It’s festival season! “Somebody say scream!”
As a regular festival goer, I can tell you that I’ve had some of the very best times of my life Rocking the Daisies, going Up the Creek and splashing about at Splashy Fen. I’ve also had some really awful and miserable times…
*Disclaimer: The bad times were 100% my own fault!
The good news is that I learnt a lot through making the mistakes and I’m happy to share some great hacks. Consider me your personal guinea pig, you can thank me later.
I’ve concentrated on the stay-over festivals, but most of the tips are relevant for day and night events as well.
PRE-FESTIVAL PREPARATION
Ja, it may seem awfully responsible when you are off to let your hair down, but – trust me on this one – you will have a WAY better time if you do some planning upfront!
PICK PROPERLY:
• Music:
There are many amazing festivals on the go! How do you know which one is going to be your vibe? A good place to start is the music – obviously! If folk is your thing, a hectic electro party isn’t going to make you happy… Go and look at the official festival website, yes, but also check out the socials.
• People:
When you find your people, the experience gets even better! Allow me to be ageist for a second: You don’t want to find yourself surrounded by a horde of 18-year-olds when you are “more mature” and vice versa! That said, there are always exceptions. I know some very young reggae fans and some folks in their sixties who party at the DJ stages until sunrise! The point is: Make sure you are going to feel like you belong.
• Accommodation & Travel:
Many festivals are camping-based. If pitching a tent equals pitching a fit in your book, look elsewhere. Alternative spots to sleep are available, but you have to be quick at booking – they go fast! Keep in mind that you’ll have to walk/drive/ride in the dark or after a day of fun, so plan carefully. If it isn’t a stay-over event, plan how you are going to get there and get back home. Parking can be a nightmare, and festival traffic jams are a real thing!
• Rules & Regulations:
Different festivals have different rules, so get these down upfront. Pay attention to what you can and can’t bring with you and what you are and aren’t allowed to do at the festival grounds. You don’t want to spend money on something that’s going to end up in the bin!
CHECK THE WEATHER:
Nothing will make you more miserable than being unprepared for rain OR shine! Check the weather forecast and KEEP checking it – things change… That said, being prepared for any weather won’t hurt.
PACK CLEVERLY:
The keyword here is “LIGHT”! I know I said you should be prepared for whatever, but don’t overpack! I can’t stress this enough. Traveling to-and-fro with clean clothes and unused shoes means less space for the stuff you really need.
Don’t – and I cannot stress this enough – don’t take a wheelie suitcase to a festival!
• Clothes:
Comfort is key! Looking cute matters, yes, but if you’re battling to walk in those heels or you can barely sit down, your fun level will go down fast. Here are a couple of my best-packs:
o Lightweight foldable waterproof jacket
o Comfy jeans & shorts
o Leggings
o Swimwear – this can double up as underwear
o Flip-flops – 2 words: public showers
o Very comfy shoes – 2 pairs (Never take new shoes!)
o Rubber boots
o Extra socks
o Hat / Beanie
• Equipment:
If you’re going to camp, check and clean out your tent and all your camping stuff before you leave! There’s not a lot you can do about holes in your tent or an ant infestation in your sleeping bag once you’re there… Don’t forget the groundsheet!
Finding your way or your stuff in the dark can be difficult, so pack a small flashlight or a head-lamp.
HANDY HACKS:
Like I said, I’ve been there and done that! I only discovered what I should have brought or done once I needed something I didn’t have… I’ve also learnt a lot by watching the pros and learning from them!
• Snacks:
Festival food can be very expensive and the queues can be very long! Make sure you have a couple of hunger-busters on hand. Things that are properly wrapped and won’t spoil are the best: Nuts, dried fruit, crisps, etc.
• Water, water, everywhere…
You can never have enough. I suggest big bottles that you can decant into smaller ones. It’s also handy to have water for a quick wash-up; festival ablution blocks vary in quality and quantity…
• Bags:
Pack bags within bags!
o A couple of plastic bags are great. You can use it for dirty clothes, keeping clean clothes dry and protecting your electronics and other valuables in the wet.
o A cross-body bag or “fanny-pack” is best. Check your ability to move
and dance with your bag – you don’t want to whack a fellow festival goer on the dance floor!
• Trust me:
o Toilet paper / wet wipes
o Bug spray & sanitiser
o Sunscreen
• MYRKL:
This is my favourite hack of all! Pace yourself, drink lots of water and take your 2 MYRKL tablets 2 hours before you have your first drink. MYRKL slows down the absorption of alcohol, helping you to feel fresh as a daisy the next day!
Keep an eye out for PART 2 – How to festival AT the festival
Important Notes:
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently slows down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5.
