As the summer festival season kicks off, our Wellbeing Ambassador Jenny has put together a practical guide to help you stay safe while making the most of every moment. Whether you're heading to a local event or a major music festival, these tips will help you stay well, look after your friends, and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
The festival session is finally here, and with it comes an exciting wave of events around the bath area and beyond: from the Stonehenge Solstice Festival, Bath Hot Air Balloon Club and AfroFest Bristol Festival, or even the iconic Glastonbury and Reading Festival. Festivals are all about creating unforgettable memories, but between the fun, music, and sunshine, it’s easy to overlook your health and safety. Don’t let anything ruin your experience- stay prepared and look after yourself so you can enjoy every second without any unexpected surprises.
- First things first plan ahead
Preparation is key to a smooth and stress-free festival experience. Before even setting foot on the grounds, take some time to research the venue, location and available transportation options, especially considering how you are going to get home safely. Identify where security tents, medical tents, welfare teams and exits are. Different festivals may offer specific safety services, so research what is available to you.
While hopefully, you may never need to use some of these services, knowing what's available can give you peace of mind and help you act quickly in an emergency. Always have a general idea of the layout so that in case of an urgent situation, you're not left scrambling.
- Use the buddy system
Often you may be able to spot sooner when something is not right with your friends before they even realise, so it’s a great idea to agree on a buddy system beforehand. This means making sure to stick together, checking in on one another regularly, and setting a designated meeting point in case you get separated. Sharing your phone location can also help everyone stay connected and offer peace of mind.
Being an active bystander is also just as important. Keep an eye out for others, even strangers, and speak up when something doesn’t seem right. A small action from you could make a huge difference for someone else.
- Hydration is key
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe and feeling good at a festival. Dehydration is incredibly common, especially in warmer weather when you're spending long hours in the sun, dancing, and possibly drinking alcohol—all of which can cause your body to lose fluids quickly. To avoid dehydration, you should:
- Carry a reusable water bottle and keep it with you at all times
- Sip water consistently, not just when you feel thirsty- don’t wait until you’re already dehydrated
- Snack on water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and strawberries
- Remember: alcohol dehydrates you and is never a substitute for water
Watch out for signs of dehydration, which include dizziness, light-headedness, headaches, dry mouth and dark urine. Take advantage of free water refill stations and take breaks in the shade to stay cool and hydrated throughout the day.
- Beware of the sun
Sun can be your enemy at festivals, as can lead to problems such as sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, and sunglasses and apply high SPF sun cream frequently across the day, even on cloudy days. Remember to take breaks in the shade throughout the day when possible, especially between 11am to 3pm, when the sun can be at its worst.
- Drink responsibly
Know your limits and drink responsibly. Pace yourself throughout the day by alternating between alcoholic drinks and water. Additionally, make sure you’re eating proper meals, which are not just snacks or ice cream.
Always be on the lookout for drink spiking. Stay safe by:
- Never leaving your drink unattended
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers or where you cannot watch them being made-up
- Bring a cap to protect your drink for extra reassurance
- Keep an eye on your friends and their drinks as well
Lastly, at the university, there is a ‘Set Your Own Volume’ campaign, which promotes a range of low-alcohol or alcohol-free drink options. If you’re someone who prefers to drink less, or not at all, keep an eye out for mocktails or low-alcohol choices. Whether you're on campus or at a festival, these options mean you can still join in the fun but on your own terms.
- Wear comfortable shoes
Your feet will be doing a lot of work, so treat them kindly. Opt for shoes you’ve already broken in and that offer proper support. If you’re wearing wellies, bring long socks to avoid uncomfortable rubbing. Pack plasters or blister pads just in case, and consider applying them proactively at the start of your day.
- Keep your belongings safe
Carry a small, secure backpack or crossbody bag that can be fastened tightly and worn in front of you in crowded areas. Avoid leaving valuables in your tent- use lockers if available or keep essentials on you at all times.
- What to pack
Being prepared can make all the difference. Make sure to include in your packing:
- Reusable water bottle
- High-SPF sunscreen and sun hat
- Basic first aid kit: plasters, bandages and antiseptic wipes
- Any essential medications for you, which could range from prescription medications, and painkillers to hay fever tablets
- Phone charger and power bank to ensure your phone lasts throughout the day
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes and clothing
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket (as you never know with the UK weather!)
And finally, while keeping all this in mind, make sure to have fun and make memories to last a lifetime.
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