It’s that time of year again! Muddy boots, soggy tents, warm beer, traffic jams and… the toilets.
Festivals, don’t ya just love ‘em??
Most of you lovely people are going to have an excellent time, but sometimes things just don’t go to plan. Still, it need not be as scary as all that if you just observe the following survival tips from a bunch of people who have been there, done it and have managed to live to tell the tale. Read on…
Get hold of a site map before you arrive or as you get there. This will either be in the programme, on the festival website or may be available from the information tent. Find out where first aid and welfare services are. Then, if you need them, you can get there straight away with least distress. (If you're bringing kids, then the welfare team will usually take care of them if they get lost) Now arrange a meeting point with your friends before you get lost. Not behind the mixing desk - unless you like wandering around with 50 other lost people in the dark. Choose somewhere well lit and not too crowded. Bear in mind that the “official” meeting point may not be accessible when the arena is closed. If you do lose someone, try the welfare tent. Don't rely on mobile phones to meet up as they can get lost/stolen/broken or may run out of charge/credit/signal.
Read through the Terms & Conditions of entry supplied with your ticket or on the website - there might be restrictions on age, type of vehicle etc that apply to you.
YOUR STUFF
Pitching your tent. It may sound obvious, but check your tent before you leave. Is it waterproof? Have you got enough poles and tent pegs? Have you got a ground sheet? Do you know how to put it up? Next, choose your location wisely. It might be easier to find your tent by a path or hedge, but people are more likely to stumble over it… or worse, relieve themselves. Make sure you can recognise your site by fixed landmarks (like trees or poles). Things can look very different at night & when other tents have moved/arrived. Try decorating your tent with flags and paint and so on - not only will it be easier to find but it may also deter theft.
On this note, don’t bring anything that you can’t afford to lose. If you do bring valuables either carry them with you or use left luggage or lock ups, which might be free or charge a small fee for peace of mind!. Split your money into various hiding places when you crash out in case you're burgled in the night. Try to avoid wandering around alone at night - assaults are extremely rare, but sadly have been known to happen. If you are attacked and want to get some help you can contact the stewards and/or go to medical, welfare and/or police. The staff at festivals are here to help you, so don't blame yourself for the actions of other people.
Get to know your neighbours! Then you can keep an eye on each others' stuff.
Don’t change gas bottles in your tent or near naked flames or lit cigarettes. Fire can spread quickly through a campsite and the results could be lethal. The on site stewards and fire wardens can give you advice and help if needed. If you camp in a fire lane, your tent WILL be removed. Check with stewards before putting it up.
Burning plastic and throwing gas cannisters or aerosols onto fires is not only stupid & anti-social, but can be dangerous and won't win points in any popularity contests. It does not make you look big and clever - and it may result in you being evicted from the festival.
Lost tickets or wristbands WILL NOT BE REPLACED. Think carefully before buying tickets from touts outside the event or online. Lots of people get ripped off buying forgeries. It might look the real thing to you, but it won’t do to the people on the gate. Only hand over your ticket at the gate on-site or wristband exchange (as appropriate) Beware bogus officials off site 'checking' tickets - they may try to rip you off. And hang on tight to that ticket - people have had them pick-pocketed in the crowds at the gates or even simply snatched from their hands as they go through. Don't let this happen to you.
YOUR BODY
Remember the good old British weather! It can get really cold at night, even if the day was warm. A warm top, long trousers and a hat are a good idea. Layers is the thing. You might need to take waterproofs. Some people prefer wellies in mud, other prefer walking boots. You will be doing a lot of walking over rough ground - think what will be comfortable for you. If hot, cover up in the sun and use sunscreen - drink plenty of water.
Try to eat at least one hot meal a day and drink enough non-alcoholic drinks. You should be having a piss about three times a day - any less and you might be de-hydrated. Being de-hydrated makes you more prone to feeling tired/irritable and having headaches - not what you want after paying £150+ of your hard-earned cash to have a good time. There are FREE water points in the arena and the campsite (near the toilets) and the water is safe to drink.
New body piercings and tattoos are much harder to keep clean at festivals - even if where you got them was clean.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Alcohol. Try to know your limits!! Don’t drink on an empty stomach or mix it with drugs,
prescription or otherwise. Very drunk people are far more likely to have accidents at
festivals, lose or quarrel with their friends or get lost. If one of your mates does drink
too much, don’t leave them alone or let them wander off (however annoying they might be).
