Summer Festival Survival Guide: Stay Cool and Soothe the Beat

Summer has arrived, signaling the start of festival season for music enthusiasts. With major events like Reading, Leeds, and Download on the calendar—though Glastonbury is absent this year—attendees can anticipate a lineup of top-tier artists and, inevitably, high temperatures. Between hours of dancing, stifling tents, and questionable hydration habits, staying cool is essential to fully enjoy the experience. Here is expert advice to help you beat the heat.

Hydration is Key

Water is your best ally at a festival. Alcohol consumption accelerates fluid loss through both urine and sweat, significantly raising the risk of dehydration. On average, each alcoholic beverage causes you to excrete an additional 100ml of fluid beyond normal levels. If you plan to drink alcohol, alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water. To avoid long waits at drinks tents, bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at designated water stations.

Dress for Airflow

Fashion is often as important as the music at festivals. As temperatures rise, the urge to shed layers, wear shorts, and unbutton shirts increases. However, exposing large areas of skin to direct sunlight raises the risk of sunburn. If you apply sunscreen, wearing fewer clothes can aid cooling. The process of sweat evaporating into water vapor draws heat from your body; less clothing facilitates this heat loss. You can also spray your clothes with water to enhance this effect.

Avoid tight-fitting garments, as they prevent sweat from evaporating properly, which is necessary for cooling. If you prefer fitted styles, choose lightweight fabrics and white colors, which reflect sunlight. Leave heavy materials like denim at home.

Beat the Tent Heat

Nothing ruins a morning like crawling out of an overheating tent after a long night seeking relief. Tents, especially those made of polyester, function like small greenhouses, trapping heat generated by the sun and your body. If possible, bring a larger tent to allow for better air circulation and slower heating. Additionally, remove the flysheet—the outer plastic layer used to keep insects out—as it is often unnecessary at festivals and contributes to heat retention.

Position your tent door toward the wind to catch a breeze, and consider using a battery-powered fan to keep air moving.

Protect Your Medication

Heat can compromise the efficacy of certain medications, including insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens. Store these items in a shaded area to prevent damage. If a medication changes color or develops an unusual odor, it may be compromised. Furthermore, some drugs interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature or increase sweating.

"Some medicines can make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes," warned Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Set phone alarms to remind you to reapply sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Recognizing Heatstroke

If you or a companion show signs of overheating, monitor for these symptoms of heatstroke and seek medical attention if necessary: * Headache * Dizziness and confusion * Loss of appetite and nausea * Excessive sweating accompanied by pale, clammy skin * Cramps in the arms, legs, or stomach * Rapid breathing or pulse * Body temperature of 38°C or higher * Intense thirst

To help cool someone down, place a cool, wet sponge or cloth under their armpits or on their neck.

Preparing for Extreme Weather

John Rostron, CEO of the Association for Independent Festivals (AIF), noted that climate change is forcing festivals to adapt to unpredictable extreme weather. "You'll find lots more of covered spaces, so there is your inside and outside," he said, indicating a shift toward providing more sheltered areas for attendees.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-22 23:40:30 UTC