How to drink more water and stay hydrated at a festival
Peer reviewed by Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGPAuthored by Lydia SmithOriginally published 21 Jun 2023
- DownloadDownload
- Share
You’re at Glastonbury and you’re watching your favourite band in the sun with a pint of cider in hand. Life is good - until you start to feel a bit unwell. Although you’ve spent a lot of time at the bar, you’ve not drunk nearly enough water - and the headache is setting in.
In this article:
Dehydration is one of the main causes of illness at festivals. They usually take place in the summer and the warm, sunny weather - and dancing - can mean you lose more fluid through sweating. Also, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can make you pee more. It’s also easy to forget to drink water when you’re having fun, especially if you don’t have a refillable bottle with you.
However, being dehydrated at a festival can be dangerous and lead to fainting, disorientation, heatstroke, or even fits or seizures. If left untreated, you may end up needing to spend time in the medical tent.
Continue reading below
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
There are many signs that you haven’t drunk enough water. You may feel thirsty, tired or dizzy, or have dark yellow, strong-smelling urine. You may pee less than usual or have a dry mouth. You may also have a headache, feel generally unwell or feel confused or anxious.
Dehydration can happen more easily if you have been in the sun, drunk alcohol or have been sick or had diarrhoea. Conditions such as diabetes or certain medications, such as antidepressants, can also leave you at risk of dehydration1. Illegal drug use can also lead to dehydration2.
Patient picks for Environmental conditions
General health and lifestyle
The effect of air pollution on asthma sufferers
Asthma is a lung condition where inflammation in your airways makes the muscles around your airways go into spasm. This cuts the air getting into your lungs, causing symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough.
by Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP
General health and lifestyle
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
The risks of excess sun exposure to the skin are well known. Too much sun increases the risk of skin cancer, and burning carries a particularly high risk for malignant melanoma. But in the short term, excess heat also carries a risk of heat exhaustion which, if untreated, can lead to life-threatening heatstroke.
by Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP
How to drink more water and stay hydrated at a festival
Stick to a routine
Setting a routine can help you remember to drink water at a festival. Keep big bottles of water in your tent so that when you wake up, you can have a couple of glasses first thing and refill a smaller bottle to carry with you.
It can help to set an alarm or reminder on your phone or watch to have water mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Try to drink when you eat at lunch or dinner too. If you’re moving around a lot or dancing, you’ll need to drink more.
Carry a refillable water bottle
Bringing your own refillable water bottle can save you money and is better for the environment than buying plastic water bottles. You can get foldable water bottles or pouches, which can be easier to carry. You can also attach them to a belt or bag using a carabiner, a strong metal clip. Festivals allow you to bring an empty bottle and refill it on site, as long as it isn’t made of glass.
Remember to rest
It’s important to take breaks in the shade when you’re hanging out in the sun all day or walking to various stages. Your body will need to rest and recharge. If you lie down in the shade and drink some water, you’ll feel much better.
Continue reading below
What to do if you are dehydrated at a festival
If you’re dehydrated, sit down, drink plenty of water and have a rest. Dehydration is treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. You can also use rehydration sachets - which can be dissolved in water - to build up your body’s electrolytes and salts. If you feel unwell, it’s important to seek medical help to prevent severe complications. You can get help at the medical tent, or via festival staff who are on site to help.
Further reading
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
21 Jun 2023 | Originally published
Authored by:
Lydia SmithPeer reviewed by
Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP
Are you protected against flu?
See if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab today.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free