It’s festival season, which means great music, welly boots and unforgettable experiences. If you are heading to a music festival this summer, why not try going sober? Explore the benefits of going sober at a festival and check out our essential packing checklist.
Improved Hydration
You are going to be up and out for most of the day, going to the live acts, exploring the grounds, and having fun. Keep sipping away on water through out the day to keep you hydrated and energised. If you do decide to drink, remember to keep drinking water. Alcohol has a diuretic effect which can make you need to go to the toilet more. Because of this, you become dehydrated. If you are drinking alcohol, stay hydrated and switch every second drink for a bottle of water.
Better decision-making
Drinking alcohol can impair your judgment, which makes it difficult to make rational decisions. Staying sober at a music festival allows you to make better choices, such as choosing a safe mode of transportation or avoiding dangerous situations.
More memorable experiences
Alcohol can cloud your memory, making it difficult to remember the amazing experiences you had at the music festival. Staying sober allows you to fully immerse yourself in the music and atmosphere, creating long-lasting, unforgettable memories with your friends.
Less Time Queueing
No one likes standing in a queue and if you don’t drink at a festival, you are not wasting your time constantly queueing for drinks or the toilet.
You Won’t Have ‘The Fear’
There is often more than music to discover at a festival. Explore the festival’s creative side by checking out the live podcasts, comedy gigs, exercise classes and food stalls. Most of the time, these are on during the day, but a lot of people miss these as they are trying to catch up on sleep from the night before. When you are sober at a festival, you don’t just wake up feeling fresh – you wake up without the fear creeping in. Alcohol can heighten feelings of anxiety and depression the day after consuming alcohol. When you don’t drink you can go to more events and explore the festival during the day as you are not feeling the effects of alcohol.
Packing Checklist:
Now we know the benefits of going sober at a festival, grab a pen and paper or open up your notes app for your packing checklist. These are things you don’t want to forget.
Pack Your Wellies
If you are going to a music festival in Ireland, you know we can get all 4 seasons in the one day. So, bring your wellies, a raincoat, a warm hoodie and some sun cream. If you are going to an overnight festival, don’t forget your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a plastic bag to put your wet clothes into. Remember to pack essential toiletries wipes, a small hand sanitiser, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, packet of tissues a towel (in case you decide to brave the showers or get soaked in the rain) and lip balm.
Know What a Standard Drink Is
A standard drink is a measure of alcohol which contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Standard drinks are used as a measure to help people understand how much alcohol is consumed in a given drink. Common examples include a half pint of 4.5% lager, 100ml glass of 12.5% wine and pub measure of 40% spirits. Remember that 1 pint of beer is 2 standard drinks.
Bring Snacks
Bring some snacks like granola bars, popcorn or fruit. These will keep your energy levels up so you can enjoy all your favourite artists. Pack them in a small bag or a cross body bag. This way, you can carry them around all day while also keeping your hands free.
Never Drink & Drive
If you do decide to drink at the festival, remember the drink driving laws in Ireland. Any amount of alcohol will impair your ability to drive even the day after drinking. Use our drinks calculator to get an estimated time of how long it will take your body to process what you have consumed. Remember though, it takes 1 hour to process 1 standard drink. If you feel tired, sick or in any way unwell to drive, don’t drive. Remember that common myths like showering, eating a big breakfast, exercising, or drinking coffee and energy drinks will not process alcohol any faster. Only time will process the alcohol.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Bring a reusable water bottle with you so you can fill it up with water and drink it throughout the day. You are going to be on your feet all day, singing, dancing, and exploring so it is so important to stay hydrated.
What to Do if You Get Lost or Separated?
It is important to remember that while music festivals are fun they can be vulnerable environment. However, know that you know this, you can prepare. Agree on a spot to meet at if you or friend gets separated from the group. If you do get lost, your friends know where they can find you. Keep your phone charged. There are generally charging ports at most festivals, but pack a portable charger. There are also so many staff at music festivals, if you do get lost, feel unsafe or unwell, go to them and they will help you.
Keep Your Friends Numbers Close
Who remembers phone numbers these days? Write down a few friends’ numbers in case your phone dies or gets lost—then you can borrow someone’s phone and still get in touch. Change your screensaver to have a friends numbers on it or put a few numbers in the back of the case in case your phone gets lost. Most people are good people and will try to return it to you or hand it in.
Now that you know the benefits of going sober at a festival and also have your packing checklist, why not try them out at the next festival you go to?