Festival Season on a Budget

Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of festival season! While many of us would love to attend a weekend music festival, the cost can be a significant barrier. In fact, a whopping 81% of UK adults won’t be attending a festival this year, with 65% citing expense as the main reason.

But fear not, thrifty music lovers! With a little planning and creativity, it’s possible to enjoy a festival without breaking the bank. Here are some top tips from seasoned festivalgoer Amanda Mountford to help you save hundreds this festival season.

Festival fun on a budget

Compare Prices

When it comes to choosing a festival, many of us go for the big names like Glastonbury or Wireless. But these festivals often come with a hefty price tag. Instead, consider smaller, more intimate events that may offer better value for money. For example, a four-day weekend pass for Y-Not Festival in Derbyshire, plus camping, costs just £204.50 per person, working out at £51.12 per day.

Compare the line-ups and find one that suits your music taste and budget. Sometimes, the smaller festivals host unknown, up-and-coming bands, so it’s worth checking these out beforehand to help cement your decision.

A more affordable festival experience

Volunteer for Free Entry

Another great way to save money is to volunteer at festivals. Of course, you’ll need to put in some graft, but it’s a fab opportunity to soak up the vibes while enjoying the music first-hand. Sites like 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.

Thrifty Transport

Once you’ve picked your festival, it’s time to plan your route. Research the best transport options for your chosen festival, and consider car sharing with friends to split fuel costs. Many festivals, including Glastonbury, Boomtown, and Y-Not, offer shuttle buses between the site and nearby stations throughout the festival weekend.

Eco-friendly transport options

Pack Smart

When it comes to packing for a festival, it’s essential to think practicality. Leave the expensive clobber at home and opt for cheaper, easy-to-replace items instead. Charity shops and low-cost high street chains like Primark are great for finding affordable festival gear.

Don’t forget to invest in a practical bag to carry your valuables around in. Bumbags may get a bad rep, but they’re an ideal way to keep your phone and money safe while you’re dancing the day away. You can find bumbags for as little as £5 on Amazon.

Festival packing essentials

Food for Thought

Finally, don’t break the bank on expensive festival grub. Take your own food and invest in a cool bag instead. Fill it with homemade pasta pots, overnight oats, and other easy-to-grab snacks. You can always treat yourself to a nice dinner or a carb-heavy pizza slice at the end of the festival.

Festival food on a budget

By following these top tips, you can enjoy a fantastic festival experience without breaking the bank. So, start planning now and get ready to rock out this summer!