Photo: derfian / Flickr

Festival season is officially under way. Whether you’re headed to Glastonbury for U2, Kaiser Chiefs and countless other headline acts, making your way to the Isle of Wight to see the Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon or indulging in some hardcore metal at Bloodstock – yes, metal lives on – there are a couple of basic tips to follow that’ll make sure you get the most out of the music.

One: leave the tech at home

Do you really want to be checking email and updating your Facebook page when you should be enjoying some of the best live music the world has to offer? If your answer is a misguided ‘yes’, know that, one, it’s unlikely you’ll get reception and, two, your phone could well be lost – or get stolen in the mayhem that is a music festival. Leave the tech at home.

Two: see a new act

In the UK we’re blessed to have access to not only the world’s most popular musicians, but also to the best up-and-coming ones. Don’t follow the pack and just stick with the headline acts. Try something new.

Three: bring a hat

A hat will do two obvious things: keep your face out of the sun and keep your head warm when the sun sets. If you’re a man, and you can carry it off, think fedora. If you’re a woman, you have more options. If a fedora’s not your thing, try a cowboy hat, a floppy 70s straw hat or something floral. Forget this tip if you’re going to Bloodstock. Metal may be back, but baseball caps will never be.

Four: bring a pen and paper

If you’re leaving your phone at home, do take a pen and paper with you. It’s inevitable that you’ll lose your friends at some point, and you’ll want to be able to leave a note for them in your tent telling them where they can find you.

Five: get some sleep

Nobody – unless aided by illicit substances – can make that many all-nighters in a row without feeling, and looking, absolutely wrecked. Sneak off for the occasional cat nap and you won’t pass out when your favourite band is playing.

Still not sure which festival you’re going to? Take a look at this list of events and book tickets immediately to make sure you don’t miss out.

Tags: Festival