As summer approaches, so do popular Music Festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Glastonbury and Creamfields, to name a few. Whilst these festivals for most are a joyous occasion for revellers to merge together and enjoy seeing their favourite artists live, too many women are being targeted by criminals.
Nearly half of women attending music events say they have been subject to harassment, according to a YouGov survey. And, drinks spiking has become a major concern as figures show that 1746 women reported being spiked in the UK during last year’s Festival Season.
It’s important to stay safe when attending live music events, but also have fun! 5678 Magazine shares our top tips to keep yourself safe and stress free this summer.
- Protect your drinks: Using handy tools such as a Nightcap which can cover cups from the risk of spiking, or a Spikey which secures bottles, can protect your drink from the risk of being spiked
- Stay with your friends: Try not to wander off alone! There is safety in numbers. Even if it’s just a quick toilet trip, we suggest always going in pairs, especially if you are under the influence.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Make sure you make note of all the key points at the festival, such as the medical tent, security, toilets and campsite. Agree a meeting place that wont be too busy with your friends in case you get split up.
- Hide your valuables: If you need to bring cash and other expensive items, make sure they are thoroughly hidden within your tent or on you, a trick for the girls is keeping it in your Bra, nobody will be rummaging around there! Alternatively, a bum bag works just fine. If you can, it might be a good idea to invest in insurance, just in case.
- Top up on data: You might not have access to Wi-Fi or even service at the festival. This can be really scary if you rely on your phone to contact friends and family. Make sure you have a good service provider and enough data to get you through the weekend. We also recommend buying a reliable portable charger if you can afford it!
- Check your body: Get your friends to check for needle marks, specifically areas such as the thighs and upper arms. If someone is displaying signs of needle spiking, such as sweating, headaches, loss of consciousness and muscle spasms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Set an emergency contact on your phone: Have a reliable contact on your phone set as your emergency contact (ideally someone not at the festival with you, but could be nearby) in case of an emergency. Try to memorise important number, such as your lift home or a parent.
- Keep an eye on your notifications: Most festivals now offer ‘testing stations’, where they test confiscated drugs and send out alerts to festival-goers if a drug is potentially dangerous. Keep an eye on your notifications if you plan on taking any substances.
- Pack your meds: If you have any vital medications, such as an Inhaler, don’t assume you wont need it! Festivals are often busy and hectic places, you won’t always have access to a pharmacy to get a backup.
- Share your location: Make sure you’re sharing your location with friends and family at the festival and back home. Not only does it ensure your safety, it also makes it easier to find your phone if its lost/stolen.
