Drink, drink and more drink
It's May Bank Holiday, marking the start of festival season for music enthusiasts. This year, the weather is expected to be exceptionally hot, adding to the excitement. With artists like Olivia Dean headlining Radio 1 Big Weekend, Sub Focus performing at Love Saves the Day, and Kate Nash entertaining fans at Bearded Theory, festival-goers have much to look forward to. However, with extended hours of dancing, crowded tents, and the risk of dehydration, it is essential to stay hydrated and cool.
Excessive alcohol intake can significantly increase fluid loss through urine and sweat, leading to dehydration. On average, each alcoholic drink causes an additional 100ml of urine output beyond normal levels. To mitigate this, it is advisable to alternate alcoholic beverages with glasses of water. Bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended to refill at water stations, avoiding long queues at drink tents.
Keep things breezy
For many attendees, festival fashion is as important as the music. As temperatures rise, the inclination to shed layers and wear shorts or open shirts increases. While this can expose more skin to direct sunlight, raising the risk of sunburn, applying sunscreen can allow for lighter clothing. Wearing less clothing facilitates the evaporation of sweat, which requires heat from the body, thereby aiding in cooling. Spraying clothes with water can enhance this effect.
It is important to avoid tight-fitting clothing, as it restricts sweat evaporation necessary for cooling. If opting for tight garments, choose lightweight materials and white colors. Denim is best left at home due to its heat retention properties.
Avoid the tent sweats
Many festival-goers experience discomfort from overheating tents, especially polyester ones that trap heat like mini greenhouses. This heat accumulates from both body warmth and sunlight. Using a larger tent can improve air circulation and delay heat buildup. Removing the flysheet, an additional plastic layer designed to keep insects out, can reduce trapped heat as it is often unnecessary at festivals.
Positioning the tent door to face the wind and using a battery-powered fan can help maintain airflow and keep the interior cooler.
Store your meds in a shady spot
Heat can adversely affect certain medications such as insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens, potentially reducing their effectiveness if exposed to direct sunlight. It is important to store these in shaded areas and monitor for any changes in smell or color, which may indicate damage.
Some medications can also impair the body's temperature regulation or increase sweating.
"Some medicines can make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes,"said Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Setting phone alarms to remind oneself to reapply sunscreen and drink water can be beneficial.
Worried about a friend?
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke is crucial for the safety of oneself and others. If overheating is suspected, cooling measures such as placing a cool sponge or wet cloth under the armpits or on the neck can help.
John Rostron, CEO of the Association for Independent Festivals (AIF), emphasized that due to climate change, festivals are increasingly prepared for extreme weather conditions.
"You'll find lots more of covered spaces, so there is your inside and outside tents and spaces that will protect you in shade, and welfare tents. Free water and water standpipes are now common across festivals,"he said. He also recommended checking festival websites for available on-site facilities.
