From Glastonbury to Reading, V to The Big Chill, music festivals are becoming an increasingly popular way of spending a summer weekend but whereas festivals were once seen as an assault course not for the faint hearted, there are now a range of ways to help you really enjoy the festival season in style.
Gadgets such as a solar mobile phone charger to help you speedily power up your phone or a stylish ‘cag in a bag’ which can be whipped out to give instant protection from the almost inevitable festival rain are increasingly festival must-haves.
To help set you on the path to a great festival season, we’ve pulled together a festival survival guide full of tips which when packing could instantly improve your festival experience:
1. Plastic bags are your friend; even more of a friend than the best mate you came with. Put them round your feet and your possessions when the mud just gets too much but don’t forget to pack your wellies as well and recycle the bags afterwards.
2. Test your tent before you get there. It might seem like a good idea to dig out that old scouting trip tent, but just make sure it’s still waterproof, stable and mould-free first.
3. If the sun does decide to shine, sunglasses, sun hat and sun screen are a must-have. Getting burnt is not.
4. The drinks won’t be flowing freely if you forget your bottle opener. Even better, resolve only to drink screw top booze for the weekend, that way you can put the lid on when you're not drinking and prevent flies and other nasties getting inside.
5. Festivals can be an assault on your stomach and we’re pretty sure your idea of a good time doesn’t involve lying, groaning in your tent and rushing to the loo. Make sure you don’t miss out by packing fast-acting Imodium Instants, they melt in the mouth instantly so you don’t need water to take them and come in thin peel-back packs which are small enough to fit into a pocket and go unnoticed.
6. Don’t let unexpected insect bites or headaches ruin your festival weekend. Taking painkillers, insect repellent, cream and plasters in your festival first aid kit will help prevent being caught out.
7. Showers and baths are going to be in short supply but that doesn’t mean you have to stink. Wet wipes and anti bacterial gel will ensure you stay just the right side of unsavoury.
8. When the stage lights have gone down and the dance tent’s shut up shop for the night, you can always keep the party going back at yours with a wind up radio.
9. The loos aren’t going to be overflowing with toilet roll. Take your own.
10. Finally – Log on to Facebook and search for Festivals 2008 - The good, The Bad and The Ugly for all your must have festival info.p>
Imodium Instants are available in pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide.
Female First - Ruth Harrison