It's
the season! Everywhere around us photos of girls with flower crowns, extravagant braids, maxi dresses and cropped tops are popping up. It's festival time.
I could do a big post with the best festivals to go to, but in my opinion it doesn't really matter if you're going to Coachella or that little festival in your town. When you're with friends, good music and a bit of sun is enough to keep you happy. I do have a tip for the Dutchies reading this though: try festivals in our neighbouring countries! Dutch festivals are really pricey, and you can find really nice festivals for a much cheaper price in Belgium/Germany (for example: Cactus festival in Bruges! If you need a companion for this festival, I'm still available.. hint hint). Okay, let's get poppin' !
First
and foremost, let's tackle the biggest issue: What does
one wear to a festival?
Most importantly, you're not attending a fashion show. You're there for the bands, the people you're with, and the sun (if you're lucky). leave most -if not all- of your jewelry at home, you can only lose it, break it, or worry about it. The worst thing you can do is wear something uncomfortable. Especially when you're only going for a day, it is the worst thing you can do, because you will be pulling down that shirt or readjusting that skirt the whole day, leaving you flustered, embarrassed and in a not-so-festival-like mood. Wear something that makes you feel gorgeous, without having to suck in your belly or show almost too much. Skirts and dresses are a total go, but beware if you're a jumpy dancer / sloppy sitter. Not everyone likes to see what kind of panties you're wearing ;). Also, if you want to go for the maxi-skirt, crop top and flower crown look, beware! You will definitely not be the only girl who thought of this unique look, haha.
Next on the clothing crisis agenda: check the weather. I'd like to say "wear shorts, you will regret going for trousers!" but if the weather forecast tells you it's going to be 13 degrees Celsius, you don't want to do that. Layers are the best option to go for, because then you will be able to gain or cut a layer or two along the way ;).
Last, but definitely not least, are your shoes. Again, comfort is a must at a festival, and wearing uncomfortable shoes will keep you from having a great day filled with dancing. You will stand a lot at a festival, either queuing for food or standing to watch a performance. I like to go on my ever faithful Nikes, but Converse are also great shoes to wear. Just wear something you're sure will last you the whole day.
Most importantly, you're not attending a fashion show. You're there for the bands, the people you're with, and the sun (if you're lucky). leave most -if not all- of your jewelry at home, you can only lose it, break it, or worry about it. The worst thing you can do is wear something uncomfortable. Especially when you're only going for a day, it is the worst thing you can do, because you will be pulling down that shirt or readjusting that skirt the whole day, leaving you flustered, embarrassed and in a not-so-festival-like mood. Wear something that makes you feel gorgeous, without having to suck in your belly or show almost too much. Skirts and dresses are a total go, but beware if you're a jumpy dancer / sloppy sitter. Not everyone likes to see what kind of panties you're wearing ;). Also, if you want to go for the maxi-skirt, crop top and flower crown look, beware! You will definitely not be the only girl who thought of this unique look, haha.
Next on the clothing crisis agenda: check the weather. I'd like to say "wear shorts, you will regret going for trousers!" but if the weather forecast tells you it's going to be 13 degrees Celsius, you don't want to do that. Layers are the best option to go for, because then you will be able to gain or cut a layer or two along the way ;).
Last, but definitely not least, are your shoes. Again, comfort is a must at a festival, and wearing uncomfortable shoes will keep you from having a great day filled with dancing. You will stand a lot at a festival, either queuing for food or standing to watch a performance. I like to go on my ever faithful Nikes, but Converse are also great shoes to wear. Just wear something you're sure will last you the whole day.
Now
we all look fabulous and comfortable,
let's take a look at what needs to be in your bag!
Since summer is around the corner, and the sun can be a mean bitch to our pale skin, the first thing you have to pack is sunblock. I personally love the nivea ones (i know i know, my obsession with nivea is showing again), but a sunblock-stick with a higher SPF might be handy for your nose, cheeks and shoulders if the weather forecast is really good. Before you pack your favourite spray sunblock, pay attention to the regulations of the festival! Many festivals don't allow spray bottles, because they believe that everyone who brings one will spray the sunblock in other people's eyes to get in front of the stage.. or something like that. Last year I took my nivea SPF 20 spray with me (which is an absolute bliss to use, by the way), but had to hand it in at the entrance because it was "dangerous"...
The next thing is almost as important as the sunblock: sunglasses and a hat or scarve to protect your head. Not only is it nice to protect you face from the UV-light, it also keeps you cooler when waiting for the artists to arrive, standing in the scorching sun. My lovely pink hat was from the festival itself and even though it looks horrible, it was a joy to be able to shield my face from the sun every now and then.
Next is money. Since you are not allowed to take food/drinks with you onto the festival terrain, you should bring enough cash to get festival coins. Most coins cost about 2,50 each, and most basic food costs about 1 to 2 coins. Water is free on almost every festival, but make sure to check this before deciding how much money you want to take. Paying by card is of course a possibility, but it would be a total bummer if you lost your card in the crowd, so be careful when opting for that choice.
When you got all the essentials, you can start packing the fun stuff. I love to take a disposable camera with me, because developing the photos afterwards makes you relive the moments one more time. Next to that, losing a camera that cost you 4 euros isn't that much of a blow as when you lose your expensive digital camera. A thing I also like to bring is a sharpie pencil. Sometimes bands do little meet and greets on the festival terrain, and it's always nice to have a pen with you when an opportunity like that arrives; let's get that stupid pink hat signed!!
