Lauren's Declassified Festival Survival Guide

With the summer festival season in full swing, my Time-Hop reminding me that two years ago, I attended Reading Festival and the consideration that you might want to attend a few festivals this summer; I thought I would pass on a few helpful hints and tips that I’ve learnt over my time at festivals, which will ensure you get the best experience possible!

PRACTICALITY VS. STYLE… 

In the past I’ve made the big mistake of getting all ‘done up’ for a festival but I quickly realized that it wasn’t the smartest idea, especially when the bad weather sets in. Putting ‘Festival Outfits’ into Google images isn’t the best idea either because you end up styling yourself in uncomfortable, non-practical clothing, which you end up layering up with jewellery and a tonne of accessories. Although adding style to your outfit is lovely, practicality is a must; remember stay basic with clothing that allows you to move freely and have a good time.

TOP TIP! Festival Fashion is all about comfort and being practical! 

IT’S NOT A CRIME TO DRINK WATER.

Everybody knows that at a festival the alcohol will be flowing; however it is important to also stay hydrated because you don’t want your festival experience to be ruined by de-hydration. Most festivals have free refill water stations, so you have no reason not to staying hydrated; just remember to take a plastic water bottle with you. 

#FESTIVALESSENTIALS.

Firstly, don’t take a suitcase to a festival, a travelling backpack is best suited and is easier to transport around rather than a suitcase.

Your #FestivalEssentials can either make or break your experience at a festival. Your must-have essentials must include: ID, money, suncream, painkillers, hairbands, plasters, toilet rolls, hand sanitizer, babywipes or make up wipes, dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste. Something else that I would suggest is a back up battery pack for your phone, you can get portable chargers these days, I would definitely get one as a festival can get pretty busy and you can't always find your friends in the crowd.

For the overnight festival experience, essentials must include: a warm jumper as it can get a little chilly in the evenings, warm fluffy socks, sleeping bag and pillow.

One thing that is making a come-back is 'fanny-packs'. Although, some aren't the most fashionable things to accessorise with, they are handy to have as you can keep everything in one place and know it is all safe; you can even get one that lie flat on your stomach that you can hide under your clothes and no-one will know you own a 'fanny-pack'.

Own your 'fanny-pack', like Jonah Hill would own his. 

There is a whole load of #FestivalEssentials, that I could unload on you but the essentials that I’ve mentioned are the important things not to forget; however one thing that I would say when you’re finding your #FestivalEssentials is not to overpack and ask yourself could you actually do without it just for one weekend?

Good Luck Packing!

PLANNING IS NO JOKE.

At most festivals across the UK you have the chance to see over one-hundred artists but unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to catch every single artist, unless you want to be running around the arena like a mad-person, I suggest planning. Planning what acts you want to see before you go isn’t a bad thing, it is actually a rather sensible thing to do; after all you don’t want to miss your favourites.

REMEMBER! WE LIVE IN BRITAIN.

In Britain, you can’t predict the weather and it is safe to say that even in the middle of summer, you’re more than likely guaranteed to get rain. Having soaking wet clothes all festival isn’t fun; make sure you pack a waterproof poncho, resealable plastic bags to keep your phone and money dry, keep away from the canvas-style shoes and stick to rocking those wellies.

STRANGER DANGER.

At a festival staying together with your friends is difficult but try and make sure your phones are charged and you know where you’ve set up your base camp for the weekend. People are friendly at festivals but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down; don’t accept drinks and food from strangers, as you don’t know what could be in them and be aware of your surroundings.

LET LOOSE AND LIVE! 

Some of the best memories I have come from music festivals, so live it up while you’re young because everyone should experience at least one festival in their lifetime; even if you only visit for the day, enjoy every minute of the experience. Remember, stay safe, keep hydrated and leave your worries at home for the weekend.

- Lauren xo