The summer is almost gone now. As we’re soaking up the last rays of sun, the time is just right to let the mind wander back to those weirdly fantastic festival days just gone by. Much of it was good, the kind of memories you will cherish. But no doubt things happened you wish you could’ve avoided. Before time embellishes those memories, make a list for next summer – a list of things not to do to make the festival events even more memorable next year. Here is ours to help you out:
• Choose the place of your tent right next time. Next to a river gets wet, near the toilets gets stinky, by the car park gets too much traffic. If something bothered you this year, try a different spot next year. Sure it might take a few tries to get it right, but aim for better.
• And, if you feel the camping was just too much overall this year, consider something totally different next year. Try All Tomorrow’s Parties that take place three times a year at a Butlins holiday camp where own toilets and a bed are featured, or go for a city festival instead and sleep in your own bed.
• Don’t rush a around like a crazy chicken to try and catch all the big, medium and small names you’ve ever heard talked about. Remember how you ended up rushing more than enjoying by doing that and take it easy next year. Take your time with the bands you are totally in love with, and discover new great acts, that’s a great festival fun.
• Pack for camping, not for a Friday night out – and only then add all the hats, shades and wings that will make you cool. Remember next year how annoying it was to get your socks wet, be freezing at 6am, or carry around that bulky jumper. Leave clothes and accessories you actually want to wear again at home as there is a high chance something will get ruined or lost, and it’s not up to you to decide whether it is your new expensive sun glasses, or your £3 Primark top.
• Leave that cheese at home next year. Sure you’ve grown up, and might want to enjoy some proper food as well, but go to the stalls for that. Think dry, think no dairy, and bring things that last long without a fridge.
• Take off the watch from your wrist, swap the necklace your boyfriend gave you to a cheap one, and don’t take your favourite sunglasses with you. Basically, expect to lose things, and you’ll do fine.
• Don’t rely on your mobile phone. Remember how it took you half a day to find your friend? Next year, think ten years back. When you share a small plot of land with thousands of people, don’t expect your messages to be delivered, or your calls to be connected. Set times and places and stick to them, that’ll make your lives easy.
• Also, remember to fully charge your phone before leaving, and use it sparingly. Just in case, this time, be prepared to run out of your regular means of phoning. As your last resort, always know how to make a reverse call, and have a few people in mind who would accept your reverse charges.