How to Survive Your First Festival: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
Attending a festival for the first time can feel overwhelming. With so much to do, so little time and so many people to weave through, it's easy to get lost or feel like you've jumped in the deep end! While mistakes are easily made and make for memories to (hopefully) look back on and laugh at, with a little preparation your first festival can be an unforgettable experience for all of the right reasons. If you're heading to your first festival this summer, this beginners guide to your first festival will help you to get through the weekend relatively unscathed, while making the most of every moment.
1. Plan Your Festival Essentials in Advance
Before you even think about planning your outfits, you should focus on making a checklist so you don't forget any essentials. While it may seem obvious, packing the right items can make a monumental difference to your experience. Don't forget to pack these:
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Comfortable shoes - You'll be doing a lot of walking, which means comfort is key (even if your shoes don't end up matching your outfit). Opt for comfy trainers or sandals that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. If you're going to a festival in the UK then it might also be an idea to bring some comfy wellies.
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Weather-appropriate clothing: While we all love to imagine basking in the sun at a festival, the reality is often a lot colder and wetter. Bring layers in case it gets chilly, a waterproof jacket in case of rain, and some suncream in case you're lucky with the weather!
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Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you're lucky enough to see some sun! Most festivals have refill stations, so a reusable water bottle is an absolute must.
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Portable phone charger: Some festivals have charging stations, but they're often busy and have a long wait time. Your phone isn't just a way to document your memories, it's vital for keeping in touch with your friends and saving you from getting lost. A portable phone charger is not only more convenient but could have an impact on your safety.
2. Make Your Tent Stand Out
Finding your way back to your tent can be one of the trickiest parts of a festival, especially in the dark. It’s easy to get disoriented in a sea of identical tents. By decorating your tent and making it unique, you could save hours of wasted time over the course of a weekend. Custom flags are a great way to make your tent stand out, and can help you spot your campsite from a distance. You could also add fairy lights to the pole to make it even easier. A lot of people use flags or bunting, so ordering a custom flag will make your tent instantly recognisable.
3. Arrive Early and Set Up Your Spot
If you want to ensure you get a good spot close to the action, you need to arrive early. Pitching your tent is kind of a free for all, so at festivals the early bird really does catch the worm. Arriving early gives you the chance to pick the perfect location, whether it's near the entrance, along a main path, or close to your favourite stages.
4. Familiarise Yourself with the Festival BEFORE You Go
Preparation is key to having a great festival. Most festivals provide a map of the grounds, either online or as a physical handout when you enter. Take a few minutes to study the layout of the festival and get a rough understanding of where everything is.
You can also usually find the stage timings online a few weeks before the event. Some festivals publish the stage times on their website. Even if they don't, you can usually find the stage times on Clash Finder (Clash Finder is an absolute life saver!)
5. Stay Safe and Keep Your Valuables Secure
Festivals can be chaotic and not everyone at a festival is a good person, so it's important to keep your belongings secure. Use a money belt or a small crossbody bag to keep your phone and ID close. Most festivals are cashless these days, but it's a good idea to bring a small amount of cash for emergencies. Try to keep your card/wallet in a safe place at all times, whether it's a pocket that you can zip up or a bum bag. Bonus points if you make your bag look unique so that if it gets lost you can recognise it instantly or easily describe it to lost and found. You could go minimal effort and add a keyring with your name on it (although that could be easily removed), or have fun with it and make it difficult to disguise by adding custom patches with your name on.
When leaving your tent or campsite, take any valuables with you or lock them up. Several festivals also offer secure lockers where you can store any valuables.
6. Take Care of Your Health
Festivals are great fun, but the early starts, late nights, and fast food will take a toll on your body. Taking care of your health will help you to get the most out of the weekend.
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Sun protection: Pack sun cream, aftersun, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from sunburns or sunstroke.
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Snacks: Sure, indulge in some junk food while you're at the festival, but make sure you bring healthy snacks with you too (if the festival allows). Cereal bars, fruit or anything that's mainly whole foods (or at least minimally processed) will give you better, more sustained energy throughout the day, and will save you from that "ick" that you get after eating junk food.
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Rest: Festivals are fun, but they're also hard work. If you start feeling drained then don't keep pushing yourself. Take breaks, sit down, or take a nap if you need to.
Go with the Flow and Have Fun!
With a little bit of planning and the right mindset, your first festival can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience, and these tips will ensure that you have an unforgettable time for all of the right reasons. Festivals are about having fun, meeting new people, and making lasting memories. So take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and get ready for an amazing experience! Sometimes things do go wrong, but adapting and overcoming those issues will be the making of you.
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