5 festival survival essentials

After two years of minimal activity, festival season returns in full force this year. Whether it’s a day-long adventure, a weekend or a full-on seven days of debauchery and al fresco raving, festivals can be a gateway to next level hedonism.

With this comes the risk of overdoing it, either through pushing on for too long, burning yourself out, lack of rest, overindulging, spending too much time in the sun (if it’s not raining) or any one of a number of pitfalls.

With everything back on this year, the potential for getting that little bit too twisted is far greater. Wondering how to survive in one piece? Read on…

WEAR YOUR SENSIBLE HAT
This is metaphorically, and literally, speaking. Metaphorically, find ways to pepper your festival madness with sensible behaviour. A bottle of water every couple of drinks, for instance. And, literally, a sun hat is a blessing.

PACE YOURSELF, PACE YOURSELF, PACE. YOUR. SELF
Ingesting a load of drinks, and whatever else, within the first few hours is going to set you up for a massive fall. Don’t do it. Yeah, it’s exciting to be back out there, but you’ll squander all those memories by guzzling all the naughty things before the first act has even played.

FORM A CREW PACT
Make an agreement with your crew that you’ll all hold each other accountable for keeping it together. No liabilities. A group pact will help to ensure that you all operate at a pro level without forsaking the fun and frolics.

REST UP
Dancing wildly and walking around all day long uses up a lot of energy. To make sure you’re shuffling, moshing and two-stepping until the very last note, take regular rest breaks.

REMEMBER TO EAT
Today, more so than ever, festivals offer a diverse, nourishing and (usually) high quality selection of food from a wide range of vendors and stalls. Top up your vitamins and nutrients with food as often as you can manage.