Festivals 101: How To Have A Fab Time And Not Regret It

Festivals can be amongst the most enjoyable times of your life. There’s something so pure about grabbing a couple of your mates, trekking it out to a field and swaying in time to thousands of people who enjoy the music just as much as you do. There’s tangible magic in the air when the sun is setting just right and your song comes on. Ah, bliss. Of course, they can also be pretty overwhelming. The clashing lineup, the ‘meeting spot’ that everyone promptly forgets, and wondering what on earth to bring or wear.

A prepared festi-goer is always the happiest, so we’ve teamed up with headspace to bring you our Ultimate Summer Festival Guide, and with it some sneaky tips on making the most out of your next festival appearance.

#1 Pace Yourself

This is a lesson we’ve all had to learn the hard way at some point or another. A classic rookie mistake is to go all out on the first night, only to burn out and spend the rest of the time in a camping chair miserably guzzling a Gatorade. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of what is essentially a multi-day party at times, but slooooow down. That includes not getting so wrecked at pre’s, that you’re already stumbling before entering the actual festival. Make sure to pace yourself and make the most of your festival.

#2 Designate A Mate

Every single crew has one: a festival parent. They’re the ones you can count on for that much-needed bottle of water, or a bandaid at a critical time. If you don’t know who your festival parent is, it’s probably you (you go Glen Coco). Regardless, it is key to have someone that will stick by you through the whole festival. They’ll make sure you don’t wander away and get hopelessly lost, and also to hold your hand in times that are a bit more overwhelming. It’s extra helpful if they’re on the same level as you, just so, in times of stress, you don’t feel so isolated.

This is particularly important if it’s going to be a, um, ‘big’ day for you. So make sure you also check out our tips to remember before dropping at a festival.

 

#3 Stay Nourished

Again, something that people have to learn the hard way. Just as important as it is to take a few pics, or dance ’till your heart’s content, is to take care of your body. Water is your best friend on any average day, and is a must on festival days. Make sure to always stay hydrated while you’re boogying it up. It’s also important to keep fuel in the tank and eat. A bite of an apple for breakfast before sprinting off to catch a set doesn’t count. Nourishment will help you take in as much of the festival experience as possible, and ensure the days after are bearable (at least a little).

#4 Sharing is Caring

Being generous doesn’t have to come in forms of tangible goods, though it always does well to bring snacks and goodies for the group to pass around. The notion of sharing stretches a lot further than that: it’s contributing to this little pop-up community that you’re an active member in for a big solo day, or a few marathon days. Look out for those in your crew, and strangers, too! Spread some love, and it’s almost a given that you’ll make some life-long friends as you do.

#5 Lose Yourself

At the end of the day, you’re there to have a special, amazing experience. Easier said than done, but a surefire way of making the most of it is to throw all your damn inhibitions to the wind. Absorb everything that there is to take in. Check out some artists that you wouldn’t normally listen to, wander around, and don’t stress too much about sticking to a pre-made plan. Thinking that you ‘should’ be doing this or ‘shouldn’t’ be doing that will do nothing but take you out of the present. Embrace change, have fun, and look after your mates. You’ll come out of it with plenty of stories too tell, I’m sure.

Whatever you’ve got planned at your next festival, just remember that you, well, want to hopefully remember most of it. Know your limits and don’t got too OTT. If you need a few tips on having a sick time + surviving in one piece (whether it’s festival number one, or 101), check out headspace’s festivals page for all of the tricks before hitting your next big one. Be smart, have a fab time and get amongst it, without any regrets.