Staying safe at festivals
We’ve put together some tips for staying safe at festivals. Find out more below.
Drugs and alcohol at festivals
It’s not uncommon to see people using drugs at festivals. But in this unfamiliar and busy environment, there are some things to be aware before using – or buying – any substances.
Bringing drugs to a festival
All UK festivals have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. If you are found carrying any illegal drug, you will be refused entry.
Many festivals now have amnesty bins at the entrance, so you can dispose of illegal substances before you enter – without facing consequences. Beyond that point, there will likely be security searches and drugs dogs, and you can get in trouble if they find drugs on you.
If security considers that the quantity of drugs you are carrying is more than just for personal use, you could be prosecuted for dealing, so don’t carry any drugs for your friends.
If you have already consumed drugs and are having a bad reaction or are worried about a friend, please seek help. You won’t be penalised for having consumed the drugs, and staff will do what they can to make sure you’re safe.
Buying drugs at a festival
Buying drugs at festivals can come with its own risks:
- You don’t know the person who’s selling and can’t trust them as much as your usual dealer.
- The drugs might be different to what you’re used to: they might be stronger, or cut with different substances, which can make the effects less predictable.
- Drugs are typically much more expensive inside festival grounds, as dealers know that you have no other options.
- Take a small amount first and wait a while to see how you go. If you redose, make sure to pace yourself.
Common festival drugs
As each drug has its own effects and risks, there are different things that you can do to reduce the risks when using different drugs.
Find out more here:
Preparing for the festival
There’s lots to plan before you head off for the weekend. Over our years of going to festivals we’ve noticed some things that people tend to forget, so we’ve put together a handy guide.
Packing
Each festival has its own guidance on what is and isn’t allowed onsite, so check it before packing – you don’t want to get there and have to chuck things away.
Our packing checklist includes:
- Suncream and sun protection (e.g. hats): Alcohol and drugs can make you more susceptible to heat-related issues, so come prepared.
- Any medication you usually take: Not taking your medication and then using drugs or alcohol can be a bad combination.
- Ear plugs, and eye mask for light mornings.
- A waterproof jacket, wellies and warm clothing.
- Bags for wet or dirty clothes.
- Condoms.
- Tampons.
- Hand sanitiser and wipes.
- Loo roll.
- Portable power banks and charging cables.
Planning
Make sure you know how you’ll get home and what you’ll do in an emergency. Most festival websites have information on the welfare support available onsite – take a look before you go so you know what to do. Some festivals have an app you can download to check information and set times throughout the weekend. Downloading this before you go, if possible, as onsite internet can be unreliable.
Looking after yourself while you’re there
General wellbeing
Festivals are full on, and it can be easy to forget to look after yourself as you want to make the most of every moment. Make sure to eat, stay hydrated and get enough sleep so you can enjoy the whole weekend.
Finding your friends
Phone signals can be patchy in rural or crowded areas – and phone batteries die! – so before leaving your tent, agree on a meeting point with your friends in case you get separated.
If things don’t go to plan
Most festivals have welfare teams. They are confidential, safe spaces, and they won’t tell you off for using drugs or alcohol. If you have any problems or are worried while you’re there, it’s worth speaking to them just to be safe.
In an emergency
All festival staff should be trained on what to do in an emergency. You can either speak to a member of staff who will radio welfare or the emergency services, or go directly to those services, depending on what is most convenient.
Neurodiversity and overstimulation
Festivals can become really overwhelming. If you need to get away from the chaos, welfare will be able to help. Some festivals have sensory tents that you can chill in, which is a great option if you’re feeling overstimulated.