Survival Guide: Staying Cool During Summer Festival Season

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 both star-studded lineups and high temperatures. Between hours of dancing, stifling tents, and questionable fluid choices, staying hydrated and cool is essential. Here are expert strategies to help you enjoy the music without overheating.

Prioritize Hydration Water is your best ally. Consuming excessive alcohol accelerates fluid loss through urine and sweat, significantly raising the risk of dehydration. On average, each alcoholic beverage causes you to excrete an additional 100ml of urine compared to normal levels. If you choose to drink alcohol, alternate every alcoholic beverage 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 For many, festival fashion is just as important as the setlists. As temperatures rise, the urge to shed layers, wear shorts, and unbutton shirts increases. However, exposing your upper body to direct sunlight raises the risk of sunburn. While wearing less clothing can aid cooling if you are struggling with the heat, ensure you apply sunscreen first. The process of sweat evaporating into water vapor requires heat, which it draws from your body; therefore, wearing fewer clothes facilitates this heat loss. You can also spray your clothes with water to enhance this cooling effect.

Avoid tight-fitting garments, as they hinder the evaporation of sweat, which is vital for cooling. If you prefer tighter fits, choose lightweight fabrics and stick to white colors, which reflect heat. Denim is best left at home.

Beat the Tent Heat Crawling out of an overheating tent early in the morning after a night of searching for fresh air is a common festival experience. Tents, especially those made of polyester, function like miniature greenhouses, trapping body heat and solar radiation. If possible, bring a larger tent to allow for better air circulation and slower heating. Additionally, the flysheet—the plastic layer designed to keep insects out—is often unnecessary during festivals; removing it helps prevent heat buildup.

Ensure a cool breeze by positioning your tent door facing the wind, and consider bringing a battery-powered fan to keep air circulating.

Protect Your Medication 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. Furthermore, some drugs can impair your 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," explained Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Set phone alarms to remind you to reapply sunscreen and drink water regularly.

Recognize the Signs of Heatstroke If you or a friend show signs of overheating, monitor for symptoms of heatstroke and seek medical help if necessary. Key indicators include: * Headaches * Dizziness and confusion * Nausea and loss of appetite * Pale, clammy skin with excessive sweating * Cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach * Rapid breathing or pulse * Body temperature of 38°C or higher * Intense thirst

To help cool someone down, place a cool sponge or water-soaked 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, highlighting the industry's shift toward better preparedness for heat-related challenges.

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