Summer music festivals are synonymous with intense heat, crowds and a lack of shade. Having been to many festivals in my time, I have made myself a survival kit that makes attending these events much more pleasant. No longer do I have to worry about not having everything I need, and neither should you. By following a few pieces of advice, you can have an amazing time at your next summer concert series.
Water is my top essential, though you must check ahead to ensure that your festival allows you to bring water bottles onto the premises. In any case, it is important that you have enough money to buy water. In addition, you should be drinking more water than you actually think you need to consume, as dehydration happens quickly. You can even bring in an empty water bottle and refill it in the bathroom or at a water fountain if you find yourself in a jam.
image via http://www.theaureview.com
Carrying a small backpack is a great way to carry in some of your essentials, which should include sunscreen. This is especially important if you are attending a festival that lasts an entire weekend. You will find very little shade, so apply sunscreen liberally to your face, shoulders and neck. You should carry lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, a hat or bandana to cover your head in the heat and a blanket to sit on or wrap yourself in if the weather gets cold.
If you are camping at your festival for a few days, there are a few extras you need to bring with you. For one, use your phone to take a picture of your camping spot and any identifiable markers. The crowds can get pretty big and you don’t want to spend hours looking for your spot. You should also pack a raincoat and an extra pair of shoes suitable for rain, especially if your festival is located somewhere humid. The rain can roll in faster than you will even notice.
It may not sound like very fun advice, but it is important that you get plenty of sleep while you are at the festival. It seems more fun to stay up late and party, but doing so puts you at risk for waking up late and feeling terrible all day.
You need to put together a plan of action that covers everything from what bands you plan to see, when you are going to eat and what you are going to do if you get separated from your friends. If you are camping, your cell phone might be dead and you need to determine a better way to find each other. In addition, knowing which bands you are going to see at what times will keep you from wandering around aimlessly and getting bored.
Finally, make sure you arrive early. This is especially true if you intend to camp out, as setting up camp in the dark can be quite difficult. You also want to ensure that you have the best spot for your favorite acts, which may require waiting in the front of the stage from morning until dark.
Following a few simple tips can keep you from overheating, getting soaked or spending hours doing things you do not want to do. By packing effectively and managing your time efficiently, you are well on your way to having a fantastic festival.
TLS Productions are an audio equipment provider in Perth. If you’re looking for anything audio or visual, contact them for more information.
