We’re in a new year and decade and it won’t be long until the festival season hits. From big European festivals like Tomorrowland and Glastonbury to Coachella and Summerfest in North America, this year promises to deliver more entertaining events for festivalgoers no matter their music tastes. Whatever festival you decide to hit up this year, it’s important to stay safe.
To help you stay safe at a festival in 2020, Activate Digital have provided some of the best tips on how to ensure your safety.
Take the Necessary Supplies with You
First things first, don’t set off without your ticket! This will be required before you can receive a wristband and the last thing you want is to be turned away after a lengthy journey. You should only buy a ticket from a reputable source to avoid being scammed and denied entry. Don’t take heavy items with you, no one wants to lug these around! It can be easy to lose valuables in a swam of thousands of festivalgoers so only take the necessities and make sure they’re secured in a zip pocket or bag.
As for the necessary items, it’s a given that you will be taking your mobile phone with you. However, check that it is fully charged beforehand and if possible, pack a portable charger. Your healthy is extremely important and festivals typically take place in the outdoors during the hot spring and summer months. The temperature can become extremely hot and uncomfortable, especially in such a crowded plan. Make sure that you take a water bottle to stay hydrated and make use of the water refill stations if the festival site has any. Wear light clothing, apply plenty of sunscreen and take shelter in cool areas when required to avoid sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Watch What You Drink and Avoid Drugs
It should go without saying that you shouldn’t blindly accept anything from a stranger, but in the midst of a festival it can be easy to let your wild side take control. One of the best steps you can take to ensure your safety is only trust those you know. Drink spiking can happen during a festival so it’s important to keep an eye on your drink. Everyone likes a good drink to have a good time, but make sure you don’t drink more than you can handle and spoil your fun. Plus, have some water every now and then to avoid dehydration. Festivals can be rife with drug usage. Don’t take any illegal drugs or even accept any substance from anyone you don’t know.
Stay with Your Friends
A festival is best enjoyed when attending with your friends, but not if you get lose! It should be the responsibility of each member of your group to look after each other at all times. Check headcounts regularly to ensure no one has drifted apart and make sure no one falls in with the wrong crowd, especially if they’ve become intoxicated. It can be difficult to receive consistent phone coverage, so should you decide to separate, set a defined meeting point. Plan ahead so you know where the important locations are such as food and drink stalls, your preferred stages, and security and medical spots.
Use Common Sense and Stay Alert
Festival security will be on hand should any trouble arise, but it’s always wise to take extra precaution to avoid getting yourself involved in drama. Make sure you remain in well-lit areas and move to a different location if you sense any trouble or rising tensions. It’s wise to keep yourself distant from suspicious people and aggressive groups who thrive on making a nuisance of themselves.