FESTIVAL HERE WE COME ... Advertiser reporter Charlie Rowney was kitted out by Go Outdoors in Coatbridge. Pictured with her are (left to right) senior camping sales advisor James McArthur, camping sales advisor Darren Iqbal and trainee manager Graeme Gillies, who helped pick out the festival essentials.
FESTIVALS are undoubtedly the best way for any music fan to spend their summer but, if you’ve not got the right gear or supplies, they can be far from fun. You’ll need everything from wellies to wet wipes and, depending on the weather, you’ll need either sun cream or a warm jumper! Our friends at Coatbridge’s Go Outdoors have kindly kitted us out with the essentials to ensure reporter Charlie Rowney survives the festival season. If there’s anything missing from your own check list, head down to the Lock Street store where you’ll find everything you need. Here is our essential guide to what surviving a superb weekend of music, camping and entertainment. WHAT YOU NEED: l A decent tent and sleeping bag are a must. A camping mat is also a good idea as it can get very cold at night and sleeping directly on the floor of a cold tent is unpleasant. l Ensure you’ve got a waterproof jacket and boots, as well as a warm jumper, even if the weather forecast looks good. l Take one full change of clothes; pulling on damp combats from the day before isn’t nice. l And, because we live in a country where the weather is so unpredictable, take sun cream, a hat, sun glasses and definitely insect repellent — you really don’t want to spend your weekend scratching bites or suffering with painful sunburn. l This may sound ridiculous, but take comfortable shoes. You WILL walk for miles over the weekend and that won’t be pleasant if you’re wearing heels. l Be prepared to get dirty and take your own toilet roll and wet wipes. If you’re expecting basic toilets and washing facilities, you’re likely to be extremely disappointed — the Portaloos often resemble something out of Trainspotting. Getting caught short without loo roll or being caked in mud with nothing to wipe it off with would just make the whole experience a million times worse. l Folding camping chairs cost buttons and are great for sitting round the tents, having a beer with your mates. l Remember soap, deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste. There will be taps for you to have a quick wash. l Keep your beers cold in a cool bag. l Take a torch; you don’t want is to get lost amid the sea of tents in the middle of the night. l Ladies, if you insist on taking make-up, a waterproof mascara, some tinted moisturiser with a decent SPF and a can of dry shampoo should do you. Pack a plaster or two and some painkillers in there as well. SAFETY TIPS: l When you arrive, agree a meeting point in case you get separated from your mates. You really don’t want to miss your favourite bands because you’re wandering around looking for your pals. l Don’t take anything valuable with you. Unfortunately, there are a few unsavoury people who don’t go to festivals to enjoy the music and the party atmosphere; the last thing you want to is to become a victim of opportunist thieves. Anything you have to take, like cash and maybe your camera, should be kept on your person. And if you’re driving, don’t leave anything valuable in your car. l Take enough cash with you — there are not likely to be any ATMs on site — but make sure you keep your money with you at all times. l Some festivals now offer secure lockers for people to stash their valuables. Might be an idea to take advantage of these. See each of the festival websites for details. l How are you getting there? If you’re planning on using public transport, make sure you book a return ticket. You don’t want to find yourself stranded. l Take condoms and, if you get lucky, stay safe. l If you have any medical problems, make sure you pack enough medication for the whole weekend. l Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and make sure you eat. You’ve spent all that money to see some top bands, and you don’t want to waste your time curled up in your tent nursing a hangover. HANDY HINTS: l Avoid pitching your tent anywhere near the toilets. It may not seem like a bad idea at first but, believe me, you’ll regret it once people start using them! l Sounds bizarre, but chew gum while using the loo. They really stink and it actually helps. Also, avoid looking down! l Check your tent before you leave home; you’ll kick yourself if there’s a gaping hole in it from last year’s festivities and you end up soaking wet and cold. l Take a plastic bag or two to keep wet or dirty stuff separate from your clean dry things. l Take a disposable camera or two instead of your £250 digital number. It won’t be such a sickener if you lose it. l Don’t over-pack because it’s often a long walk from the camp site to where the action is. l Some people take water bottles and fill them up at the taps at night so as to avoid massive queues in the morning. AND FINALLY... It’s a festival so there’s no denying that some people go a bit overboard with alcohol, but... Underage drinking and illegal drugs will not be tolerated; you can and will be arrested in the middle of a field. Many of the bigger festivals now employ big nasty German shepherds to sniff out any illegal substances, so don’t take the chance. | 
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