Staying Safe at Festivals: Tips from My First Camping Festival
Festivals are a time to let your hair down, enjoy live music, and have a great time. But if you’ve ever been to a camping festival, you’ll know there are some risks to be aware of.
Last weekend, I attended Truck Festival in Oxfordshire and absolutely loved it. It was my first camping festival, and as a fan of live music and summer partying, it felt like the perfect way to spend a weekend. That said, preparing for the festival came with its fair share of stress. Packing for life without home comforts—clean clothes, water, snacks, and basic medications like paracetamol—can be overwhelming.
Here’s what I learned about staying safe at a festival, based on my own experience.
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the most important tip for festival safety. Festivals usually have water points and plenty of signage reminding you to stay hydrated. I brought my own supply of water, but keep in mind that many festivals restrict the liquids you can bring into the arena. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in hot weather, so you don’t have to make constant trips back to your tent.
2. Protect Your Ears
Loud music can damage your hearing, and earplugs are a simple way to prevent this. I forgot mine this time but luckily didn’t suffer too much. If you like to be close to the stage, ear protection is strongly recommended, especially for children, who often wear ear muffs at family-friendly festivals.
3. Be Prepared for the Weather
Don’t rely on perfect weather. Sun cream is a must to prevent sunburn, particularly on exposed areas like your shoulders, back, and chest. At Truck Festival, temperatures reached 27°C, so a waterproof factor 30 cream was perfect. On the flip side, rain is always a possibility, so pack a reliable waterproof jacket and wellies to avoid soggy clothes and damp discomfort.
4. Pace Yourself and Rest
Festivals are long, exhausting days. At Truck Festival, we were up early and dancing, drinking, and eating for almost 15 hours! Remember to pace yourself, take breaks in the shade, and don’t be afraid to nap during the day. Proper rest will help you enjoy the festival safely and prevent burnout.
5. Look Out for Each Other
Festival safety is also about looking after your friends. Make sure no one is walking alone at night, keep phones charged if possible, and set a clear meeting point in case anyone gets lost. At Truck Festival, our meeting point was the big Truck sign—easy to spot even in the dark!
Additional Tips
There are plenty more ways to stay safe at festivals, from monitoring your alcohol intake to keeping valuables secure. For comprehensive guidance, check out Festival Safe, a free and highly resourceful website for festivalgoers.
