Picking up a festival ticket will usually set you back somewhere in the region of £200, so festivals are more like mini-holidays from a financial point of view. Luckily enough, there are plenty of ways to reduce further costs throughout your trip.
Tent
Don’t cut corners with your tent – make sure you buy one that is doubles-skinned. You don’t want all your valuables and clothes ruined by rainwater. You should be able to pick up something reliable from Tesco for around just £30.
Travel
Going by car is fine, but the parking charges can add up. So can petrol, if you’re driving far. Trains are similarly expensive, especially without a 16-25 railcard. Going by coach is probably for the best.
Food
Onsite food is hideously expensive and the local supermarkets will be heaving. Getting three meals a day could really add up, so make sure you pack enough to last for your whole trip. It’s great to pick up a cheap camping stove so you can chow down on something warm.
Drink
Alcohol fuels plenty of memorable concert experiences, but it’s going to be extortionate if you buy from vendors. You can take your own alcohol into most campsites, as long as you don’t look like you’ll be trying to set up your own off-license, so take advantage and BYOB.
Charging Your Phone
Sure, there are ways to charge your phone at a festival, but people have found out how to charge you (a lot) for the privilege. Instead, pick up a portable power bank. They’ll cost around £20, but they will last for years.
Waterproofs
The UK is great at turning clear skies into thunderclouds, and vendors jack up the price of waterproofs at festivals. A waterproof is essential, and you can find a cheap mac at any supermarket chain.
Accessories
Camping chairs, sunglasses, coolers – the kind of things you don’t consider essential until you arrive. Simply put: if you’re likely to want something, buy it before you leave. Pound stores are great for cheap essentials.
Fest Schedules
Plenty of festivals like to get more money from your pockets by making you spend anywhere from £5 to £20 on the timetables sold at their site. It’s often hard to bypass this charge, but you can always split it with your mates.
Valuables
It’s not just about what you spend – it’s about what you lose. Make sure you find inexpensive alternatives for expensive watches, phones, sunglasses, and other such items. You don’t need them getting broken or nicked.