If you’ve never been to the Download Festival, one of the highlights of British Summer, then you really haven’t lived. If you are one of those new recruits to the festival experience that have chosen Download to dip your toe in the potentially muddy water, then there are some basic does and don’ts style unwritten rules that make the whole weekend run smoothly. If you’ve been before, we may have some tips you might not be aware of. Some of the house rules apply to all but each event has its own character and challenges. Here is the Survival Guide for the Download Festival.
Step One
Alcohol - If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly and stick within the recommended limits. Men shouldn't regularly drink more than three to four units a day. For women, it's two to three units. Alcohol dehydrates you, so drink plenty of water to help prevent a nasty hangover. You don't want to miss your favourite band the next day because of a hangover.
Step Two
Medication and Medical centre - First aiders are not allowed to hand out medication except over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol. If you're on any medication, bring your supply with you and take it as prescribed. Keep it on you or get it stored safely in the medical centre. If you're asthmatic, don't forget your inhaler and spare cartridges.Have a pack of plasters and some disinfectant for minor grazes and cuts, and medication for headaches and stomach upsets. Find out more about First Aid.Find out where the site's medical centres are when you arrive. If you think you may need assistance with an existing medical condition, make yourself known to the medical staff on your arrival. "If you're pregnant and near your due date, let the medical staff know," says Dr Howes.
Step Three
Sex - Having sex without a condom increases the chance of pregnancy or catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia. Emergency contraception and sexual health advice is generally available from onsite medics.If you have unprotected sex and need emergency contraception, go to the medical centre. The quicker you get it, the more effective it is.
Step Four
Drugs - Taking drugs in a new place with large crowds is risky as you could end up feeling stressed and lost. "Try not to mix drugs and drink as it will make you sick," says Dr Howes. "If you're a regular drug user, don't take more than you're used to."You can also get sick and have bad reactions to "legal high" drugs. "People think these herbal pills are like taking a vitamin pill but they're not," says Deborah Rees, founder of the Safeconcerts website. "With herbal highs, people can get paranoid or have other nasty side effects."
Step Five
Foot health & Ears - Music festivals can be hard on your feet. It's important to keep them clean and dry to prevent problems such as blisters, fungal infections or trench foot. Trench foot typically develops after prolonged exposure to the wet and cold. "The only way to prevent trench foot is to keep your feet dry," says Dr Howes.Bring waterproof wellingtons and dry socks to change into. If possible, take your shoes and socks off at night. Flip-flops are not good festival shoes and neither are new shoes that can give you blisters.Wear earplugs when you're close to loud speakers. Take regular breaks from the music to give your ears a rest. The music around the sound stages can reach in excess of 110dB, equivalent to the noise made by pneumatic drill.
Step Six
Sun protection - Using a sun cream with a minimum factor of 15, and applying it regularly, will give you protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you do get burned, apply after-sun to soothe the affected area. "It doesn't take much sun to get severely burned or have sunstroke when you're outside all day at a festival," says Dr Howes.Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your neck and ears, and cover your back and shoulders, even if you're wearing sunscreen.
Step Seven
Water - Drink plenty of water. Have a bottle of water with you at all times. The combination of heat, dancing and alcohol can quickly dehydrate you. Many festivals supply free fresh water, so there's no excuse. "Many people consume a lot more alcohol than they normally would, and it has a dehydrating effect," says Dr Howes. Drinking water in between alcoholic drinks can prevent you getting dehydrated and reduce the effects of a hangover.
Step Eight
Clothing -Waterproofs and warm clothing are essential. People can get hypothermia (when your body temperature drops below safe levels) at festivals when the temperature drops at night, especially if their clothes are damp from sweat. If it rains, try to stay as dry as possible. "Take a cagoule or mac and a spare set of clothes to change into," says Dr Howes.
Step Nine
Mobile phones - Mobile phone coverage at many festivals can be unreliable. If you get separated from your friends, have an arranged meeting spot and time. In case of an emergency, the festival stewards are there to help. "We discourage people from calling 999 from the festival grounds as it can place undue pressure on local emergency services," says Dr Howes.
Step Ten
Wax flares - Only buy wax flares from authorised dealers. Illegal flares can spit and run, causing wax burns. "Every year some irresponsible people sell unapproved flares and candles that can cause very nasty, sight-threatening eye injuries," says Dr Howes.