Intro
If you're reading this you've probably never been to a festival before. Don't worry, this book is made especially to help you through the potentially worrying but also exciting process that is preparing and attending a festival. From ticket buying to a complete packing list and taking care of yourself, this book covers all the basics and hopefully will make your first festival experience the good old knees-up it should be!
A letter from the author
My first festival experience was a fun, muddy, weird old messy time and it really gave me the festival bug (in terms of illness and also an addiction to festivals that would continue to ruin me financially...). Reading Festival in 2014 was everything a first festival should be, disgusting, dirty and a drink filled dive. I got to see great acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Chvrches and Wolf Alice as well as Disclosure, Netsky and Paramore. Reading Festival is one of those festivals every one goes to pop their festival cherry and I would recommend it, as long as you don't go more than once. It kind of loses its magic. But don't worry, there are plenty of other UK festivals to choose from, including Creamfields, Boomtown, Boardmasters, Wireless, Bestival, Download, Isle of Wight and of course - the king of festivals - Glastonbury. I'd recommend doing your research as different festivals cater to different music tastes.
Good luck venturing into the world of festivals - don't make my mistakes and look after yourself. Have fun!
Packing
Packing for a festival can be a stressful process if you don't know what to bring. I want to include a packing list, perhaps with an extra section on the list for women specifically (including tampons, make up etc), as according to feedback from my peers.
Festival backpack (large one 40 liters plus)
Tent
Sleeping bag
Roll mat/ inflatable bed/ lilo
small pillow
Ticket
ID
Transport tickets (bus/coach/train)
Money
Comfortable clothes
Wellies
Trainers
warm clothes for the evening
underwear
socks
rainjacket
bumbag
sunglasses
glitter (festival essential)
towel
shower gel
shampoo/conditioner
razor
toothbrush and paste
baby wipes
deoderant
medications
condoms
camera
phone
phone charger
torch
first aid kit
plasters
painkillers
sanitiser
loo roll
bin bags
food (non perishables)
alcohol (check each festival limits)
------------------
tampons/pads
make up
make up wipes
skincare (small versions)
dry shampoo
hairspray
How to look after yourself
Bring along vitamins such as Berocca and rehydration sachets to cure the inevitable hangover as well as painkillers for the banging headache. Other items to consider bringing are earplugs for when you're finally ready for bed and possibly even a sleeping mask to block out the sun (cos let's face it you won't have gotten to sleep until 5am). Also as with any time you drink, eat some carby food and drink a load of water before bed, you'll thank yourself the next morning.
Take some time to relax before going to sleep, chilling at the campsite with your friends will allow you to sober up before you pass out, you'll feel better the next morning and will probably end up having some weird and funny conversations.
Drink and Drugs
Take some time to relax before going to sleep, chilling at the campsite with your friends will allow you to sober up before you pass out, you'll feel better the next morning and will probably end up having some weird and funny conversations.
Drink and Drugs
Don't drink too heavily, because it is expensive and you will end up in trouble (take it from experience). You want to enjoy and remember the weekend so drink responsibly and take it slowly. If you go overboard you won't last the whole weekend and will feel terrible.
Bring along alcohol with you to the campsite (check how much you will be able to bring as each festival have their own limits), this will save you a lot of money in the arena and you can get pissed at the campsite beforehand!
Some festivals do offer drug testing services in order to reduce the risk of harm from drugs. If you do choose to partake (we do not recommend this option but we know it is inevitable and some people will do regardless), make sure you make use of this service and also know where the first aid tents are located in case of emergency. Be smart!
Bring along alcohol with you to the campsite (check how much you will be able to bring as each festival have their own limits), this will save you a lot of money in the arena and you can get pissed at the campsite beforehand!
Some festivals do offer drug testing services in order to reduce the risk of harm from drugs. If you do choose to partake (we do not recommend this option but we know it is inevitable and some people will do regardless), make sure you make use of this service and also know where the first aid tents are located in case of emergency. Be smart!
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