How to best prepare yourself for music festivals in Australia?

Make sure you end Melbourne's summer on a high note with Hello Sunshine Food and Music Festival.

No matter where you're from, whether you're backpacking around Australia, studying abroad, on a working holiday, or living in this beautiful country. Attending Australian music festivals is something you should take advantage of. In Australia, music festivals are less commercialised and more intimate.

However, if it's your first time attending a live music festival, it can seem intimidating. Music and food truck festivals in Melbourne draw so many people yearly that you might not know what you're doing compared to everyone else. It's also possible that you've attended a few festivals, but you wish you had been better prepared.

The following tips can keep you safe and healthy throughout the event, whether it's a day event or a weekend event.

Get ready for the hot weather.

If you're attending a music festival during the summer, wear light-coloured clothing so you don't get too hot; lighter colours absorb less heat than darker colours. The ideal solution for avoiding sunburns is to wear long pants and long sleeves, but this only works sometimes unless the weather is exceptionally breezy.

Regardless of whether it's cloudy or not, bring sunscreen and reapply it often. There is always the possibility of getting sunburn because UV rays can penetrate clouds, especially if your skin is pale. In addition to wearing a hat, you should protect your

scalp, ears, and neck from the sun. Aloe Vera gel or spray is another solution to help combat sunburn.

Pack essentials only!

When packing for a music festival, keeping your gear light is one of the most pertinent considerations. A heavy bag that becomes a burden instead of convenience isn't something you want to bring with you as you'll be walking and dancing a lot.

Keep it simple: a wallet, your ID, phone, sunscreen, a hat, hand sanitiser, cleansing wipes, deodorant, and insect repellent.

Cleansing wipes: Sometimes, there is no toilet paper or soap in public restrooms, so they can be gross. It's for this reason that cleansing wipes are essential. Additionally, you can wipe down your shoes or utensils with them to remove dirt or germs.

Also, remember to pack your phone chargers.

Take precautions against dust

Even though dust will surely be present on the dance floor, you can certainly avoid coughing up a lung after the dance. Keep your contacts clean and use eye drops if necessary. Keeping with the outfit theme, bandanas or masks can be used to cover mouths and noses.

Costumes

A festival is a wonderful place to let your creative side shine. It could be something as simple as face paint or as elaborate as dressing in the colours of your totem. 

Shoes

You'll want something sturdy that covers your toes, like Dr. Martens boots or Converse. Avoid wearing shoes with long heels or pointed toes that are uncomfortable to stand in.

Remember your medication.

Don't forget to take your medicines. Antidepressants, asthma inhalers, antihistamines, and antiseptics may be prescribed depending on your health and needs.

At most festivals, there will be first aid facilities but no medical services. Use any health app to locate a physician or pharmacist if you need one. Make sure you check your medications for possible interactions with alcohol before drinking.

Use earplugs

Festivals are fun, but with thumping drums, blaring guitars, and screaming vocals, they can also be loud. Be prepared and wear earplugs when attending a music festival. Move away from the speakers if you have trouble coping with loud noises.

Read FAQs

Before you attend the festival, do check out the FAQ on what to bring and what to leave at home.

Take chances and embrace the unexpected.

Lastly, take a chance on someone you have never heard of, and get crazy with your costumes.

Most importantly, let loose and enjoy yourself. Create new memories and make new friends. 

Make sure you end Melbourne's summer on a high note. Scoresby's Caribbean garden will be the setting for the Hello Sunshine Music and Food festival coming up on February 11. It's a wonderful summer outing for all ages with friends, family, and your children. Check the event info and how to buy tickets to know more about this upcoming music and food festival.