Summer is here and that means it’s festival time. And whether you are going to Glastonbury or the Isle of Wight Festival, whether you are a first-time festival goer or a seasoned music fan, make sure you stay safe.

First and foremost, festivals are busy places. About 200,000 people go to Glastonbury in Somerset every year which means there is plenty of opportunity to lose your friends in the crowd or forget where you are camping. Here are some top festival safety tips to ensure all the memories made are good.

Plan ahead

Make sure you are prepared for the festival which could see you camping out for days with no access to electricity. Make sure you have a strong tent, camping mattress and sleeping bag. Also ensure you have water so you don’t get dehydrated, dried food and a battery pack to recharge your phone. Wear sensible shoes and not your best ones – festivals are notorious for mud.

Map out the site

Festivals are large, sprawling sites covering a number of acres and it is easy to become confused and disorientated. Before you head towards the music stages to enjoy the party, familiarise yourself with key points including where you have left your tent and the location of the toilets and the first aid tent. Make a mental map with these key landmarks so you don’t get lost.

Stay connected

It’s vital to stay in touch with friends so they know you are safe…or if you are not. Don’t rely on your mobile phone as you may not get a signal at the festival. A top tip is to use a buddy system so no-one is left on their own. Also identify a designated meeting place and time so you can meet up with your friends regularly if you get split up. While everyone is at the festival to have a good time, you must also be aware of the potential for trouble, especially if that is aggravated by drink and drugs.

Take care of your belongings

Opportunistic thieves can have a field day at a festival. While you are part of the crowd enjoying a band on stage, they are looking to steal your possessions so make sure you keep your phone, bank card and cash in a zipped up pocket or other secure place. Don’t take any valuables with you unless they are essential. Some festivals also offer personal lockers which are a great idea…just make sure you put the key in a safe place.

If you are a victim of crime, let the police and the festival security know straight away. They will ensure you get the support you need and may be able to catch the culprit to prevent anyone else from suffering the same fate. It’s also a good idea to keep a note of your phone’s IMEI number. This code allows you to cancel its access to the network if it is lost or stolen.

Be drink aware

Lots of festivalgoers will enjoy a drink to get into the party spirit but be careful how much you consume. A top tip is to try to regulate your alcohol intake by having a pint of water for every pint of alcohol. It slows down your consumption, not least because you don’t want to be standing in the queue for the toilets for hours. Always take your drink with you (whether it is an alcoholic or soft drink) to ensure it is not spiked with drugs and never accept drinks from anyone other than close and trusted friends.
Seek help

If you or your friends do get into difficulties, seek help. There will be a medical station on site with teams used to dealing with people in trouble. You can also go to the festival security staff for help. Our security teams are trained not just to identify and react to anti-social behaviour, but to help people in need. If you have a medical condition, remember to take your medicine with you and wear a medical alert bracelet or tag.

Crowd crush

With all those people at a music festival, it is going to feel a bit claustrophobic, especially if you are at the front near the stage with thousands of people behind you. Know your limits and don’t put yourself into a situation you cannot handle. Always know where the exits are and if you get into difficulties, make the event security aware you need their help.

For more information on event security, click here, or get in touch with our event experts on 01206 481681.