First time is the best time
Your first music festival is a rite of passage, but there are some simple dos and don’ts that will make sure it goes well, writes Amberleigh Jack.
Heading off to your first music festival can be a pretty daunting experience, especially if you are surrounded by seasoned gig-goers. We asked a festivalgoing mum, a musician and the organiser of Gisborne’s Rhythm and Vines Festival to get the best advice on making sure the first festival is an experience to remember.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Pre-loading or going out hot from the gate with booze or other stimulants may be tempting, but Hamish Pinkham, co-founder of Rhythm and Vines festival, warns against going too hard, too fast. ‘‘It’s a marathon not a sprint,’’ he says. Whether the festival is multi-day or a single day event, it will be long. So it is important to eat plenty and drink a lot of water, and pace yourself with the booze.
Self-confessed festival junkie and mother of two teenagers, Charlotte Ward, warns against trying new drinks or other substances on the day. ‘‘You don’t run a marathon with brand-new shoes. Don’t try hard alcohol [for the first time] that your friends sneaked in.’’
Comfort is key
Ward has taken her family to Womad since the kids were young and is adamant comfortable shoes are a must. Heels may look good, but a festival is not the time to bring them out. If you do, it will likely be a choice you regret by the end of the night.
‘‘If you feel like you need to wear heels, have jandals in your backpack.’’
Pinkham agrees comfortable shoes are key to enjoying the day and recommends something warm for after the sun goes down. With Rhythm and Vines he says the days are often ‘‘brilliant blue sky, but it can get a bit chilly in the evening’’.
Fran Kora, vocalist for Kiwi band Kora and father of five, reiterates sneakers are a good festival option. ‘‘After a long day of standing up you get sore feet and your legs are knackered.’’
When it comes to additional clothing, a cap is a smart idea during a summer festival, ponchos can come cheap, and don’t forget sunscreen.
If in doubt check in with a staff member
Festival staff, whether medical, security or other crew, are trained to deal with any problems that may arise, says Pinkham. And they have likely seen it all, from feeling unwell to intoxication or simply being lost.
‘‘It’s not our first rodeo. For parents who are concerned about their kids’ welfare, we take all responsibility to make sure everyone gets home safely, and they’re well looked after at the event.’’
Kora says it is a good idea to figure out early where St John is set up in case medical help is needed, and Ward recommends touching base with security for help if anything is stressing you out.
Keep an eye on your friends
For Ward, the most important tip is to ‘‘never leave a mate alone’’. Whether someone wants to go home, gets frustrated, is drunk or just wants to go for a walk, ‘‘nobody gets left on their own’’.
Ward recommends having a pre-arranged meeting spot, and to meet at specific times rather than rely on calling or texting. ‘‘You could lose your phone or run out of batteries, so have a meeting spot,’’ she says.
Kora also suggests having a hui with your friends to designate a meeting area. And make sure you have a portable battery charger for your phones so you can keep in contact with your crew.
A tip for parents
When it comes to the end of the night, don’t panic if your teenager is not at the designated meeting spot on time, says Kora.
‘‘It takes them about 30 minutes just to say goodbye to their mates,’’ he says.
Ward reiterates that things may not run to an exact schedule and suggests grabbing the number of one of your child’s friends and asking your teenager to keep in contact if plans change.
‘‘That first concert it may be applicable that you pick them up,’’ she says, but warns they may not arrive exactly on time.
It is also vital to ensure they have plenty of phone credit available to call and text. ‘‘But absolutely don’t panic.’’