Festivals, concerts, & summer parties….
Summertime fun
Festivals, concerts, & summer parties….
Yes we know we this is too late if you were lucky enough to go to ‘Glastonbury’ or ‘Download’ Festivals (will try harder next year) BUT there are still lots or festivals, holidays abroad, concerts and summer parties ahead of us.
Here at Zillo we want you to have the best fun ever this summer, but we also want you to stay safe. So here are a few tips to help make your summer safe.
Getting there –
Travelling to and from any festival, gig or party is as important as what you do when you are there. Make a plan A and a Plan B and even a Plan C – organise lifts, book taxis, buy train tickets in advance and always check for any industrial action (strikes) or cancellations (which is why you should always have a plan B…). Take a portable phone charger of your battery isn’t going to last.
Other things about travel. Do not drink and drive, use drugs and drive or be a passenger with a driver who is under the influence – it’s illegal, dangerous and is just not worth the risk.
Once you are there the site or venue might be massive, you might lose your tent or not be able to find the first aider so try and get a bit of info before you go.
Travel light –
If you are going to a big festival or a concert its best to take as little valuables with you as possible, the last thing you need is to lose your passport or driving licence. You can apply for a national Proof Of Age PASS (if you are old enough!) which is a great idea instead of other important paperwork
To reduce the risk of losing or having your valuables stolen take a ‘bum bag’ or an over the shoulder/chest ‘man-bag’ (obviously not only for men) and keep it under clothing if you can. Always keep it zipped up and don’t flex your cash or valuables in front of others. If you can try and register any valuables before you go with a company like Immobilise (others will be available if you search them up).
There are some things you should always try and pack though….. wet wipes, toilet roll, or tissues are handy. Hand sanitiser could have been made for festival toilets and a refillable water bottle will save you and the planet loads of money and energy. Check before you go because lots of sites don’t allow certain things like your own food, umbrella’s or selfie sticks. Illegal drugs are illegal and are not allowed anywhere. If you have prescription medication put it in with your valuables and only take what you need for the length of time you are there.
You’re never too old for friends
You need your friends, and they need you.
This is very basic and it is crucial to your fun and safety.
Stick with your mates, don’t wander off, and have a pre-arranged meeting point if you do lose each other.
Set up a group chat and check in with each other. Make a list of what bands you want to see or where you want to eat. Just keep in touch. Make sure you have a phone charger.
Look for a red or green cross for first aid or pharmacy services
Physical safety
Have a mini first aid kit in your bag, a plaster for a blister or a sweetie for a sore throat from singing could be a life saver! You might need a tampon or a condom, or a paracetamol and they are no good if they are in your tent or at home.
The next bits are all the things we don’t want to consider when going out to have fun. But if you are aware of the issues you can keep yourself safer. So please read on.
Violent or anti-social behaviour
Big events often include people drinking alcohol which can sometimes lead to inappropriate behaviour. If you feel like something is brewing move away and don’t get involved. Sometimes a warning from security can stop any trouble in its tracks.
Be responsible for your own behaviour and be aware of you how your friends are, it’s always better to move away and take some time out if you think things are getting heated.
Sexual Harassment
Sadly, when you are having fun and it’s in a big busy place like a gig or a festival or on holiday, there may be people who want to take advantage of you. Use your common sense, always tell your friends where and who you are with, and don’t go too far away from your friends with new people.
Be aware of your drink for being spiked and don’t take any drugs especially from someone you don’t know or trust. A buddy system for going to the bar ort the toilets can help you feel a bit safer and reduces your risk of being alone and at risk.
All festivals and big concerts or events have a police presence, and many have welfare service s and security so if something happens tell someone straight away.
Drink spiking
If you feel unwell or unsafe, you need to tell someone. If you think you may have been spiked (when someone puts alcohol or drugs into your drink without your knowledge or permission) get medical assistance as soon as you can.
You can tell a member of staff or a friend, go to first aid or speak to the police it’s up to you. The most important thing is that you talk someone who can help you.
Don’t accept drinks from people you have just met or that you have not seen poured. If in doubt DON’T DRINK IT.
In a serious emergency
If there is an emergency situation its always good to know how to escape it. Be aware of all the emergency exits, know that if there is a fire you need to be close to the ground if it is inside a building, if you see something suspicious mention it to someone who can do something (a member if staff or a trusted adult etc).
You may have finally got to your favourite bands gig and might want to be right at the front, but you might want to consider whether you want to be by the railings – would you get injured or even crushed if there is a serious surge/emergency.
If anything does go wrong – which is unlikely but not impossible feel prepared to deal with it. It’s ok to leave or move to a different space if something feels wrong or dangerous, you can always go back later if you feel safe to do so (unless there is a fire)
And finally, this may seem drastic but we found this information on a few different festival safety sites so thought we would include it.
If you get stuck in a crowd and can’t get out of it try not to panic. The parts of you that need protecting are your head and your chest – hold your arms up around your chest like a boxer would. If you get pushed to the ground move your arms up to cover your head and try and get back to standing as soon as you can.
festival tips for a first time festival goer
AND FINALLY…..
Blue skies and fun times ahead
Spending with friends and family, having a laugh, a sing along, a dance and a good time are all the best types of medicine!
Have fun and be safe.
Send reviews and stories of all your summer adventures into Zillo