Festival Guide 101

AD – Blog post shared as part of a paid collaboration with Zopa Bank.

Heading to Glastonbury, Reading or Leeds or another festival this year? Use our Festival Guide 101, full of useful advice and tips, to help you budget and plan your ultimate festival experience and ensure you have an amazing time! Whether you’re a seasoned festival veteran or a newcomer eager to explore, it can be stressful if you do not plan your weekend properly. In this blog, we will discuss 8 practical steps to have an easy stress free time at any festival.

#ad We’re big believers in talking more openly about money so that’s why we’ve teamed up with Zopa Bank, one of the UK’s leading digital banks, who are leading the way in the #LetsTalkMoney conversation. It’s important we let you know that some of the links in this post are sponsored.

8 ways to navigate your festival experience:

1. Choose your perfect festival

Do you enjoy music? Arts and culture? Are you looking for a full weekend festival or a one day event? There is nothing worse than being stuck in a tent and not enjoying yourself, so choose a festival that is right for you! Don’t just go along with what your friends want you to do and give in to peer pressure. Instead, understand what you love and you will enjoy your festival experience so much more.

2. Get in the queue

Book your tickets as early as possible! Make sure you know the exact date and time your festival tickets go on sale. There is nothing worse than the disappointment of missing out on the event of the season. Get in the ticket queue and be prepared to have a little patience! Fingers crossed you soon have those tickets in your inbox.

3.Pack Smart, Dance Smart

Prep for a festival beforehand so you can focus on fun when you get there! The stuff you need to take may vary depending on the type of festival and the location. But we’ve put together a brief list to get you started:

Tickets and identification: Don’t forget to bring your festival tickets or wristbands along with a valid photo ID.
Money and cards: Most of us pay for things on our phone nowadays, but bring more than one method of payment just in case.
Backpack or bag: A comfortable backpack or bag to carry all your things.
Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during outdoor festivals. Bring a refillable water bottle to save money and reduce plastic waste.
Sun tan lotion: Nobody wants painful sunburn so apply regularly.
Hat and sunglasses: Additional sun protection to keep you comfortable.
Weather-appropriate clothing: Check the weather forecast and pack clothes accordingly, if it’s a British festival you’ll want to think about packing a raincoat, poncho or wellies, if there’s a chance of rain!
Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be on your feet a lot, so wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Tent and camping gear: If the festival involves camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping essentials.
The basic personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, toilet paper, etc. – the more the better!
Mini first-aid kit: plasters, pain relievers, allergy medication, etc.
Portable phone charger: How will you keep your phone charged for all the amazing videos you want to take and also for emergencies?
Small lock: Use it to secure your tent or belongings.
Bin bags: Noone likes the waste left behind at festivals so leave no trace – keep your area clean.
Food and snacks: Festival food can be expensive so find out what the rules and regulations are about taking your own food in with you.

Remember, every festival is unique, so make sure to check the festival’s official website or guidelines for any specific items that may be restricted or required.

4. Look out for your mates

Everything’s better with friends, but always consider who you will be going with as this could make or break your experience. Go with a friend who you trust and can have fun with. Did you know 200,000 people attend Glastonbury every year? Imagine getting lost in that crowd. Create regular meeting points and make sure you stick together.

5. Festival Wellness

Anxiety gets to the best of us, especially when in large social situations. If you prepare beforehand with things such as earplugs, a decent sleeping bag, clothes for all weathers, this could make your experience much more comfortable. Remember: most festivals have an experienced welfare team, so if things ever become too much, you can get confidential judgment free advice from them.

6. Plan your Schedule

Find out who is performing! Create a festival schedule so you don’t miss out on your favourite acts. Familiarise yourself with the festival grounds in advance, know where the toilets and food outlets are, and how long it takes to get from your tent to the main event.

7. Sleep easy on a budget

Festivals can really break the bank. Tickets for major festivals range between £100-£200 for the weekend, this is before you’ve even paid for travel, cute insta-worthy outfits or even daily meals. By doing your research, setting a budget, prioritising essentials, and being savvy about expenses, you can make your festival experience amazing.

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8. Capture the moments

Festivals are so aesthetically pleasing, so make sure to take lots of pics for socials and memories, these are the memories you never want to forget about. But also make sure you are being present and in the moment, (you can’t live life to the fullest with your face glued to your screen) so put down your phone occasionally and dance like nobody’s watching!

Final thoughts

Are you ready for all the memories you will create at your next festival? Remember, going to a festival is supposed to be fun. Do all your prep in advance so once you get there you can embrace the festival spirit, enjoy the vibes and let your hair down!