Summer is fast approaching and with the season comes an array of music festivals you might want to attend. While festivals that span over a few days are quite commonly discussed, the single-day festival is a different beast altogether. If you’ve never attended a single-day festival, there are definitely some things you should know before you do. We are running through some of our best single-day festival tips in this blog, from private coach hire to staying comfy.
#1: Know the event details
Always visit the festival website to find out information about how the day is going to run. It’s no use paying money for a festival ticket without knowing the set times and the different areas in which artists will be performing. Usually, you can find out most of what you need to know online.
These are some crucial details you need to know before attending your music festival:
- Is there parking?
- What time do the gates open, and what time does the festival end? If it ends late, do you need to book somewhere nearby to stay?
- Is the festival appropriate for all ages?
- Is there wheelchair access?
- Where is everything located?
- What forms of ID do you need, if any?
#2: Wear the right shoes
You’re going to be on your feet all day, walking from stage to stage and often standing the entire time to watch the performances. Music festivals are usually set in areas with large grassy plains, so you will also likely be walking on uneven ground at times. Essentially, ditch the heels for some comfortable, supportive footwear.
#3: Only pack the essentials
Since you’re only going for the day, it’s important to resist over-packing and stick to the essentials. Everything you pack should be able to fit in a mini backpack or cross-body bag – not just so you can move around easily, but for security reasons too. In many cases, for example, you will not be let into the festival if you are carrying a huge backpack.
Some things you should pack include:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Your phone and a power bank to charge on-the-go
- A non-perishable snack (such as a muesli bar), if desired
- A small personal camera
- Hand sanitiser/sanitising wipes
- Cash – not every stall may accept cards
- A reusable water bottle
#4: Stay hydrated
This is an important tip for any activity you plan to undertake during summer, but particularly for festivals. Dehydration and sunstroke are serious health issues that you want to do your best to avoid on such a fun day.
Pack an empty, reusable bottle that can be refilled once you’ve entered the festival grounds. There will often be public taps that you can access any time to refill your bottle. Stay hydrated and save money in the process!
#5: Know the festival rules
Each one-day festival will have its own set of rules that you must be aware of before attending, from entry rules to prohibited items. While it’s generally known that BYO alcohol is a no-no, you would be surprised at all the smaller prohibited items on the list. The last thing you want is to be kicked out of the festival for making a simple mistake that could have easily been avoided.
Coming up in November, for example, is the single-day festival One Electric Day. Some of their prohibited items that could get you kicked out include:
- Soft drink or carbonated water
- Umbrellas
- Professional cameras
#6: Research food options
This tip is important, especially if you have dietary requirements. Will the festival have food stalls? Will the stalls cater to your dietary needs? Ensure you ask these questions to avoid nasty side effects of allergies and intolerances.
It’s unlikely that there will be no food options at the festival. However, if this happens to be the case, make use of any food that you can fit into your bag that will not melt. Muesli bars, nuts, and even some fruit could be the way to go – just double-check that bringing them won’t violate any festival rules.
#7: Consider private coach hire
Some festivals might be reachable via public transport. However, this isn’t the best idea – often, you’ll find yourself in a packed, sweaty train carriage on the way there and back. Not only is this uncomfortable; it’s claustrophobic. While driving there might be an option, you need to note that parking could be stressful unless you book accommodation nearby.
Avoid the stress of driving and the discomfort of public transport by looking into private coach hire. Melbourne On The Move have comfortable, clean coaches that will take you exactly where you need to go. Our scheduled service for One Electric Day is endorsed by the event, trustworthy and comfortable. Just give us a call on 1300 55 86 86 to organise your coach for One Electric Day today.