Music Festival Survival Health Guide

The Ultimate Music Festival Survival Health Guide | Young people with their arms in the air at an open-air music festival

The Ultimate Music Festival Survival Health Guide

Music festivals are a whirlwind of excitement, music, and family! However, amidst the fun and festivities, it's crucial to prioritise your health and well-being. From staying hydrated to practising good hygiene and being prepared for medical emergencies, this survival guide will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience at your next music festival!

Pack The Essentials

As well as your ticket, money, phone, ID, clothes, food, drink, and WELLIES… you must consider the health essentials too!

Prepare a festival survival kit containing essential items such as sunscreen, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, tissues, pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), allergy medication, plasters (mixed), and any prescription medications you may need. Having these items on hand can help you address minor health concerns promptly.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential, especially when spending long hours dancing under the sun. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids throughout the day.

If you are planning on drinking alcohol most days, drinking water and staying hydrated becomes an even bigger necessity! Pace yourself.

Stay Sun-Safe

Spending hours outdoors, especially in the sun, can take a toll on your skin. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade whenever possible to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Speaking from experience, you do not want to be sunburned at a festival – it’s not fun!

Keep Yourself Clean

Music festivals are crowded environments, increasing the risk of spreading germs. Try to wash your hands as much as you can, as the last thing you want is to become unwell and ruin your festival experience. Carry travel hand sanitiser, and use it frequently, especially before eating or touching your face. Make sure that the alcohol is at least 70% to ensure better protection from harmful germs.

The ‘wet wipe shower’ is a festival rite of passage, so if you don’t have access to a shower on-site or a solar travel shower at camp, make sure you pack wet wipes or baby wipes for quick clean-ups and maintain personal hygiene throughout the festival! If you can carry travel wipes with you during the day, even better!

Pace Yourself

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the festival experience, but festivals can also be overwhelming, especially those that span the course of multiple days. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Pace yourself throughout every day, and don't hesitate to take a rest if you're feeling fatigued.

Music festivals often involve alcohol consumption, but it's crucial to know your limits and drink responsibly. Avoid excessive drinking, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended to prevent the risk of intoxication or drink tampering.

Know Your Surroundings

We all want to go to a festival, have a great time and come home safely without any issues – especially when it comes to our health and wellbeing.

Make sure you know the location of the festival's medical tents or first aid stations. Familiarise yourself with their locations and the services they offer in case of emergencies. Don't hesitate to seek medical assistance if you or someone else experiences a health issue.

Look Out for Your Fellow Festival Goer

When we go to a festival, it is more than just a place to enjoy live music, it’s a community, it’s a family… so don't hesitate to lend a helping hand to fellow festival-goers in need. If you notice someone appearing unwell or in distress, offer assistance or alert festival staff to ensure they receive the help they need.

Everyone should be able to enjoy their festival experience safely, and it's up to everyone at the festival to ensure we make that happen. Let’s make it a place to make positive and lasting memories.

We hope you have an incredible festival experience, and don’t be afraid to share your experience and photos with us over on our socials!