Festival Survival Guide

Whether you’re aiming for the full 3-5 day experience, or just the one-day wonder, whizz through this handy checklist to stay safe and get the most out of your partying.

by Bookastay staff

Ten handy things to take with you

• Plenty of cash – ATMs may be few and in high demand.
• No major valuables – we don’t want tears before bed.
• A few plastic bags – for rubbish, to wear as oversocks if wet and muddy, and to sit on.
• A refillable drink bottle – most festivals these days have free water dispensers.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, a hat.
• A torch if after dark.
• Comfy shoes and a rain jacket.
• Your (charged) mobile.
• A cheap or possibly disposable camera – or none at all. Remember, there will be pix better than you can take online by the next day, and your fondly-imagined fabulous shots from the back of the tent will no doubt be hopeless.
• Wet wipes and a few bandaids.

Ten things to bear in mind

• You may have to queue for hours for basic human requirements such as water or toilets.
• You may encounter individuals that are seriously drunk, repulsively feral or possibly naked. A smile can work wonders!
• You may encounter extremes of weather ranging from flood to heatwave. See 5 and 7 above.
• If you decide to go dressed as a giant hummingbird or similar, consider taking a change of clothes with you in case you or others weary of your outfit.
• Pace yourself. Don’t drink too much and tragically lose two-thirds of the festival passed out under the stage.
• Respect the music and don’t stand about talking loudly with your friends throughout a set you’re not interested in.
• Police sniffer dogs might look cute, but they also know your favourite hiding places.
• You will probably have to let your standards of personal hygiene and personal space slip a little.
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
• There’s always someone wearing a Dr Seuss top hat. Don’t be that person.