Staying Cool During Summer Festival Season

Summer has officially arrived, signaling the start of festival season for music enthusiasts. With major events like Reading, Leeds, and Download lined up—though Glastonbury is absent this year—attendees can anticipate top-tier acts alongside sweltering temperatures. Between hours of dancing, cramped tents, and often poor hydration habits, staying cool is essential to fully enjoying the experience. Here are expert strategies to help you beat the heat.

Hydration is Key

Water is your best ally. Consuming alcohol dehydrates you significantly, as it increases fluid loss through both urine and sweat. On average, each alcoholic beverage causes you to urinate an additional 100ml more than usual. To counteract this, alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water. For convenience and efficiency, bring a reusable water bottle. This allows you to refill at designated water stations, helping you avoid long queues at drink tents.

Dress for Airflow

Fashion is often as important as the music at festivals. As temperatures rise, the urge to shed layers, wear shorts, or unbutton shirts becomes strong. However, exposing large areas of skin to direct sunlight raises the risk of sunburn. If you apply sunscreen, wearing less clothing can aid cooling; as sweat evaporates into vapor, it draws heat from your body. The more skin exposed, the greater the potential for this heat loss. You can also spray your clothes with water to enhance this cooling effect.

Avoid tight-fitting garments, as they prevent sweat from evaporating properly, which is crucial for temperature regulation. If you prefer tighter fits, choose lightweight fabrics and white colors, which reflect sunlight. Leave heavy fabrics like denim at home.

Beat the Tent Heat

There is nothing worse than waking up in an overheated tent after a long night, crawling out in search of fresh air. Tents, especially those made of polyester, function like small greenhouses, trapping body heat and solar warmth. To mitigate this, consider bringing a larger tent, which provides more space for air circulation and takes longer to heat up. Removing the flysheet—the outer plastic layer designed to keep insects out—is advisable, as it traps heat unnecessarily.

Ensure your tent is oriented with the door facing the wind to catch a breeze, and consider using a battery-powered fan to keep air moving.

Protect Your Medications

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

Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), warned: "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."

To maintain health, set phone alarms as reminders to reapply sunscreen and drink water.

Recognizing Heatstroke

If you or a friend show signs of overheating, be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke and seek medical attention if necessary. Key indicators include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness and confusion
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Excessive sweating accompanied by pale, clammy skin
• Cramps in the stomach, arms, or legs
• 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 explained, highlighting the industry's shift toward better preparation for heatwaves.

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