MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry reveals spending hacks to prevent your summer festival spending spiralling out of control
Whether you’re off to a day event or have an entire long weekend of camping and music ahead of you, summer festivals are on the way – and heading for your wallet.
Even once you’ve paid for the (often extortionate) tickets, there is more spending to be done. Follow these tips to make sure your summer festival fun isn’t ruined by racking up debt.
Buy tickets from a legitimate retailer
You might have seen an amazing deal for sold-out tickets online, or from a mate of a mate down the pub, but don’t fall for it. Ticket scams are increasingly sophisticated, but so it ticket technology. For example, some events have unique QR codes that can only be used once – and if someone has replicated it on a fake ticket, you won’t be granted entry at the gate.
While ticket platforms are expensive with their extra fees, they do offer buyer protection – including if an event is cancelled. Most also have a genuine resale platform too, meaning you can buy legitimate tickets from someone who needs their money back but can’t falsely inflate the price for a mega profit.
Travel as a group
If you’re going to an event in a group of eight or more people, look at your travel options. You could qualify for group discounts on rail or coach travel, or on minibus hire to get you (and all your stuff) to the location in one go.
Even in smaller groups, such as a couple or family, it can be beneficial to look at your accommodation and pitch options. Renting a campervan could mean slightly higher pitch fees at the event campground – but a more comfortable night’s sleep AND your transport to and from the event is covered.
Borrow camping kit
Most people have a tent in their attic or shed, and the same goes for other camping gear like sleep mats, lanterns, even sleeping bags. Try not to spend on kit if you’ve only got one event to attend this year.
Instead, ask around to borrow kit from friends – on the understanding that you will pay for a replacement if it is damaged at the event. This means you’ll save money on kit and provide your friends reassurance their stuff will be returned in a good manner. And, if an accident does happen, paying for the damage is only fair.
Prepare your ‘boy scout’ kit
You might want to travel light, but packing everything you might need for a few days at a festival will make a big difference to your enjoyment and your expenditure.
This kit should include things to keep you clean, like water baby wipes to freshen up, and hand sanitiser (lots of it). Taking loo roll is important but can be bulky – you may prefer to pack several smaller packs of tissues to keep handy in your daybag.
Your kit should also include first aid items like blister plasters, paracetamol and other necessary medications. And remember to keep something for the inevitable sore throat from talking and singing all day – throat lozenges like Jakemans are reliable for soothing throats (and the mint ones help freshen your breath, too!). Hydration powders can also be a great rescue remedy for hangovers and help prevent dehydration from sweating in the sun all day.
Prepare for all weathers
Your scout kit should also ensure you have a way to keep warm and dry if the weather doesn’t hold out. Emergency ponchos might not be attractive, but they’re pocket sized and light to pack. Opt for ones with a silver thermal lining if you can, to help keep your body heat in, as these can double as an extra blanket if the temperature drops low at night. Or, reversed, they reflect heat away from you if things get too hot.
If the weather is looking iffy before you even set off, consider taking a coat like the Vivida All Weather Changing Robe. It’s waterproof and warm – ideal for cold nights – but it can also double as a blanket over your sleeping bag and provide a peek-free way to get changed in a busy campground without trying to do it hunched in a tent!
Take suitable snacks
Food and drink is by far the most expensive part of any summer festival. Budget for one hot meal per day, and take non-perishable snacks with you for the rest of the time. Flapjacks are great for long-lasting energy, as are other types of protein bars or trail mixes. Chocolate is tasty but gets everywhere if it melts! Apples and tangerines keep well, and give you a much-needed vitamin dose. Crackers, crisps, anything that can be stored in heat and is light to carry will do well.
Some people choose to fill a cool box with ice and take some luxury perishable items like cheese, meats, and fruit. But, these are heavy and you’re not guaranteed food safety.
Get a reusable water bottle
Invest in a 500ml or one litre thermal water bottle like Sho Reusable or Chillys. It’s an upfront cost, but it’ll save you a lot of money as buying water at festivals can easily be £5 per 500ml. Taking a bottle with you for a day event saves any expenditure, and for weekend events there will be refill stations for water at no cost.
Take a power bank
Charging devices in the middle of a field is challenging! Many events will offer charging lockers but these cost a high fee around £5 for a couple of hours.
Before you go to the event, charge up a power bank (or two) and take them with you, instead. If you don’t have a power bank, ask around your friends and family as someone is likely to have one stashed in a drawer somewhere!
Share the load
When going to an event with friends, plan ahead. There may be things you can share between you, to avoid bringing duplicates. For example, you only need one Bluetooth speaker for tunes over breakfast, and only one camping stove between a few of you. This will save you all some money and also space and weight in your bags – which is important when you’ve got to lug them a long way across fields!
Don’t risk alcohol thrown out at the gate
Finally, check the event rules about alcohol. Most won’t allow glass bottles on entry, and many won’t allow any alcohol at all.
Alcohol is very expensive, so the worst thing would be to load up a bag and have it all confiscated at the entrance. The same goes for other items, like disposable BBQs, so make sure you’re fully aware of the rules before you pack your kit – otherwise you could lose it at the entrance or forfeit your entry altogether.
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