From Solar Showers to Nasal Sprays: Festival Tips from Experienced Fans

From Solar Showers to Nasal Sprays: Festival Tips from Experienced Fans
We asked people who go to festivals often to share their best advice.
Summer is here, and for many people, that means going to music festivals. Spending a weekend in a muddy field with a tent and boots can be exciting—but a little planning can make it even better.
If you’ve ever been to a festival, you know it’s important to pack the right things, dress comfortably, and be ready for any weather. We talked to three experienced festival-goers who have been to almost 100 festivals altogether. Here are their best tips:

The Experienced Festival-Goer
Debbie Lord, 53, from Cornwall
“I’ve learned that I must bring nasal spray because of my hay fever.”
Debbie went to her first festival when she was 19. Since then, she has attended more than 20. She loves live music, discovering new bands, meeting new people, and getting away from everyday life.
Debbie’s packing list always includes:
• A collapsible bucket
• A solar shower
• A bar of soap
“These help me stay clean without waiting in long lines for showers. It really makes the day better,” she says.
Debbie also brings a large, self-inflating mattress. “My friends laugh at it, but it’s almost as comfy as a real bed.” She also uses earplugs to sleep better because festivals can be noisy at night.
Since she has hay fever, she now uses a nasal spray before and during the festival. “In the past, I felt terrible from the dust—sneezing, red eyes, no energy. Now, I use a nasal spray like Beconase every day, and it really helps me enjoy the festival.”
Her final tip? “Take something shiny or sparkly to wear! It adds to the fun and festival spirit.”

The Family Festival-Goers
Katherine Griffin, 44, from Brighton
“Snacks are essential to avoid tired, grumpy kids.”
Katherine has been to about 65 festivals. She and her partner, Solomon, often bring their kids with them. Their daughter Ezrah (7) has already been to seven festivals, and their baby Hazel has been to one (or two if you count when she was still in the womb!).
Katherine’s family tips:
• Bring a wagon, stroller, or bike trailer with large wheels.
• Decorate it with fairy lights so people can see you at night.
• Bring extra parts, like spare tubes and a puncture repair kit.
Kids often get tired and hungry at festivals, so snacks are important. “We take fruit, oatcakes, and energy balls made with dates. These give long-lasting energy and help prevent meltdowns,” she says.
She also brings ear defenders for the children. “If it’s too loud for you to talk easily, it’s too loud for little ears.”
Her final advice? “At big festivals, you won’t see everything. Choose one or two main things you want to enjoy, and let the rest happen naturally. If your kids have snacks and picnic breaks, they’ll have a great time too.”

The Fashion Expert
Harriet Nicolson, 31, from London
“Boho style is still popular, but sport and Y2K styles are trending too.”
Harriet has been to more than 10 festivals and knows how to pack in style.
Her top fashion and packing tips:
• Choose a strong, comfortable pair of boots. “I love cowboy boots, especially metallic ones.”
• Bring a waterproof jacket that fits in a small bag. It’s useful when it rains or gets cold.
• Use a cross-body bag with a clip to hold your water bottle for hands-free dancing.
For festival fashion, Harriet says boho chic (like fringes and flowing clothes) is still popular, but sporty and Y2K styles are coming back—like Adidas pants with bikini tops or sporty shorts with cowboy boots.
She also recommends a faux-fur coat for cold nights. “Pick a fun colour or pattern—you’ll stand out in the crowd!”
Don’t forget accessories: “I always take bold sunglasses. They make any outfit look better.”

Conclusion
Whether you’re going with friends, family, or just for the music, a little preparation can make your festival experience more fun, comfortable, and unforgettable.