TRNSMT is back this week and it won't be long before crowds of 100,000 plus head to Glasgow Green to dance the day - and night - away.
The outdoor music event is Scotland's largest with 50,00 people set to descend to the east end of the city across three days Friday to Sunday, July 7 to 9.
An estimated 800-1000 festivals take place across the UK every year, TRNSMT among them. However while it can be fun to listen to certain artists, there are many things people need to be aware of and consider before you head along.
READ MORE: TRNSMT 2023 Glasgow road restrictions to be aware of during music festival
Festivals are high-risk in nature as, weather dependant, you could be drinking alcohol in the sun. Not only that but there's high-decibel music and many people forming crowds in several spots throughout the festival making these just some of the hazards you can be faced with.
Whether it is your first time attending a festival, or you’re a seasoned punter who knows their way around the fields, Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health & Safety has provided the top tips you need to know to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear
You'll naturally be on your feet for a while whether you're standing in one spot or walking around from stage to stage or finding food and drink, but paired with all the dancing you’ll likely be doing, it’s important you look after your feet to prevent injury.
Nick stresses: “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.”
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.”
She explains: “The maximum length of time per day a person should be exposed to loud sounds can be surprising too, for example at a loud rock concert of 103dB, the sound levels are so great that just 7.5 minutes at this level is the maximum amount recommended. Nobody wants to listen to just 7.5 minutes of their favourite music at a festival!”
“The key is adequate hearing protection, and your audiology professional can help with this. It's a good idea to use hearing protection with filters, as these lower the level of sound but still enable you to hear everything and it can often sound better too. It’s important to protect your hearing now, before it's too late!”
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun
The weather for TRNSMT - which you can read up on here - isn't set to be a scorcher and in fact, the sun may not come out much at all sadly.
However if there is a spell where it does get a bit hot and the rain holds off, it is crucial you stay hydrated. And it is important that you remain so whether it rains or not - the last thing you want is to leave the show because you're not feeling too great.
Nick explains: “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.”
He continues: “Don’t forget to wear sufficient sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours. Even on a cloudy day, the UV rating can be high so don’t leave it to chance. I’d also suggest wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun's rays.”
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 - it’s important that you take regular breaks so you don’t overdo it.
Nick explains: “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. 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 in the shade so you can relax but still enjoy the performances.”
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 says: “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.
“With many festivals, your phones are unlikely to have a strong signal. Make sure you and your friends agree on an easy to find meet-up point, such as a unique statue or carnival ride, so that if you get separated from the group it is easy to find each other again.
“If you do find yourself lost, confused and in need of help, look for a member of staff who will often be wearing hi-vis. They are there to be of service to assist you or point you in the right direction.”
