How to Save Hundreds at Festivals This Summer

Festival season is officially upon us, bringing with it the opportunity to indulge in brilliant live music and electric atmospheres. But, sadly, a whopping 81 per cent of UK adults have revealed they won’t be attending a weekend music festival this year.

Festival season is here, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Around 65 per cent said that festivals are becoming too expensive while 57 per cent added they felt they were financially inaccessible. But fear not, thrifty festivalgoers! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can enjoy the festival experience without breaking the bank.

Compare Prices

Many of us may associate music festivals with big names such as Glastonbury and Wireless. Naturally, ticket prices for better-known festivals are generally more expensive than they are for smaller, more intimate events. For example, a full festival pass for Glastonbury in 2024 costs £355 per person, (excluding booking fees). If you were to travel down on the Wednesday and stay until Sunday, this would equate to £71 a day.

In comparison, a four-day weekend pass for Y-Not Festival in Derbyshire – plus camping – costs £204.50 per person (again, this doesn’t include booking fees and postage), which works out at £51.12 per day.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned raver, there’s a festival to suit every music taste and preference, so don’t feel as though you need to go for the best known to get the most out of your experience.

Compare lineups and find one that suits you and your music taste.

Volunteer for Free Entry

Of course, you’ll need to graft for the privilege, but volunteering at festivals is a fab opportunity to soak up the vibes while enjoying the music first-hand. Sites such as Hotbox and Festaff are good places to start your research and register interest. You could also volunteer on behalf of a charity, such as Mind, or WaterAid.

Some volunteering options might include bar work, general crowd management, and ticket scanning. Generally, when you’re not on shift, you’re free to wander around and fully immerse yourself in the festival.

Volunteer at festivals and enjoy the music while saving money.

Thrifty Transport

You’ve picked your festival, booked your tickets (exciting!), now all you’ve got to do is plan your route. It’s a good idea to do some thorough research into your chosen festival to determine the best transport options. Each festival will have a designated website that should detail different transport options and include directions.

Most festivals – including Glastonbury, Boomtown, and Y-Not - are all easily accessible by train and operate shuttle buses between each site and nearby stations throughout the festival weekend.

While taking public transport and complimentary shuttles might well work out cheaper than driving, some festivals may not be so easy to reach without a car. Try organising a car share scheme within your group and spread the cost of fuel (and reduce your carbon footprint – double win!)

Plan your route and transport in advance to save money.

Pack Smart

Who remembers that scene in Bridget Jones’ Baby, where she rocks up to Glastonbury in a glamourous all-white outfit, only to fall headfirst in the mud five minutes later? Let that be your friendly reminder to leave the expensive clobber at home.

Take cheaper items with you instead – preferably ones that won’t cost an arm and a leg to replace if the worst does happen. Charity shops, and low-cost high street chains such as Primark, stock a range of affordable items, from t-shirts and vest tops to sunglasses and bags.

Pack smart and leave expensive items at home.

Food for Thought

In 2023, it was reported that festivalgoers were being charged a staggering £8 for a small portion of fries at Glastonbury. Combat the often eye-watering prices of festival grub by taking your own food.

Save on the £8 fries and invest in a cool bag instead. Ironically, we found a family-sized cool bag at Halfords for exactly £8.

Fill your bag with foodie staples such as homemade pasta pots and overnight oats that you can quickly grab and eat in-between watching your favourite bands.

Take your own food to save money and eat healthy.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the festival experience without breaking the bank. Happy festival-going!