band, so make sure you have your favourites dialled – that may mean some tough choices. If there’s a festival app with a map, download it and make a note of the running order. Work out when to take food breaks and switch stages. Remember, the bigger the festival the longer it takes to walk between venues. Factor in enough time to queue to get into a tent.
There are enough food trucks to try something new for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so mix up your flavours. But don’t overdo it. Apologies for going downmarket, but remember what goes in must come out.
Be responsible. Use the bins provided, or better still take your rubbish home. Don’t abandon your tent or other gear when you leave.
Make time to catch unfamiliar acts – you might discover a new obsession. Embrace the experience… and don’t do anything we wouldn’t.
