The Week Prior
Things are getting exciting. But this is no time to give in to that alarm in your head which says "just relax". This is the most important time you have to organise your big day. Keep an eye out for public transport announcements and changes to the regular scheduling. Go over your timetable and refine it, adding in any new artists you've discovered, and work out what your ideal diet will be.
Check the weather
Arguably, the most important thing to research is the weather. I've been to festivals where it's been unbearably hot, and I've sat in the rain anxiously awaiting Jack Johnson. Either way, if I hadn't kept an eye on the weather the days would have been less than pleasant. In the rain, disposable ponchos are your friend. Your best friend. They aren't heavy and they protect you just well enough to let you have fun and dance.
Should you stay or should you go (home)?
The nights tend to finish up pretty late, so if you aren't getting a lift home on a bus that evening, find somewhere to stay. You won't be in the right frame of mind to drive yourself home and, seeing as most attendees to the festivals will have travelled some way, you'll be thankful for an easy night's sleep.
If the festival is a couple of days long, hopefully you've already sorted out tents and sleeping bags. If not, then the week before is too late. Even so, you can still find hire places reasonably easily and not worry too much about these things. If it stops the rain, it's good enough.
The Big Day and the All Important Check-List
It's the morning of. So it's time to get busy. Dress appropriately. Have the biggest breakfast of your life - you'll need it. Double-check all the information you have and make sure you leave for the festival early. Make sure you have all the pre-requisites required specified by the promoters, too, like ID. Be prepared for a variety of different people to be at the venue. Most festivals try and appease all walks of life so expect to see the mettallers and the teeny boppers mingling at the gate.
Anyway, here's the essential list!
•Your Ticket
•Public Transport Pass
•I.D Card
•Water
•Painkillers (if the venue allows them)
•Small Amount of Money
•Schedule
•Camping Equipment (if applicable)
•Phone/Camera (IF YOU REALLY INSIST ON TAKING IT)
If it's worth going, it's worth making plans
Festival Season can create some of the best memories of your year, meeting new people and hearing some of the best bands in the world for a reasonable price. It's all the better if you can keep yourself safe and make the most of your hard earned cash.