How to keep cool at your summer festivals

It's summer, and that means only one thing for music fans - it's festival season. With Reading, Leeds, Download and other events all scheduled (no Glastonbury this year, though), we can expect plenty of big names and plenty of hot weather. With hours of dancing ahead, sweaty tents and questionable hydration choices, here are our expert tips on staying cool so you can make the most of the music. Excess alcohol consumption can significantly increase the amount of fluids you lose as urine and sweat, leading to dehydration. On average, for each alcoholic drink you are going to urinate 100ml more than normal. If you are going to consume alcohol, try having a glass of water between each drink. Bring your own reusable water bottle so that you can fill up at water points without queuing at a drinks tent. For many, festivals are just as much about the fashion as the music. As things get hot the temptation is to ditch the layers, get out the shorts and unbutton the flowery shirt. Leaving parts of your upper body exposed means the sun is directly on your skin, which increases the risk of sunburn. But if you put sunscreen on, wearing less clothes can help if you're really struggling. As sweat

May 22, 2026 → May 22, 2026