Day Ticket
Having a day-ticket will let you have only a limited amount of time to enjoy the festival. Because of this, make sure you get there early, so that you don't have to waste your precious time with the artists queuing to get in. The thing I like to do first when I get onto the terrain is buying coins/going to the loo/getting something to drink. Having done all the essentials, you can then seek for a nice spot near the main stage to plan your day, or, if you're a control freak like me, you've already done this and you can head over to the first stage on your list. Most festivals, if not all, hand out these really handy progam booklets, that show you where every artist performs and when they come on stage. When only being there for a day, it's useful to check this out, so that you can make the most of your time! Another tip is to bring a small bag. Since you're only there for a short time, and you're not allowed to bring any food or liquid, it's not necessary to bring a lumpy backpack you have to carry around all the time. It will only prevent you from dancing and jumping and having a good time ;).
Weekend
Ticket
When you're one of the lucky people who gets to stay for a whole weekend, a bit more planning is required. Most festivals have several camping areas, all with a different function/fibe. There will be areas for the hardcore dancers that don't plan on sleeping, but there will also be more quiet places. Make sure you check this out beforehand, so that you know where you want to drop your luggage.
Talking about luggage, don't bring too much. Sure, you got to bring a warm jumper/some warm trousers and spare clothes, but you really don't need to bring your whole wardrobe. What helps me a lot is packing by outfits. Lay down several outfits for different temperatures, and pack only the stuff you need for those outfits. This prevents you from packing way too much and having to walk like the hunchback of Notre Dame for the rest of the weekend. Do not forget to bring a sleeping bag and mat, though! Nothing is more horrible than realizing you don't have anything to sleep on/in at the end of a long day (believe me, I know..).
Something that's good for all of you who don't want to spend too much money on the festival food: you are allowed to bring food and drinks (when they're not in glass) on to the camping area. So do your shopping beforehand, and have a big, cheap, and delicious breakfast each morning (I'd recommend eggs, sausages and the nuttiest bread you can find).
Some tips for the actual festival: make sure you and your friends are on the same page about who you want to see. Having a lot of artists to choose from, it'd be sad if you got into a fight with your friends because they really wanted to see that other artist. Again, the progam booklets are the best thing. Just start every morning with a quick planning session, so you will all be happy and satisfied when crawling back into your tent.
Last but not least, no matter if you're going for a day, a weekend, or a week, do not stress. Festivals are there to be enjoyed, not to get you all stressed out because you want to see everyone and everything. I've had festivals where I went from stage to stage and saw almost every artist, and I've had festivals where I took more time to get food and sit still than to see the artists, and both ways are wonderful. Sure, you invest money and you want to get the most out of it, but above all it is the perfect moment to forget about everything and just enjoy life!
I hope these tips were in any way useful to you, and if not, I hope you enjoyed reading it anyways! If you have any spare tickets for festivals let me know, I would love to come with you ;).
Stay true to who you are, you are wonderful and I will see you soon!
When you're one of the lucky people who gets to stay for a whole weekend, a bit more planning is required. Most festivals have several camping areas, all with a different function/fibe. There will be areas for the hardcore dancers that don't plan on sleeping, but there will also be more quiet places. Make sure you check this out beforehand, so that you know where you want to drop your luggage.
Talking about luggage, don't bring too much. Sure, you got to bring a warm jumper/some warm trousers and spare clothes, but you really don't need to bring your whole wardrobe. What helps me a lot is packing by outfits. Lay down several outfits for different temperatures, and pack only the stuff you need for those outfits. This prevents you from packing way too much and having to walk like the hunchback of Notre Dame for the rest of the weekend. Do not forget to bring a sleeping bag and mat, though! Nothing is more horrible than realizing you don't have anything to sleep on/in at the end of a long day (believe me, I know..).
Something that's good for all of you who don't want to spend too much money on the festival food: you are allowed to bring food and drinks (when they're not in glass) on to the camping area. So do your shopping beforehand, and have a big, cheap, and delicious breakfast each morning (I'd recommend eggs, sausages and the nuttiest bread you can find).
Some tips for the actual festival: make sure you and your friends are on the same page about who you want to see. Having a lot of artists to choose from, it'd be sad if you got into a fight with your friends because they really wanted to see that other artist. Again, the progam booklets are the best thing. Just start every morning with a quick planning session, so you will all be happy and satisfied when crawling back into your tent.
Last but not least, no matter if you're going for a day, a weekend, or a week, do not stress. Festivals are there to be enjoyed, not to get you all stressed out because you want to see everyone and everything. I've had festivals where I went from stage to stage and saw almost every artist, and I've had festivals where I took more time to get food and sit still than to see the artists, and both ways are wonderful. Sure, you invest money and you want to get the most out of it, but above all it is the perfect moment to forget about everything and just enjoy life!
 |
| me at my first ever festival.. look how short my hair was! |
I hope these tips were in any way useful to you, and if not, I hope you enjoyed reading it anyways! If you have any spare tickets for festivals let me know, I would love to come with you ;).
Stay true to who you are, you are wonderful and I will see you soon!
Janeri xxx
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