Surviving UK Festival Season

Here in the UK we’re now officially three months into the year, which can only mean one thing: festival season is almost upon us. 2024 will be treating us to a jam packed schedule of niche dance events all the way through to major weekends like Download Festival in Donington Park, The Isle of Wight Festival, Creamfields, Reading and Leeds and of course, at the height of the summer solstice, Glastonbury Festival. 

Whether you’re a seasoned festival goer or a newbie, camping out for the first time with thousands of other music lovers, there’s always room for improvement in your festival survival game. Here’s some of our very best tips for surviving the worst — let’s be honest, British weather always lets us down! — so that you can thoroughly enjoy the best of three days in a muddy field.

The Planning Stages 

This is a bit of a no-brainer, but start out by sorting through your camping gear. At a minimum, you’ll need a tent, sleeping bag, and camping accessories. Plan out your packing list meticulously, covering all the necessities from toiletries and sunscreen to wet wipes and a powerbank. 

Think ahead about what you’re going to eat, since festival food can be quite expensive and isn’t necessarily the most nutritionally dense grub you can get your hands on. Packing energy bars and dried fruit and nuts are always handy options when you need to refuel between sets. Don’t forget about a sturdy water bottle to ensure you’ll stay hydrated. 

It’s also worth preparing a few handy ways to stay entertained during your journey to the festival site, especially if you’re travelling by public transport. You may not have the space to lug your laptop around, but a tablet or smartphone can do everything your computer can in a more convenient size. 

Make a list of the things you like to do to pass the time, whether that’s reading or gameplaying. Speaking of games, it’s easy to access a whole host of exciting gaming experiences on your portable devices, including some amazing music-themed slots games on platforms like PokerStars Casino that will really get you in the mood for the fun and frivolities ahead. It doesn’t matter if you’re a casino gaming pro or beginner either, since these slots titles have simple mechanics but are still highly engaging. Alternatively, if you’re headed to a rock festival, you can play games like Guitar Band Rock Battle in a web browser or on your smartphone.  

What to Wear

Let’s face it, festivals are one of the few occasions where we can wear whatever we want to and not feel out of place. We always recommend bringing a show stopping outfit (that’s festival weather friendly, of course) but it’s also worth thinking about more practical items for your weekender wardrobe. 

It’s certainly possible to prioritise comfort without having to sacrifice your personal style. Lightweight, breathable fabrics will be your best friend in the rare event of scorchers, and you can layer them up come the evening. Pack your waterproofs and keep them upon your person at all times, and don’t forget that sturdy footwear will be essential for navigating uneven terrain and muddy fields. 

Accessories are something you can really go to town on, just make sure you take at least one hat and a pair of staple sunnies. 

On Site

When you first arrive at your chosen festival it can be tempting to ignore all this good advice we’ve given you and dive headfirst into the crowd. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, staying hydrated is crucial during any day or weekend event, especially if you’re combining the summer heat with the odd tipple or three. When you arrive, scout out where the water stations are so you know where to head to when your supply runs low. 

As well as all the incredible music and live performances you’ll be able to soak up, embrace the festival spirit by checking out new acts and taking part in any festival activities that are on the line-up. You’ll not just make some incredible memories by engaging with the wide variety of things on offer, you’re also bound to make some new lifelong friends too.  It really should go without saying that it’s your responsibility to clean up after yourself. Dispose of all your waste responsibly by using the designated recycling and rubbish bins, and take reusable and refillable containers for your food and liquid to cut down on the amount of single-use plastic you’ll otherwise plough through.