10 Simple Ways You Can Elevate a Festival's Vibe

Article by: Jenni Poi

Tue December 01, 2015 | 00:00 AM


Life is all about balance. That means giving back what you get and never taking more than you need – especially at festivals, where we're all in it together. To maintain your festival karma, it pays to act like a festival angel. By looking out for fellow festies and the land around us, you'll rack up those karmic points in no time. Follow our advice for the coming season to ensure your festival karma remains strong – year after year!

Pick Up Litter

Pick Up Trash
Photo by: Chris Hong

We've all seen the impact a festival can have on the land around it. If you didn't bring your own garbage bags, get some from the green team (who might also supply supply you with rubber gloves) and pick up a few bags of debris around you. You'll see that once you start, others will want to join. Whole areas at festivals can be cleaned in no time with the right amount of people helping. 

Add to the Decor

Add To Decor
Photo by: Chris Hong

If you are feeling creative, which most of us do in a festival setting, channel that vibe and make something. Have a look at the decor around you and add to it! You'll be surprised at the amount of art supplies much you can gather by asking around. If you’re not artistically gifted don’t worry, you can be the décor. Dress up and add to the festival's eclectic scene by flaunting your funky stuff.

Love Your Volunteers

Care For Volunteers
Photo by: Chris Hong

Volunteers work long shifts at festivals, and many of those shifts occur at night. Be a festival angel and care for these selfless folks. A warm cup of tea, an extra scarf and gloves, or even some words of encouragement can do wonders to brighten someone’s night. A little appreciation, coupled with unexpected acts of kindness can go a long way in festival land. 

Ride Share

Car Share
Photo by: Chris Hong

Heavy traffic and parking are always a strain on a festival's carbon footprint, so try to car share with your friends as much as possible. If you have an extra seat in your car – or you’re looking for a lift to a festival – there are lots of reliable websites you can visit such as the UK's Liftshare.com, or simply Facebook or Craigslist. If you have room in your car as you leave a festival, stop and offer a lift off-site to one of the poor festies you see struggling with their bags on the way out.

Make Friends

Make Friends

Photo by: Chris Hong

We all know what it’s like to lose track of our friends at a festival, or to attend a festival alone. If you see someone looking lonely, why not ask them to join your group? You will make their day and make a new friend at the same time – that way, everyone’s a winner.

Look After Each Other

Look After Festies
Photo by: Chris Hong

Festivals can be very hectic, especially if you’re not physically or mentally prepared. Look after your fellow festies in need; if you see someone looking a bit off color, offer him or her some water. So many people overdo it at festivals, so keep an eye out for anyone looking like they may need medical help. Also, if you’re driving and have the space bring a few extra blankets, pillows, rolls of toilet paper, sleeping bags or any other essentials, you should. You’re guaranteed to find someone who needs them.

Pass on the Program

Program
Photo by: Chris Hong

If you don't want to keep it as a souvenir, take a photo or write down what you want to see and pass your festival program on. Many don't know where to find them or lose them immediately, so your gift could save them a lot of trouble. If you don’t want to give yours away, you can always let people have a look in order to take note of the gigs or talks they would like to attend.

Share Information

Share Festival Info
Photo by: Chris Hong

Find an interesting or useful fact about the festival you're attending and pass it on. Is there an enchanting forest walk at the bottom of the festival site? Or a beautiful beach to explore? Is there a secret bathroom no one knows about? Share all the wonderful things that you have discovered. You might get some great tips in return to enhance your own festival experience.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace

Photo by: Chris Hong

When thousands of people get together for a festival, the impact on the land can be extensive and lasting. Don’t pee on the land and remember to leave no trace. Never leave your garbage behind, and always leave the land as you found it – our combined efforts can provide a sustainable and conscious example of how to pass what we create onto our future generations.