Music festival do’s and don’ts

DO

• Try to plan out your day/s. With a massive amount of talent to take in you won’t get to see every band on your list. Prioritising will mean you can see some of the full sets rather than trekking wildly for little snippets
• Take some time to embrace the festival, there’s so much to see and do. Take a few chances to watch some random music or indulge in some yoga, painting or good old fashioned people watching.
• Be patient! From arriving, setting up camp, getting from stage to stage and going home there will be delays and lines. Embrace it as part of the experience and allow plenty of time to get around.
• Make some new friends. People camping near you and people in the crowd are all likeminded music fans. This isn’t rush hour on the Tube so put a smile on your face and don’t fret too much if someone accidentally squashes your toes in the crowd.
• Organise meeting spots with your mates. You will get separated from your friends at some stage. Enjoy the solo adventure but make sure you’ve got a landmark and times to meet up later.

DON’T

• Underestimate the unpredictable weather elements. It can be blazing hot one moment, pouring rain the next. A pair of gumboots is crucial for any muddy fields and sunscreen will help you through the long hot days.
• Overdo it too early. Three days of music starting in the morning and carrying into the wee hours of the night is hard slog. Passing out by lunchtime is a waste and only gives people walking past the humour of seeing you face down while the best bands play in the background.
• Forget to eat! Yep, it’s your mum’s nagging coming into to play but you need the energy. Take some food in; it’s cheaper and allows for a breakfast debrief around camp with your mates about plans for the day and last night’s war stories. Although, you can pretty much find any food from vegan to Vietnamese for sale at the food stalls.
• Let the dirt get to you. Showers are scarce; eventually everything you’ve brought will be wet, dusty or muddy. Take comfort in the fact everyone smells a little bit and it’s not often you get to enjoy the back to nature feel… Or maybe that’s just us…
• Forget ticket, wallet, ID and your dancing shoes!

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