Pre-pandemic, 5.2 million Brits went to a music festival in 2019. Festival organisers will be hoping to attract similar figures this year as the season kicks off with Creamfields South on the 2nd of June, closely followed by Download, Isle of Wight and Glastonbury hot on its heels.
The average age of festival-goers has crept up to the mid-30s because of the staggering cost of attendance. A 3-day festival can cost as much as £400-£500, outpricing many students and graduates.
The team at money-saving website Quotegoat.com have put together their top tips on how to attend a festival this summer without breaking the bank.
How to get a free ticket
Volunteer! Many festivals have volunteering opportunities where you usually have to agree to work about eight hours a day helping with parking, checking wristbands and litter picking. Be prepared to miss some great acts because you can’t choose your shifts. Still, you’ll get in for free and may be provided with meals too.
Alternatively, it’s worth checking to see if you can earn yourself a free ticket by volunteering for a charitable organisation with a presence at the festival.
How to get a cheap ticket
Many festivals sell early bird tickets, so the sooner you book and pay, the cheaper it will be. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite festivals – organisers may decide to offer a flash sale if ticket sales are slow. If there’s a large group of you going, it’s worth checking if you can get a group discount.
Ways to pay for your ticket
Pay for your ticket with a 0% interest credit card, and you can spread the cost of your ticket by paying it off in instalments. You’ll also be protected with section 75 if the festival has to cancel and you struggle to get your money back.
Some festivals now offer payment plans to spread the cost of your ticket – just check the T&Cs to make sure they aren’t charging high amounts of interest.
Getting there for less
If there is a group of you going, driving can save you money but remember to factor in the cost of fuel and parking.
It’s worth checking out the app JustPark to see if you can park close to the festival site – it might work out cheaper than onsite parking.
Taking a coach is often the cheapest way to get there – the earlier you book your coach or train, the cheaper it will be.
What to pack
Taking the right things is key to having a good time. Tent living can take its toll, especially if it’s a rainy weekend. Pack warm clothes to sleep in, earplugs to drown out the noise, and baby wipes to help keep you feeling clean.
Be prepared to pack everything you need if you’re keen to save money. Food, drinks, toiletries and bottled water are very expensive onsite. Stock up on snacks that don’t need refrigerating or cooking, and bring a portable battery to charge your phone.
What not to pack
Leave your valuables and designer clothes at home – tents aren’t secure, and festivals can get muddy.
Don’t buy an expensive tent – the risk of damage is high.
Check what restrictions organisers have on taking your own alcohol – don’t spend lots on booze only to have it confiscated at the gate.
Comfortable footwear is vital – designer wellies might look good, but welly rash is real.
Budget
Set yourself a daily budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and spend more than you can afford, but you’ll regret it once you’re home.
Don’t forget to budget for charging your phone. Most festivals have charging stations or will rent you a portable battery that you can drop off once it’s drained and swap for a fully charged one.
Avoid festival cashpoints
They’ll charge a fee for withdrawing cash, and the queues can be horrendous. Many vendors now have portable devices so you can pay with a card or your phone.
Avoid festival merch
Festival merch can be expensive – wait until you get home because you’re likely to find it cheaper online.
