Summer Festival Guide: 5 Tips For Surviving One

Sunburn, hangovers, knee-deep mud and stinking port-a-loos – all things you’re going to need to conquer if you plan on surviving a summer festival. A lot of people shun the idea of camping out in the great outdoors for a few days, but it can be such a fun experience if you just go along with it, relax and leave all your creature comfort loving habits at the tent door. Sure, it’s messy, hot, cold and annoying at times, but the atmosphere and camaraderie that’s in the air at a music festival is truly amazing, and one everyone should experience in their life. You are never too old after all – just look at the wide range of ages of people attending Glastonbury each year – if they can do it, so can you!

If you’re feeling a little unsure or you don’t know what to expect then don’t worry! Be excited about all the bands you’re going to see and leave the rest up to me – here’s my 5 tips for surviving a summer festival, no experience needed.

Go Prepared

I’m not just talking supplies – sure, you’re going to need wet wipes, hand sanitiser and enough toilet paper to mummify Cleopatra, but you also need to be mentally prepared to completely rock out and have the weekend of your life. If you’re going to one of the huge festivals with multiple stages then you might also want to print out a set list and plan which acts you want to see and when, then you can relax when you arrive and not have to worry about running around everywhere trying to find out who’s playing where.

Keep An Open Mind

Anything goes at a festival, and I mean anything! If you have the capacity to be uptight, princessy or throw tantrums then you are going to need to get over these things pretty quick! Unless you choose to glamp it up in one of the posh VIP areas then accept the fact you are going to feel a little dirty and uncomfortable for some of the weekend – just enjoy it! When else can you use the excuse that the line is too long not to shower?!

Let Your Inner Freak-Light Shine Brightly

Always wanted to dress up as Hello Kitty or pretend you’re a famous rockstar? A festival is the place to do it – be creative and come up with your very own festival look, or dress up with friends. The media often scour festival grounds looking for kooky types so you might even land yourself on MTV if you’re so inclined! A word of warning though – try to keep your individuality within the constraints of the law – I don’t want anyone to come crying to me when they’re thrown in jail after being found naked and barking like a dog in someone elses tent.

When All Else Fails, Buy Another Drink

It’s not that I condone binge drinking, but sometimes you just have to face up to the fact that nothing is going to improve a situation quite like an ice cold beer. When you’re tired, cranky, being rammed up against a total stranger or in the depths of the worst hangover of your life you just have to laugh and enjoy the moment over a drink with mates – you’re out seeing some of the best bands in the world, so enjoy it while it lasts and savour the fact you’re not chained to a desk somewhere. Lucky bastard!

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