Much like cups of tea and strawberries and cream, music festivals have become a thoroughly British institution. And whether you’re into heavy metal, pure pop or hardcore dance music, rest assured there’s a festival out there for you.
If you’re a seasoned festival-goer, then you’re probably able to navigate your way from your campsite to the main stage blindfolded. If, however, you’re heading to a music festival for the first time, the whole experience can seem rather daunting. That’s where One Stop Record Shop comes in, ready to offer up some much needed advice whatever the weather. Here are 7 top tips for those heading to music festivals for the first time…
Decide on a meeting point
Festivals are busy places, so don’t be surprised if you get separated from your friends at least a couple of times over the weekend. You might even want to go and watch acts that they don’t like – hey, we don’t all have the same taste! Either way, choose a designated meeting point so that you know where to reconvene – you don’t want to spend hours wondering around looking for a proverbial needle in a haystack.
Don’t buy an expensive tent
Festival campsites get very crowded – so much so, there’s every chance someone might stumble over (or into) your tent. Darkness + alcohol + guy ropes = disaster! Consequently, there’s a chance both you and your tent might not make it home in the same condition you left in. For this reason, don’t spend a small fortune on a tent; instead, buy one that you can easily afford to replace.
Choose your pitch carefully
Where you pitch your tent is of utmost importance, so get there early to try and secure a decent spot. If you can help it, don’t pitch your tent next to path in order to reduce the risk of someone falling into your tent, and absolutely do not camp near the toilets for obvious reasons! Read more essential festival camping tips.
Invest in a pair of earplugs
Sleeping might not be at the very top of your agenda at a festival, but at some point you’re going to need to get some shut eye. And when you do, earplugs are an essential. Even after the music has finished, the campsite is still a noisy place to be, so if you want a decent night’s sleep, pop in some earplugs.
Personalise your tent
Trying to identify your tent in a sea of lookalikes is difficult at the best of times, even harder in the dark or after a couple of drinks. Personalise your tent in some way – making a flag is a good idea – so you can easily spot it in the crowd. Read more handy festival camping hacks.
Take wet wipes
Every festival-goer’s best friend. Even if you don’t venture to the showers during the festival, wet wipes will help you feel more human when you get up in the morning.
Clear up when you leave
It’s never nice having to pack up and leave a festival, but all good things must come to an end. When the time comes, make sure you clear up properly, throwing away any litter and taking your tent with you, even if you bin it when you get home. Read more tips for packing up properly when leaving a festival.
More advice for festivals and camping can be found over at Winfields.
