TRNSMT 2023 is just days away, with 50,000 fans expected to attend Scotland's biggest music festival.
The three day event will see big names like Sam Fender, The 1975 and George Ezra and many more take to the stage at Glasgow Green from Friday. Attendees will no doubt be looking forward to the weekend ahead, but it's important to stay safe amid all the excitement.
While music festivals are full of fun, they also pose a number of risks and knowing how to stay safe on-site is essential. Being underprepared could leave you with sour memories of what's supposed to be a great time.
Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health & Safety has provided his some safety tips that will help you enjoy the weekend, from staying hydrated to avoiding dancing injuries and sticking with pals.
According to Nick, one key piece of advice that fashion fans may not want to hear is to wear comfortable shoes that are built for the outdoors. Your feet can take a hit due to all the walking and dancing, so it’s vital you look after them to prevent injury.
He stressed: “While it’s fun to put on colourful and lively outfits, wearing unsupportive shoes like sandals or flip-flops can easily lead to sprained ankles or stepping on something sharp, which could result in the rest of your weekend being a lot less enjoyable.
“Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement, along with closed-toe shoes with good traction and support that can help prevent slips, trips and falls on uneven ground.”
Here's what else you should know if you're heading to Glasgow Green this weekend.
1. Protect your ears
Being exposed to loud music for an extended period of time can have a long-lasting effect on our hearing so it’s important you take measures to protect yourself.
Sophy Magee, an Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare advises: "Prolonged exposure to loud music (or any excessive levels of noise) can permanently damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Due to the fact that hearing loss is progressive and doesn't hurt, it often means that people don't notice issues until it's already quite significant.”
According to the specialist, the sound levels at the average rock concert of 103 decibels are so great that just 7.5 minutes of listening is the limit to prevent damage, which isn't a lot for a three day festival.
To protect your hearing before it's too late, Sophy recommends investing in ear plugs of headphones with special filters, so you can listen to your favourite tunes without the risk.
2. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun
Whilst the UK isn’t known for its hot summers, it can be susceptible to bouts of heat.
Nick said: “Being outdoors in the heat can be physically demanding, especially if you’re on your feet dancing. If you combine this with drinking alcohol, it can easily lead to a level of exhaustion.
"It's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, so make sure you have a large reusable bottle to keep refilling and take regular drinking breaks.”
For maximum protection, Nick advises to lather on sunscreen with a 30SPF or higher and reapply every two hours, even if it's cloudy as UV rays can still affect the skin. Wearing a hat and sunglasses won't hurt things either.
3. Take sufficient breaks
If you're at TRNSMT for the full three days, it is likely you will be running on little sleep and perhaps a hangover
If this is the case, it’s important that you take regular breaks so you don’t overdo it. “Not getting enough sleep and then spending hours within a festival drinking and dancing can be exhausting and can take a toll on your body," Nick said.
"Try to make time to have regular breaks to rest and recharge - find a shaded place to rest away from direct sunlight, perhaps by sitting at the back of a set out of the sun so you can relax but still enjoy the performances.”
4. Be aware of your surroundings
Some festival sites are huge and it can often take a while to get your bearings, but it is really important to get to know your surroundings to ensure the safety of yourself and the people around you.
Nick explained: “Get to know your maps and different key spots around the site. It’s a good idea to memorise where you will be able to find important locations such as the nearest medical tent, or help centre in case you need to use their services at any point."
Music festivals aren't known to be great for phone signal, so Nick recommends arranging some meeting points with friends so you can find each other. If you need further help, look for a member of staff who will often be wearing hi-vis vest, who can offer assistance.
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