How to stay hydrated at a festival: Beat Fatigue, Headaches, and the Morning-After Feeling

When you’re out at a festival this summer, you want to be feeling the vibes, not a throbbing dehydration headache. That’s why we’ve pulled together our hydration festival checklist so you can beat fatigue, headaches, and that morning-after feeling, all while staying hydrated and having fun.

Why Festivals Are the Perfect Storm for Dehydration

Every year, thousands of music lovers travel up and down the country, heading to festivals to see their favourite bands and have fun with their friends. And every year, thousands of music lovers unzip from their sleeping bags with headaches and dry mouths, and absolutely no idea when they last drank water.

The problem is, music festivals are a perfect storm for dehydration. They’re held in the summer, when temperatures are at their highest, in locations (usually fields) where water supplies are scarcer. 

Plus, if you go to a festival, you’ll end up doing a lot of physical activity; for instance, you’ll probably be taking that long walk between your campsite and the stage at least twice a day. Also, festivals massively disrupt your day-to-day habits, replacing rest and regular mealtimes with dancing, drinking, and late nights. 

It’s all fun and games, but without a hydration plan in place, dehydration could put a serious dampener on your weekend. At best, you might not feel up to enjoying everything you’ve paid to see. At worst, you could find yourself needing medical attention instead of watching your favourite band.

Our Festival Hydration Checklist

When it comes to staying hydrated at festivals, preparation is key. Knowing what to bring and how to minimise the risk of dehydration when you’re there will ensure that you have fun for the whole weekend and bounce back quickly on the Monday.

Before you go

Starting hydrated is the easiest thing you can do to prepare for a festival. In the two to three days leading up to it, taking on plenty of water, much like you would normally, can help your body arrive with optimal fluid levels.

Packing’s important, too. Most festivals allow empty water bottles which you can fill at designated water points or hydration zones. Definitely familiarise yourself with where these are, before arriving. Don’t forget about sun protection. A hat and high-SPF suncream can help you fend off sunburn, which can contribute to fluid loss and make staying hydrated more difficult. It’s also worth adding hydration tablets to your festival checklist. They’re small enough to slip into your bag and can be mixed with water when you need to replace electrolytes lost through sweat.

A day of practical tips

Wherever you go and whatever you do, it’s always a good idea to take your water bottle. Taking small sips regularly is the easiest way to make sure your body has all the water it needs. Chugging a large amount in one go won’t keep you hydrated for a long time. In fact, it’s more likely to send you to the loo more frequently.

Plan your day around the music you want to see and make sure you allow for plenty of rest. Find a place in the shade and give your body a chance to recover between shows. Popping an O.R.S tablet in the morning is a great way to start your day hydrated. Also, if you know that you’ll be coming back late, leave a full bottle of water by your bed (you’ll thank yourself in the morning).

Alcohol and dehydration

If you’re going to drink at a festival, be mindful of your hydration. Alcohol can increase urine production, particularly when consumed in larger amounts, which can contribute to fluid loss. Add warm weather, hours of dancing and a long day on your feet, and staying on top of your hydration becomes even more important.

Try to drink water regularly throughout the day and replace the fluids you lose through sweat; add electrolyte tablets to replace electrolytes. It’ll put you in a much better position for another busy festival day.

Heatstroke and what to do in an emergency?

It’s important to know the signs of dehydration and heat-related illness, particularly during warmer festival days. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, so if you or someone you’re with shows signs of it, seek medical help immediately.

Most major UK festivals have designated medical or welfare areas, so familiarise yourself with where these are when you arrive. You can also read the NHS guidance on heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so you know what signs to look out for.

O.R.S Bundle: The Best Festival Hydration Pack

When it comes to having fun at a UK festival, O.R.S is your secret weapon. Our tablets are compact, lightweight and packaged strongly enough for a few nights of roughing it in a tent. Our Electrolyte Bundles are an easy way to keep O.R.S on hand for you and your group throughout the weekend.

Each tablet is a scientifically balanced blend of electrolytes, formulated by pharmacists to help your body hydrate faster and more effectively than water alone. O.R.S Hydration Tablets are the only NHS-prescribed electrolyte tablets that follow WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines.

Ingredients

(per 2 tablets in 200ml of water)

Potassium 193mg: Potassium contributes to normal muscle function and normal nervous system function.

Sodium 277mg: Sodium contributes to normal fluid balance and is an important electrolyte lost in sweat.

Chloride 352mg: Chloride is an important electrolyte involved in normal fluid balance and acid-base balance.

Glucose 3.27g: Our tablets contain a small functional dose of glucose, which helps enhance electrolyte absorption to hydrate you faster.

So whether you’re worried about seeing your favourite act or finding the energy to get up in the mornings, make sure O.R.S is packed alongside your wellies and your tent pegs. It’s one festival essential you’ll be glad you packed when the long days start catching up with you.