By Esme Campbell
Festival season has officially begun, but for all its glorious anticipation, there is an intimidating hurdle to jump: being prepared.
Regardless of whether you’re going for a day or braving the campsites, planning for music festivals is no easy feat. I’m prone to rocking up with little more than the clothes on my back and a devil-may-care attitude, but I paint a better example of what not to do.
From the family-friendly Latitude to the absolute anarchy that is Reading and Leeds, turning up with a provident ensemble of possessions and a few solid plans can turn your experience from surviving into thriving.
So, whether you tend to leave a music festival feeling on top of the world or a modicum away from six feet under (we’re not judging), these tips may help you exit the next one with your dignity, wallet, and minimal headache.
Practice pitching a tent
A word of advice to the campers: if you’ve never put up a tent in your life, a festival is not the time to try.
No matter how many pairs of hands are helping, if none of them have pitched a tent before, you will inevitably end up spending hours wrestling with a few square meters of canvas, various strings, and poles, that definitely haven’t been put in the right places. Only for it to fall down three hours later.
Practising the art of grappling it into the ground before you go to the festival will save you bags of time and frustration. You may even produce something that remains standing throughout the night. And try to avoid pitching it near the toilets and showers where possible… unless you want to sink.
Be prepared for rain
Obvious but necessary, anticipating wet weather is a staple of UK musical festivals. Packing accordingly is a must, but many miss the memo.
My Saturday afternoon at Parklife was thwarted by a thunderstorm. Crowds flocked under the only roofed (metal) structures (bonus tip: don’t do that), and as security guided the herd away, I watched with undisguised envy at the better-prepared festival-goers pulling plastic ponchos from their pockets.
A clear pullover waterproof has certainly become a more popular item to pack, but rain protections still slip under the radar for many. So, listen to a former victim of the anti-poncho club: complacency is your downfall. So is the Met Office! Regardless of how many times you check the forecast, only a waterproof can save you. Plastic ponchos may not get you on the cover of Vogue, but they will make sure you don’t spend the day feeling like a misplaced fish.
We recommend: SOL Rain Poncho 4pk – £5.99 from Amazon.
Pack a first-aid kit
Music festivals are well-prepared with their first-aid tents and paramedics on hand. The queue for these, however, can be discouraging at best.
Obviously, a more serious injury, suspected illness or medical complication shouldn’t be remedied with a quick-fix solution pulled from the bottom of a medical bag your mate’s mum put together. The first aiders are there for a reason, but it’s always useful to be equipped with at least an antiseptic wipe and a plaster.
Plus, a handy-dandy health kit could ensure you don’t miss Confidence Man because a paramedic is digging a glass splinter out of your thumb (I don’t wanna talk about it).
We recommend: HONYAO First Aid Kit 90 Pcs – £8.49 from Amazon (Be aware you will not be allowed to take sharp objects into festival sites so these should be removed from first aid kits).
Stay hydrated
I cannot emphasise this enough, even if I had a megaphone and a radio broadcast. It will be chocka. It will be warm. You will sweat. Drink water frequently!
Bring an empty water bottle – one with a strap or clip is best – and fill it up at hydration points if you can. Just keep drinking, and remember, alcohol isn’t water.
We recommend: Trespass Collapsible Water Bottle 350ml – £1.99 from Trespass Online Store.
Talk to strangers, but stay with people you trust
Music festivals are a fantastic place to meet new people with shared interests. There’s nothing quite like bonding over catchy guitar riffs in the queue for the portaloos.
That being said, don’t be overly trusting of people you’ve just met, especially if you’ve already got a few drinks in you and some valuables in your bum bag. Be friendly, be kind, but don’t be careless. The safest bet is to just stick around the folk you came with.
Bring suncream… and maybe a sunhat
The UK may suffer from a collective Vitamin D deficiency, but it still has its brief moments of golden glory. With most music festivals being scheduled for the summer, lathering on the factor 50 is a smart move.
At many festivals you will be out in the sun for days, often with little shelter. Overlooking sun protection doesn’t just make you prone to some wacky tan lines, but puts you at risk of burning, dehydration and even heatstroke.
Bring a parasol for all I care, just make sure you pack something to stave off the sun damage.
We recommend: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 SPF50+ – £16.00 from Boots.
Ear plugs are your friends
An essential for campers, but equally useful for the day-timers. Everyone’s there for the same reason, to revel in the non-stop anthems, and I wouldn’t blame you for forgoing the ear protections to enjoy it loud and clear.
Regardless, a pair of plugs are nifty items, particularly for those who get over-stimulated – and they’re useful to ward off the tinnitus.
As for the camping lot, earplugs are the centrepiece for a good nighttime rest, especially around some rowdy neighbours. Please, don’t rely on a bottle of vodka to get you to sleep.
We recommend: Loop Experience 2 reusable earplugs – £29.95 from Loop Online Store.
Shoes, shoes, shoes
Don’t underestimate the power of good shoes. Comfortable walking boots that you have worn before – (for the love of all that is good, do not wear shoes you haven’t broken in) – are a reliable choice.
Otherwise, a pair of trainers that you’re not too attached to work well, but make sure they’re sufficiently water-tight. It’s always wise to bring spares, too.
Finally: if you have room in your bag – bring toilet paper!
The portaloos run out quickly.
In the name of a great time, we hope these tips provide some worthwhile advice to enhance your future festival experiences. Try to keep your wits about you – easier said than done, I know – and make sure your enjoyment doesn’t mean you neglect to look after yourself. Your experience will be far sweeter if you take care of your well-being. Stay safe, stay hydrated and tip number 10 for you: have fun!
See you in the crowds!
Alfie Dook 
Kyle Horne