Leisha ParkinsonFestivals are a wondrous occasion filled with quirky people doing quirky things. As a newby it’s like one massive, chaotic adventure, with a whole lot of learning curves. We all have to start somewhere though, right? Here are some of the things we wish we knew before embarking on our first festival (whether it be a one-dayer or camping bender.)
Bring The Damn Jacket And/Or Doona, Kid
So, you’ve glanced at the weather forecast and much to your delight, it’s nice and sunny, perfect for a bit of a sun bake. It’ll get a little colder as the day progresses, but as you’re reading the 15 degrees that’s displayed in front of you, you can’t help but scoff and roll your eyes. “Pft, it’s not even that cold, mate, I’ve dealt with worse, aye.” If you’ve caught yourself uttering this sentence, heed this warning from someone who knows: bring your warmest jacket and your doona. Those 15 degrees you scoffed at will actually feel like they’re 5, so the hip denim jacket and your thin sleeping bag definitely won’t be enough. Unless you love hypothermia? Then.. I mean, power to you.
You’re Going To Wear Your Fave White Outfit That cost $100? You Can Kiss That Goodbye
There’s no doubt that the your favourite top would be a perfect edition to your overall festival look, but for real.. just don’t. Anything expensive, no matter how fab you’d look, should remain unpacked, safely in your cupboard. A festival is like a dust and booze fortress. What if someone spills their drink (this is guaranteed)? What if it gets muddy (it will)? To every item that cost you cash money, there’s another nearly identical item that’s a cheaper alternative. You’ll still look fresh, but you’ll be able to focus on the fun you’re having, rather than keeping your outfit from being ruined.
Mud Will Swallow Your Foot If You Didn’t Bring Gumboots
Okay so it doesn’t rain every year (thank God), but this doesn’t mean the earth on which the festival resides, won’t be left unscathed. Thousands of people are trudging along the paths and in the mosh, add the dew from the early morning to it and you’ve got yourself mud. If you bring gumboots and don’t end up needing them, then that’ll be a nice bonus. But it’s often when we don’t bring them, that they’re a necessity. It’s funny seeing others getting their shoes stuck in mud, but it’s not so humourous when it happens to you.
A Bender Is An Art Form
You’ve got a big storm coming, if you think you’re going to be able to go your hardest for 3 or 4 days straight and come out the other side, intact. Try not to make the mistake of going your hardest on the first night, without a second thought about the fact you’ll be doing this for half a week. A festival is bender territory, and it’s about stamina. The aim is to be at your peak point and not passing out in a bush. Think of it as a marathon. Take your time, and you may make it out of there without feeling as though you’re a shell of yourself.
Say Adios To Your Immune System
What do you get when you mix dust, smoke, alcohol, lack of sleep and thousands of people? The flu, is your answer. Nearly everyone catches it, and there’s next to nothing you can do to stop it, either. The few who don’t get sick are obviously superior beings. They wouldn’t have natural selection breathing down their necks (good job, guys.) All you have to do it take preventative measures a couple weeks before the festival to try and soften the blow of the killer flu that’ll probably render you bed ridden. But it let’s face it, it’s totally worth it.
Image source: Splendour in the Grass
