A Day at the Festival: Tips for First-Time Visitors in the UK

Alright, my lovely mates! Today we’re going to chat about the magical, chaotic, possibly muddy wonderland of UK festivals. I’ll be your slightly unhinged guide, sharing advice that’ll keep you from looking like a total newbie when you rock up for the first time. So buckle up, grab your festival gear, and let’s get into it!

Choosing Your Festival

First things first: which festival do you want to attend? In the UK, we have everything from the muddy fields of Glastonbury to the fashionable vibes of Notting Hill Carnival. Don’t forget about Reading and Leeds for the rock fans or the enchanting Latitude in Suffolk with its artsy flair. You might even stumble upon smaller festivals like Port Eliot Festival, where you can nibble on artisan food while listening to poetry readings. (Fancy, right?)

Now, if you’re a bit of a geek like me, you might even find quirky festivals like the World Egg Throwing Championships; yes, you read that right. Just imagine—an entire crowd hurling eggs at one another. Eggs-citing stuff!

Getting Your Tickets Sorted

Next up: tickets. Please, for the love of all that is good (and because I’ve personally suffered), don’t wait until the last minute. Grab your ticket as soon as you can, and check the festival’s website for any updates. And always read the fine print. One year at V Festival, I thought, “You know what would be fun? Going VIP!” Spoiler: it was all smoked salmon and champagne, but it also came with a price tag that nearly gave me a heart attack.

Packing Essentials

Now, packing! You’ll want to make sure you have the essentials, and please, if you forget your wellies, just quit while you’re ahead. Here’s a nifty list I’ve put together (I know you love lists):

• Wellington boots: Can also double as makeshift weapons against the mud.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket: Because the UK weather will always keep you on your toes.
• Portable charger: Your phone’s going to die… probably right when you want to take a selfie with a giant inflatable lobster.
• Sunscreen: Yes, even if it’s cloudy. Don’t be caught looking like a lobster at dinner.
• Cash: Some vendors still operate on cash, and you might eye up that perfect fringe hat when you’re three pints in.

And don’t forget the “look like you’ve come prepared” items like a reusable water bottle and a bum bag. That’s right, I said bum bag! They’re surprisingly practical for storing your little odds and ends whilst you pirouette between stages.

A Strategy for Survival

You’ve got your ticket, packed your bag (hopefully without any random portaloos or broken fairy lights), and you arrive to the joyous ambience of festival life. But wait! What’s that about ‘strategy’? You heard me right. A solid plan can make a difference.

1. Map it out: Check out the festival map upon entry. Sure, it looks cute, but knowing where the toilets are (like, ASAP) is handy.
2. Highlight the acts you want to see: Take a good look at the lineup and mark your must-sees. Last year at Latitude, I missed George Ezra miserably because I got distracted by some glittered-up hipster selling waffles.
3. Set meeting points: If you’re with mates, choose a spot to regroup. I recommend the place with the best snacks, or anywhere near the bar.

The Food Situation

Let’s talk food. Please, please, don’t make the rookie mistake of surviving solely on overpriced pints and soggy chips. Explore! You’ll be amazed at the variety. I once discovered Caribbean curry at Reading Festival that, I kid you not, changed my life.

Look out for local vendors—many festivals invite small businesses that serve everything from vegan falafel to mouthwatering gourmet burgers. You might need to queue, but it’s always worth it. And if you think you can just grab a cup of tea as a brew at the festival—do it! But be prepared; it might be lukewarm and taste like regret. (Note to self: always carry a stash of instant tea bags.)

Meeting People (and Making Friends)

One of the best things about a festival is the sense of community. You’ll be surrounded by fellow festival goers sharing the same love for music (and chaos). I’ve made some of the best friends chatting to the person next to me in the crowd.

Tip: Don’t shy away from saying, “Excuse me, is that your frisbee I’ve just intercepted?” or “Is that your lip balm? You might want to reconsider sharing it.” Festival interactions can be about any old thing! If you’ve got a funny story or a hilarious dance move, don’t hold back.

Keeping Your Spirits High

If you feel the festival fatigue creeping in, here’s a cheeky little hack: take a break! Find a cosy corner with a chill-out area, grab some well-deserved hydration, and soak in the atmosphere. Last year at Wireless Festival, my friend and I took a short break, and we ended up on massive beanbags under fairy lights, feeling like festival royalty.

And if the weather turns grim, don’t be afraid to embrace it. I once danced in the rain, and it was, hands-down, one of the best moments on my festival calendar. The mud may get everywhere – even in your shoes – but it’ll make for a great tale later.

The Little Things

You know what they say, it’s the little things that count. Look out for small artworks scattered around (especially ones that may involve a giant woman riding a unicorn—no judgement), or those unexpected pop-up performers strumming an acoustic guitar while you stand in line for your nachos. One year at Latitude, I spotted someone dressed as a giant avocado singing in a bush. What an afternoon that was!

And don’t forget the afterparties! Some festivals offer secret spots or less mainstream events you’ll only hear about when mingling with the locals (or with the giant avocado).

Wrapping It All Up

So there you have it, my tips for your first festival experience in the UK. Pack appropriately, plan your day, savour a variety of foods, and don’t forget to immerse yourself in the beautiful madness that defines festivals.

Oh, and if you’ve ever had a bad cup of tea at a festival, let’s commiserate together in the comments!

Happy festivaling, folks! What’s on your must-see list this summer?