The Ultimate Festival Survival Guide
The festival season is in full swing, with lots of festivals taking place in September such as Bestival, ‘The Rock and Metal Circus’ and Woolley Festival. While festivals are all about having fun, there are some essentials things that every festival-goer should be aware of before they go. We are going to cover all the essentials, including what to take with you, how to stay safe and healthy while you’re partying, as well as how to recover from a festival when you return home.
What to take with you
Before heading off to the festival, let’s make sure you are fully prepared for the British weather. Check the weather forecast in advance but prepare for all eventualities by packing sunscreen, after-sun cream and your all-important waterproofs. For the almost inevitable torrential downpours, you’ll also need your favourite wellies.
Of course, no festival survival kit would be complete without a sleeping bag, pain killers and when it comes to defending against potential predators… mosquito repellent. Take any necessary prescription medication with you such as inhalers, and whichever method of birth control you use, such as condoms. Wet wipes and antibacterial gel are essential during festivals where shower areas are often too busy or out of order. And don’t forget your toothbrush!
How to stay safe and healthy at the festival
Make sure to keep yourself as hydrated as possible at the festival. To reduce your inevitable hangover, drink a pint of water before you fall asleep, as this will help your body recover from last night’s partying. Obviously, mixing alcohol and drugs isn’t a good idea, as being lost and disorientated at a festival can be a scary experience.
When down at the stage, the music that comes blasting out of the speakers can in some cases cause lasting damage to your ears. To protect them make sure to take regular breaks away from the loudest areas, stand back from the speakers and wear earplugs. Don’t worry, the earplugs won’t completely clog up your hearing, they will simply reduce the intensity of the sound around you.
How to recover/ what to do afterwards
Returning home after a festival it is important to have yourself tested for any STI’s if you have had unprotected sex with strangers during the festival. Remember that while wild partying is fun, unsafe sex could have health implications. One of the most common STDs amongst 20-24 year olds in Britain is Genital Herpes, so it is very important to get tested after unprotected sexual contact with someone that you don’t know. Try not to let any embarrassment stop you from being tested and remember that it will be better for you in the long run.
So there you have it, the ultimate festival survival guide. Remember to stay hydrated and take care of your health whilst at a festival. Perhaps form a checklist before leaving so that you don’t head out the door with something important sitting on your bedside table. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself!