As the months get even warmer, many of us will be heading to festivals and concerts all over the country. Think Splore, The Sevens, Wanderlust, WOMAD and more. While they’re a great way to have fun, relax or party, it’s important to keep you and your things safe, especially if you’re camping or staying in the grounds of the venue.

We’ve collected some tips, tricks and hacks for the best festival experience ever – remember, you can still have fun while staying safe!

Before you go

Packing and preparing well for a festival is a great start. Think about what you want to take and how you’re going to look after it while you’re there. Here are some tips:

• Pack only what you need. Jewellery and electronic devices may seem like must-haves, but it’s safer to leave them at home, especially if you’ll be leaving them in a tent or bag away from you.

• Be prepared for all weather. Take comfortable shoes, a raincoat, warm clothing and lots of sunscreen. It pays to be prepared, and you’ll be more comfortable if you’re warm and dry.

• Charge on. Many festivals have charging stations, but these can get busy and you'll probably need to pay. Invest in a solar charger, battery pack or extra battery to keep your phone charged and ready to use.

• Keep it locked up. Buy padlocks or combination locks for your bags, and use a secret pocket or find a safe place to store money or cards.

• Ensure your car will get you there. Check tyre pressure and tread, fluids (oil, water, and coolant) and fill the tank. Don’t leave anything inside it and keep it locked.

At the festival

You’ve arrived! No doubt you’re ready to groove, but there are a few things to do first.

• Get to know the area. See where the closest toilets, water stations, security and medical areas are, and if you’re with a group of friends, make a place to meet in case of emergency or if you get split up.

• Know your neighbours. Introduce yourself to the people in the rooms or tents next to you, and look out for each other.

• Get on with security. Get to know the security guards, especially if you’re alone. They’ll be patrolling the area and will be able to look out for you.

Personal safety

A festival can be ruined by an illness, injury or other danger. Keep yourself safe while having a great time.

• Wear those comfortable shoes. There’s less chance of injuring yourself or getting sore feet, plus you’ll be able to dance for longer.

• Be drink-aware. Always keep an eye on your drink and don’t put it down anywhere, even if you’re just going to the toilet. Even soft drinks can be spiked and it can happen in a blink of an eye.

• Know your limits. It may seem enticing, but don’t drink too much. You don’t want to wake up with a pounding headache and no memory of the night before.

• Keep your guard up. Look out for your friends and anyone else that looks alone. They’ll be thankful if you help get them out of an uncomfortable situation, and they’ll do the same for you. 

• Stay together. When travelling to and from different campgrounds or areas, stick to well-lit, busy areas and stick with your friends.

• Keep hydrated. If you’re out in the sun and consuming alcoholic drinks, you can very quickly become dehydrated – which is not fun. The same goes for applying and re-applying plenty of sunscreen.

Staying safe at festivals is easy, and everyone benefits from a safe and comfortable environment. Have a great time!