Public Health Information

A few simple steps can help you stay safe, healthy and make the most of your festival experience.

Festivals can be exciting but also overwhelming.

• Take breaks when you need them.
• Stay connected with friends and agree a meeting point.
• Get enough food, water and rest.
• If you’re feeling anxious, distressed or overwhelmed, seek support from festival welfare teams or medical services.

Remember: it’s okay to ask for help.

For more information, please visit Mental health helplines

Pack the essentials:

• Regular prescription medication (bring enough for the whole event)
• A basic first aid kit
• Hay fever medication
• Pain relief (if appropriate for you)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle
• Sanitary products
• Waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear
• Warm layers for cooler evenings

British weather can change quickly.

Hot Weather

• Carry and regularly refill a water bottle.
• Drink water throughout the day.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply regularly.
• Wear a hat and seek shade when possible.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, which increases dehydration risk.

If you or your friends have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance.

For more information, please visit Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather – GOV.UK

Cold Weather

Even after a hot day, temperatures can drop significantly overnight.

• Bring warm clothing and waterproofs.
• Change out of wet clothing promptly.
• Look out for friends who may become cold, especially if they have been drinking alcohol.
• Alcohol can make you feel warm while actually increasing heat loss from your body, putting you at greater risk of hypothermia.

For more information, please visit Hypothermia – NHS

Let’s talk about the most important festival survival tip:

Hand washing. Hand Washing. Hand washing!

Good hand hygiene helps prevent stomach bugs, respiratory infections and other illnesses.

Remember to:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet.
• Wash hands before eating or preparing food.
• Use hand sanitiser when handwashing facilities are unavailable.
• Keep food covered and follow safe food preparation practices.
• Avoid sharing drinks, cigarettes, vapes or eating utensils.
• Simple hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop infections spreading.

For a visual aid, please see UKHSA handwashing advice

Large events bring lots of people together, making it easier for infections to spread.

Before attending, check that you are up to date with all routine NHS vaccinations.

Measles and the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine

Measles is currently circulating across England, and outbreaks continue to occur. It spreads very easily, especially in crowded settings such as festivals and travel hubs. 

• Symptoms can include:
• High fever
• Red, watery eyes
• Cough
• A blotchy red-brown rash
• The best protection is the MMR vaccine, which protects against:
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
  • Two doses provide excellent long-term protection, with over 99% of people protected against measles and rubella after two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had both doses, contact your GP practice to check your vaccination record. It is never too late to catch up. 

More information can be found here MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine – NHS

Meningitis and Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease can be life-threatening and may cause serious, lifelong complications including hearing loss, brain damage and amputations. It can be fatal, even in otherwise healthy young people. The bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis can spread through close contact, such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or spending long periods in close proximity to others. Festivals can increase these opportunities for spread.

Help protect yourself and others:

• Don’t share drinks, bottles, cups or vapes.
• Be aware of symptoms and seek urgent medical help if someone becomes seriously unwell.
  Check you’re up to date with recommended vaccinations, including MenACWY and MenB if eligible.

MenB Vaccine

• The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, a cause of meningitis and septicaemia. Following recent meningococcal disease outbreaks, a one-off NHS MenB vaccination programme is being offered in England to help protect young people at increased risk.
• The MenB vaccine is given in 2 doses, which need to be at least 4 weeks apart. Book your 2nd dose after you’ve had your 1st dose.

Eligible groups include:

• All Year 13 students completing education in summer 2026 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008), regardless of their future education plans.
• People aged under 25 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
• People aged under 25 moving into eligible residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026.
• Those who are eligible can book an appointment for the vaccine with a local pharmacy here Book a MenB vaccination appointment – NHS

Look After Yourself and Each Other

✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Wash your hands
✔ Protect your drinks
✔ Know your limits
✔ Check your vaccinations
✔ Seek help early if you’re unwell

Have a fantastic festival and help keep yourself, your friends, and the wider community safe.