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Dos and Don’ts at festivals

It’s summertime and that can only mean one thing, festival season is upon us, with only a couple of weeks before Isle of Wight and the mother of all festivals, Glastonbury celebration time is right here for anyone brave enough to buy a ticket.

As festival veterans we’ve been to some amazing parties from Glasto to In The Woods, every festival has something that’s special.

If you are new to the scene you might need a little guidance and if you’re experienced you might just want to check that you are still doing it right. So at EF HQ we’ve compiled what we think are the big dos and don’ts at festivals.

Do come prepared

Whether you’re camping or just there for the day you better come to the festival with whatever essentials you might need. These essentials should always include anti-bacterial gel, tissues and money (lots and lots of money). Prices at festivals are astronomical; it’s like arriving in a new land and anything you knew about the real world no longer applies and that includes the price you pay for a tiny burger or drink. If you’re camping bring clothes for any kind of weather, bring a warm covers as it gets cold in the evening and most of all bring talcum powder, the answer to all your problems, greasy hair, chaffing, or just as a way to smell like a baby.

Don’t peak too soon

Every year you see them, the early peakers, who get so excited about the weekend ahead that they just completely lose their cool three hours into the festival and then spend the next three days in their tent, probably being sick all over themselves and being too hot in their tiny tent. If you want to be there for the duration try and pace yourself or pay the price. Although that being said if you’re a real trooper you can still manage to rise from the dead and party on like nothing happened.

Do meet new people

Festivals are the ultimate social playground and if you are there, the chances are you share common ground with someone (or many) on that field. There are all kinds of people at festivals but what they share in common is a passion for music and having a good time. Whether you want to talk about your favourite band or an amazing track you are just discovering or even just partaking in activities why not share that experience with someone there?

Don’t be rude

Whether you are there for the day or for four you should always be nice to your fellow festival-goers. Nothing is less attractive and a mood killer than the guy/girl shouting, pushing through and being a nuisance to the world. You can’t escape them though so remember to not let it ruin your buzz and if you are one of those rude beings try a different approach and see how much nicer things could be for you.

Do some exploring

Festivals can be amazing places to discover not only new music but also activities you never realised you might like. Embrace your inner child or your curious self and explore the field you will be spending a large chunk of your day/weekend in. Even if you get lost there are wonders to be discovered in some woods, a tiny tent, a stall or some random location that would not exist without the festival.

Don’t stick to your schedule

It’s true that festivals are a bargain when it comes to music, where else would you be able to get round the clock entertainment like that and for a good price if you think about it?! However there is nothing more annoying then the regimented schedule you try to impose on your friends, yes it might be a great opportunity to see ‘bla bla bla’ before they get their big break but seriously just try and chill, if you miss one of the acts you planned on seeing the world won’t implode and to tell you the truth the acts you want to see are bound to clash!

Whatever you do enjoy yourself

This is the only rule really; the rest is irrelevant. You likely spent a fair bit for that ticket and you should get every penny’s worth back in happy!

There you have it, EF’s dos and don’ts at festivals! You might have a completely different list in mind and if so feel free to share and we might even adopt your tips for future festival adventures.

Sarah Bargiela
Sarah Bargiela
Sarah aka Bargi is the Assistant Editor and Music Editor for Entertainment Focus (EF).

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