Staying Safe at A Festival – Festival Safety This Summer

It’s festival season finally! The first festivals are beginning this weekend with The Gathering Festival, then it’s Woodzstock before the big festival in the region: Belladrum!

There’s nothing quite like a summer festival. Beats, beers and beautiful weather are the building blocks to making memories and having a great summer. Don’t forget to keep yourself safe at a festival though. This can be taking care of how much you drink, being mindful of your possessions and your health, as well as you’re general safety around other revellers you might not know.

Keep to SafeKab’s top tips for Staying Safe at a Festival and you’ll be one step closer to having the time of your life at whichever festival you’re attending this summer. So grab a refreshing drink, sit back, and let’s ensure your festival experience is both thrilling and secure!

Prepare Ahead of Time

The key to a safe and enjoyable festival experience begins with a wee bit of preparation.

Research the Festival: Familiarize yourself with the festival’s location, layout, line-up and schedule. Check the festival’s official website for their FAQs and updates regarding safety measures and prohibited items. Often you’re not allowed in obvious things like glass, fireworks, weapons etc, but some festivals won’t permit soft drinks or even camping chairs if it’s just a one-day affair. Always check the guidelines before heading anywhere!

Plan Your Transportation: Determine how you’ll be getting to and from the festival. If driving, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and know your route in advance, ideally using the good old satnav to keep you right. The ideal mode of transportation is a taxi to the festival though. You can even rideshare with your friends if you book a taxi through SafeKab. It’s just as easy as a couple of taps of the app and you’ll be on your way to the festival with a driver who knows the area. Plus you’ll have the added security of sharing your location and route with a loved one so they know where you are and that you’ve arrived at the festival safe and sound.

You don’t even need to have cash or a card with a SafeKab. Use the prepaid SafeKab wallet option and everything is done digitally – you don’t even need to tap your card!  

Pack Smartly: Prepare a festival survival kit that includes essentials such as

  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • refillable water bottle
  • comfortable shoes
  • hat
  • lightweight jacket.

Plus, don’t forget to pack any necessary medications, a small first aid kit, and cash for emergencies (cards are ubiquitous at festivals, except when they aren’t – and with no other means of payment it could leave you vulnerable).

Stay Connected and Informed

Keeping yourself informed and connected during the festival will greatly enhance your safety at a festival.

Establish a Meeting Point: Select a designated meeting spot with your friends in case you get separated. This way, you can regroup easily, even if the mobile signal is limited. Often mobile services get overloaded at festivals, so it’s good to have a backup plan if you get separated and can’t reach out via your phone.

Share Your Plans: Inform a trusted friend or family member about your festival plans, including the dates, location, and any significant details. Provide them with emergency contact numbers as well. It is never a bad idea to let others know your plans so they know what to do when something goes wrong.

Use Festival Apps: Many festivals have dedicated mobile applications that provide useful information, event updates, and emergency alerts. Download the official festival app and take advantage of its features to stay informed and connected.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to take care of your physical well-being. Follow these tips to stay hydrated and nourished:

Drink Plenty of Water: Festivals often involve prolonged exposure to the glorious sunshine and physical exertion from all the dancing. Both of these things can lead to the devil which is dehydration. Drink water regularly and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can contribute to dehydration. It can be tempting to go off the deep end when you’re in the party mood, but keeping hydrated will work to keep you in good health.

Don’t Drink Too Much: Yes, we realise that sometimes this is difficult to do when you’re knee-deep in a weekend-long party. But drinking too much can leave you vulnerable to all sorts of dangers. Strangers may take advantage of your inebriated state and you could also hurt yourself (beyond the hangover). Stay with your friends and family and look after each other, so if you do end up a little worse for wear, you’ll be in safe hands.

Eat Balanced Meals: Festival food can be tempting. Giant burgers, greasy food and sugary treats are great, but try to maintain a balanced diet. Opt for nutritious meals that provide sustenance and energy, as they will help you stay active throughout the event and make it to that all-important headliner!

Be Mindful of Your Belongings

Keeping your personal belongings secure is an essential aspect of festival safety.

Use a Bumbag or Crossbody Bag: Opt for a secure bag that can be worn close to your body, making it harder for pickpockets or ne’er-do wells to chore your stuff.

Avoid Overloading Your Bag: Carry only essential items to minimise the risk of losing valuables. Leave unnecessary items at home.

Trust Your Instincts

Maintaining awareness of your surroundings and trusting your instincts is vital for staying safe at a festival.

Buddy System: Travel in a group and look out for each other. Having a festival buddy increases safety and helps ensure everyone has a great time.

Report Suspicious Activities: If you see any suspicious behaviour or witness an incident, don’t hesitate to notify festival staff, security personnel, or police onsite.

Book your Festival Transport with SafeKab

Attending a festival this summer is an exciting adventure, and by following some of our tips on staying safe at a festival right you can make it a safe one too.

At SafeKab and Inverness Taxis, we are here to get you to the festival and back safe and sound. All you’ll need to worry about is having a great time!

Leave the car at home and let us get you there! Why not download our app and start your festival on the right foot with a safe ride from SafeKab?

Download the SafeKab app today!

For more information about the app or to become a partner in this exciting new step in community safety, visit www.safekab.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

Man driving SafeKab Taxi
Man driving SafeKab taxi