Beat the Heat: Cool Hacks for Your Ultimate Summer Festival Fun!

The summer festival season is here, and music fans are getting ready for days filled with live performances, dancing, and fun. But with the excitement comes the challenge of staying cool in the hot weather. Whether you’re heading to see Olivia Dean at Radio 1 Big Weekend, dancing to Sub Focus at Love Saves the Day, or singing along with Kate Nash at Bearded Theory, it’s important to take care of yourself in the heat. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you stay comfortable and safe during your festival experience.

One of the most important things you can do is drink plenty of water. When you’re outside in the sun, especially if you’re dancing or walking a lot, your body loses water through sweat. Drinking alcohol can make you lose even more fluids, which can lead to dehydration. For every alcoholic drink you have, you might need to use the bathroom more often, which means you’re losing even more water. To help prevent dehydration, try to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink. Bring a reusable water bottle so you can refill it at water points around the festival. Many festivals now have free water stations and even staff who spray water to help keep people cool. Take advantage of these whenever you can.

What you wear can also make a big difference in how you feel. Festivals are known for their creative fashion, but it’s important to dress for the weather. Wearing fewer layers can help your sweat evaporate, which cools your body down. However, make sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn. Loose, light-colored clothing is best because it allows air to flow around your body and helps sweat dry faster. Tight clothes can trap heat and make you feel hotter, so if you do wear something tight, choose lightweight and white fabrics. Avoid heavy materials like denim, which can make you overheat. Spraying your clothes with water can also help you stay cool.

Sleeping in a tent can be tough when it’s hot outside. Tents can trap heat, especially if they’re made of polyester. If possible, bring a larger tent so there’s more space for air to move around. Remove the extra cover on your tent if you don’t need it, and try to set up your tent so the door faces the wind. A small battery-powered fan can help keep the air moving inside your tent. If you take medicine, keep it in a cool, shady spot because some medicines can stop working if they get too hot. Medicines like insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens are especially sensitive to heat. Some medicines can also make you more likely to get sunburned or dehydrated, so be extra careful. If you or a friend start to feel dizzy, confused, or very hot, these could be signs of heatstroke. Look for symptoms like headaches, nausea, cramps, or very sweaty and pale skin. If you notice these signs, get help right away. Festivals are now better prepared for hot weather, with more shaded areas and water stations. Check your festival’s website to see what’s available and plan ahead. Enjoy your festival and stay cool!