Many of us look forward to music festivals all year, but costs for tickets, travel, and on-site spending can quickly add up. With festival season underway, Vix Leyton, consumer finance expert at thinkmoney, shares her top tips for managing money wisely at a festival.
Book a Combined Ticket and Coach Travel Bundle
"Many people underestimate how expensive travelling to and from a festival will be," Leyton warns. "It's definitely worth looking at ticket and coach packages because they can help take the stress out of travelling and usually the prices are pretty competitive."
See if You Are Eligible for a Railcard
If travelling by train, check available railcards. "If you are travelling with a friend, the two together railcard can be a great option," she suggests.
Consider Car Sharing
Driving? Carpool with your local community to split petrol costs. "There are online community groups and Facebook forums connecting you with people going to the same festival," says Leyton.
Bring Your Own Food
Food stalls are expensive. "Most weekend festivals allow you to bring food in, so bring non-perishables. Many festivals have supermarkets nearby to pick up food and drink on the way," she recommends.
Borrow Camping Equipment
Check with family and friends for spare camping gear. "Many people give camping gear away for free because their camping days are over," notes Leyton.
Check All Your Camping Kit Before You Go
Always do a test pitch at home. "If you have to replace any equipment on site, you will be charged a massive premium," she advises.
Look on Resale Sites
Platforms like Freecycle or Vinted offer cheap camping equipment or festival clothes. "It's also good for the environment," Leyton adds.
Set Up a Communal Kitty with Friends
Going with a group? "Consider getting a kitty together for rounds of drinks to prevent quibbling over who got what," she suggests.
Remember to Pack All the Essentials
"Don't forget toilet rolls, sun cream, blister plasters, and a rain poncho. Buying these on site costs much more," Leyton warns.
Use Apps to Set Up Spending Limits
Some banking apps let you separate money for spending and bills. "If you need a spending limit, check your banking app for notifications when you hit your threshold," she says.
Say No to Rounds
"Buying rounds can be expensive. If you're not drinking at the same pace, just say, 'Leave me out the rounds, I'll get my own drinks,'" Leyton recommends. "This is one of the biggest savings."
Share Multipacks with Friends
"Getting multipacks of food and drinks and sharing them splits the cost," she advises.
Shop Around
"Don't settle on £7 chips at the first food stall. Take a stroll around the campsite to compare prices before committing," Leyton concludes.