Encourage them to re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks, e.g. water. If they do pass out,
lie them on their side with a clear airway (the recovery position - SEE RIGHT) & send
someone to get help. Be wary of accepting an open drink, like a can, from a stranger
- people have been 'spiked' and subsequently robbed and/or assaulted.
Drugs are just as illegal on-site as off-site and there will be police & security around.
What's more, festivals are not the place to experiment with stuff for the first time.
You might not get the effect you expect. Even if you think you’re used to a particular
drug, you may get ripped off or sold some dodgy gear. Don't know what it is? Don't take it!
If you do freak out or want some information, then come to welfare. They won't judge you or preach to you and can provide a safe space if you’re having a bad time - and it’s confidential.
“Herbal Highs” and some "Magic Mushrooms" may still be legal at this time, but can still make you feel sick or anxious. Get some advice at the stall or shop when you buy them. If the seller seems not to know or care - go somewhere else! Welfare can advise you about these things.
A needle exchange may be found at welfare and/or first aid.
If you want some more detailed advice before the event, about any drug - including alcohol, in confidence, you can contact the
National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or
Welfare may provide free condoms & confidential advice about sex and related issues such as HIV or other problems. Morning After Pill may be available at First Aid for a small charge or use a town pharmacy. You have 72 hours in which to use it, but the sooner the better. Or you have 5 days to use an IUD as emergency contraception. But remember condoms not only protect against pregnancy but Sexually Transmitted Disease ('V.D.') too.
TOILETS...
At the risk of sounding like your mum, wash your hands after using the loo and before eating food. You really don't want 'festival tummy', do you? Do you really want to be running off to use them every 5 minutes? No. We didn't think so. You could also use some water free hand sanitizer that comes in pocket size bottles available from any pharmacy/drug store.
Lastly - have a good time! Be good to yourself and each other.
Debs at Safeconcerts has written an extended version of this guide. Please access this via the 'links' page.
Festivals, don’t ya just love ‘em??
Most of you lovely people are going to have an excellent time, but sometimes things just don’t go to plan. Still, it need not be as scary as all that if you just observe the following survival tips from a bunch of people who have been there, done it and have managed to live to tell the tale. Read on…
Get hold of a site map before you arrive or as you get there. This will either be in the programme, on the festival website or may be available from the information tent. Find out where first aid and welfare services are. Then, if you need them, you can get there straight away with least distress. (If you're bringing kids, then the welfare team will usually take care of them if they get lost) Now arrange a meeting point with your friends before you get lost. Not behind the mixing desk - unless you like wandering around with 50 other lost people in the dark. Choose somewhere well lit and not too crowded. Bear in mind that the “official” meeting point may not be accessible when the arena is closed. If you do lose someone, try the welfare tent. Don't rely on mobile phones to meet up as they can get lost/stolen/broken or may run out of charge/credit/signal.
Read through the Terms & Conditions of entry supplied with your ticket or on the website - there might be restrictions on age, type of vehicle etc that apply to you.
YOUR STUFF
Pitching your tent. It may sound obvious, but check your tent before you leave. Is it waterproof? Have you got enough poles and tent pegs? Have you got a ground sheet? Do you know how to put it up? Next, choose your location wisely. It might be easier to find your tent by a path or hedge, but people are more likely to stumble over it… or worse, relieve themselves. Make sure you can recognise your site by fixed landmarks (like trees or poles). Things can look very different at night & when other tents have moved/arrived. Try decorating your tent with flags and paint and so on - not only will it be easier to find but it may also deter theft.
On this note, don’t bring anything that you can’t afford to lose. If you do bring valuables either carry them with you or use left luggage or lock ups, which might be free or charge a small fee for peace of mind!. Split your money into various hiding places when you crash out in case you're burgled in the night. Try to avoid wandering around alone at night - assaults are extremely rare, but sadly have been known to happen. If you are attacked and want to get some help you can contact the stewards and/or go to medical, welfare and/or police. The staff at festivals are here to help you, so don't blame yourself for the actions of other people.
Get to know your neighbours! Then you can keep an eye on each others' stuff.
Don’t change gas bottles in your tent or near naked flames or lit cigarettes. Fire can spread quickly through a campsite and the results could be lethal. The on site stewards and fire wardens can give you advice and help if needed. If you camp in a fire lane, your tent WILL be removed. Check with stewards before putting it up.
