THE DOS AND DON’TS OF CAMPING FESTIVALS: A Beginner’s Guide

BY REENA MISTRY, HEAD AT MARKETING AT FLOGAS

Summer is upon us, and many of us have ideas of embracing the outdoors while the weather is good.

For many, the summer doesn’t start until the festivals do. If this is your first time camping at a festival, you’ll want to know what you need to prepare. Some of the essentials are a no-brainer, such as a tent, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here, we’ve created the camping festival dos and don’ts so that everything runs smoothly. DON’T SPLASH THE CASH ON FESTIVAL FOOD

Unless you’re eager to break the bank, it’s sensible to bring your own food with you rather than purchasing it at food stalls. The average festival goer will spend a staggering £46 a day on food, making it the largest daily spend at a festival.

Bringing your own food doesn’t mean opting for multipacks and eating something tasteless for the entirety of the festival. Many festivals allow portable gas BBQs, so you can cook up a storm for you and your fellow campers. Sausages for breakfast will go down a treat, and BBQ burgers at lunchtime will keep you going all day. PREPARE FOR BAD WEATHER AND PACK YOUR WELLIES

Although we’re all eager to soak up the sunshine, UK weather is unpredictable – so it’s best to be prepared for the worst. Rain is a possibility, and given the amount of time you will be spending outdoors, you’ll need to be ready for a possible downpour.

Wellies are a must-have for your camping festival. You don’t have to worry about ruining your wellies in the inevitable mud, and they’ll even keep the bottoms of your trousers safe from splashes. Remember to pop them in a bag when you get back to your tent, though – this will keep your sleeping area mud-free.

COMFORT IS KEY: BRING AN AIRBED

Sleeping outdoors isn’t as easy as just pitching your tent and lying down there and then. You may think that the quality of your sleeping bag is going to determine how cosy you can be during the night. While it will keep you toasty, sleeping directly on top of the ground, no matter the quality of your sleeping bag, is going to be unbearable.

An air bed is an essential item to take with you as it provides a soft, even, and cushioned surface for you to rest your head on, as opposed to settling for a restless night on the hard and bumpy ground.

DON’T BRING TOO MUCH CLOTHING

When the day arrives for the festival, you will likely be overjoyed – but if you’ve taken too many items to carry, this will certainly dampen your mood. Festival goers typically must brave a long walk to their campsite upon arrival, not to mention the mile-long queues for ticket checks, and this can feel like a lifetime when it is paired with heavy bags.

Camping requires a considerable number of essentials, but you mustn’t go overboard. It’s a given that clothes are essential – but only opt for an appropriate amount. Back-up options are needed to prepare for unwanted weather, such as a raincoat and a thick jumper, but consider items that you can re-wear during the festival to prevent carrying too many items of clothing that you simply won’t wear. DECIDE YOUR CAMPING SPOT CAREFULLY

The excitement of the festival may distract you from thinking logically when you arrive. Additionally, you may be sick of the walk from the car park or drop off point, resulting in you picking the first campsite spot you can find. However, the spot you choose can make or break your experience.

Avoid setting up your tent next to a footpath at all costs. If it happens to rain, it can get particularly soggy around your tent if you’re next to a footpath, as well as the risk of many people falling into your tent at night due to the combination of darkness and alcohol.

DON’T LET YOUR DEVICE RUN OUT OF CHARGE

Your phone running out of battery won’t only be a pain when you wish to take photos and videos. It’s also a risk to your safety, too, as you never know when you’ll need to make a call.

Some festivals offer stands to charge your device, although this can be costly. Investing in a portable charger saves you from a walk to the stall, which may be far from your camp, and it can be used for festivals in the future. It’s vital to ensure that your phone has charge throughout the festival in case of emergencies, and if your device features a flashlight, it can be used during the night to prevent you from stumbling into tents and tripping over the pegs. BRING A REUSABLE BOTTLE

Staying hydrated is important at a festival, especially if you’re feeling the heat. However, bringing plenty of water bottles is not only a waste of plastic, but it’s also going to be extra weight for you to carry on the way to the festival.

A reusable bottle is handy so that you can take a trip to the water stand if you’re ever feeling unwell – but that’s not all. While wipes are an option to keep clean, pouring a bottle of water over yourself might be the closest thing you get to a shower at the festival. Plus, you’ll need a splash of water for your toothbrush. DON’T FORGET YOUR SUN CREAM

If the weather is on your side for the festival, you’ll be grateful to be absorbing the rays all day – but this gratitude can soon turn to regret if you haven’t prepared for the heat. A high-factor sun cream will reduce the risk of sunburn. After all, a harsh burn will be an uncomfortable experience that could ruin your whole trip!

With our top tips, your camping festival is bound to be an unforgettable experience. Which festival are you heading to this year?

SOURCES

www.thesun.co.uk/money/9427124/festival-goers-shellingout-67-a-day-as-the-cost-of-food-and-entertainment-racks-up www.t3.com/features/festival-camping www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/festivalcamping-hacks thatfestivalblogger.com/2021/04/27/my-8-festival-mistakes