Burning plastic and throwing gas cannisters or aerosols onto fires is not only stupid & anti-social, but can be dangerous and won't win points in any popularity contests. It does not make you look big and clever - and it may result in you being evicted from the festival.
Lost tickets or wristbands WILL NOT BE REPLACED. Think carefully before buying tickets from touts outside the event or online. Lots of people get ripped off buying forgeries. It might look the real thing to you, but it won’t do to the people on the gate. Only hand over your ticket at the gate on-site or wristband exchange (as appropriate) Beware bogus officials off site 'checking' tickets - they may try to rip you off. And hang on tight to that ticket - people have had them pick-pocketed in the crowds at the gates or even simply snatched from their hands as they go through. Don't let this happen to you.
YOUR BODY
Remember the good old British weather! It can get really cold at night, even if the day was warm. A warm top, long trousers and a hat are a good idea. Layers is the thing. You might need to take waterproofs. Some people prefer wellies in mud, other prefer walking boots. You will be doing a lot of walking over rough ground - think what will be comfortable for you. If hot, cover up in the sun and use sunscreen - drink plenty of water.
Try to eat at least one hot meal a day and drink enough non-alcoholic drinks. You should be having a piss about three times a day - any less and you might be de-hydrated. Being de-hydrated makes you more prone to feeling tired/irritable and having headaches - not what you want after paying £150+ of your hard-earned cash to have a good time. There are FREE water points in the arena and the campsite (near the toilets) and the water is safe to drink.
New body piercings and tattoos are much harder to keep clean at festivals - even if where you got them was clean.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Alcohol. Try to know your limits!! Don’t drink on an empty stomach or mix it with drugs,
prescription or otherwise. Very drunk people are far more likely to have accidents at
festivals, lose or quarrel with their friends or get lost. If one of your mates does drink
too much, don’t leave them alone or let them wander off (however annoying they might be).
Encourage them to re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks, e.g. water. If they do pass out,
lie them on their side with a clear airway (the recovery position - SEE RIGHT) & send
someone to get help. Be wary of accepting an open drink, like a can, from a stranger
- people have been 'spiked' and subsequently robbed and/or assaulted.
Drugs are just as illegal on-site as off-site and there will be police & security around.
What's more, festivals are not the place to experiment with stuff for the first time.
You might not get the effect you expect. Even if you think you’re used to a particular
drug, you may get ripped off or sold some dodgy gear. Don't know what it is? Don't take it!
If you do freak out or want some information, then come to welfare. They won't judge you or preach to you and can provide a safe space if you’re having a bad time - and it’s confidential.
“Herbal Highs” and some "Magic Mushrooms" may still be legal at this time, but can still make you feel sick or anxious. Get some advice at the stall or shop when you buy them. If the seller seems not to know or care - go somewhere else! Welfare can advise you about these things.
A needle exchange may be found at welfare and/or first aid.
If you want some more detailed advice before the event, about any drug - including alcohol, in confidence, you can contact the
National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or
Welfare may provide free condoms & confidential advice about sex and related issues such as HIV or other problems. Morning After Pill may be available at First Aid for a small charge or use a town pharmacy. You have 72 hours in which to use it, but the sooner the better. Or you have 5 days to use an IUD as emergency contraception. But remember condoms not only protect against pregnancy but Sexually Transmitted Disease ('V.D.') too.
TOILETS...
At the risk of sounding like your mum, wash your hands after using the loo and before eating food. You really don't want 'festival tummy', do you? Do you really want to be running off to use them every 5 minutes? No. We didn't think so. You could also use some water free hand sanitizer that comes in pocket size bottles available from any pharmacy/drug store.
Lastly - have a good time! Be good to yourself and each other.
Debs at Safeconcerts has written an extended version of this guide. Please access this via the 'links' page.
Don’t forget to bring any prescribed medication in its original packing and proof that it's for you; some sun screen; toilet roll; a sleeping bag and camping mat; a torch & enough money to last the weekend - and get you home. Don't depend on there being on-site cash machines. If there are then queues can be long, you will likely pay a £2 fee and some machines will not take credit cards or non-UK issued cards.
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And even if they're really muddy, take your boots off when you go to bed. Wet feet = 'trench foot'. Not at all nice.
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FESTIVAL SURVIVAL GUIDE
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