Festival fun shouldn’t come with a side of food poisoning. Here’s how to stay well all weekend – with a little help from Duo Catering
Festivals are about freedom, fun, and living in the moment – but poor hygiene, dodgy food and a lack of sleep can quickly turn a great time into a health hazard. UK festivals are brilliant, but they can also be the perfect breeding ground for bugs, sunburn and stomach issues.
Whether you’re a seasoned raver or a first-time camper, our guide will help you stay healthy at festivals, so you can enjoy the music, atmosphere and energy without worrying about getting poorly.
1. Respect the Sun: Your First Line of Defence
Heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn are some of the most common reasons people fall ill at festivals – and most of them are avoidable. Apply sun cream with a high SPF before heading out each day, and reapply it regularly. Even on overcast days, ultraviolet rays can cause damage.
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from direct sun. Don’t underestimate the impact of spending hours outdoors – especially in a field with no shade.
Tip: Take regular breaks in shaded or sheltered areas and keep sipping water throughout the day.
2. Eat from Trusted Food Vendors
Food poisoning at festivals is more common than it should be – and often comes down to risky eating habits. Avoid bringing raw meat, chicken or dairy products unless you have reliable cold storage (and let’s face it, most festival fridges are just cool bags left in the sun).
Instead, eat from reputable food stalls with high turnover and good hygiene standards. At Duo Catering, we prepare everything fresh, from our burgers to our churros, using clean equipment and proper food safety practices, so you can enjoy hot, satisfying meals without the risk.
Look for: Busy stalls, clean staff and clearly displayed food hygiene ratings.
3. Wash Your Hands Often
Basic hygiene is your best defence against illness. Wash your hands before eating, after using the toilets and any time you’ve been in contact with shared spaces. Most festival toilets have limited hand-washing stations, so bring your own small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Washing your hands is the simplest, most effective way to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading.
Festival essential: A pack of antibacterial wipes can also be handy for cleaning cutlery, eating surfaces or your hands in a pinch.
4. Be Sensible with Drinks
Sharing drinks might seem harmless in the moment, but it’s one of the fastest ways to pass on illness. Only drink from sealed bottles or cans you’ve brought yourself or bought from official bars.
Never accept unsealed drinks from strangers, and keep an eye on your own drink at all times.
Stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day – especially if you’re dancing, drinking alcohol or in direct sun.
5. Keep Your Tent Area Tidy
Your tent doesn’t need to be spotless, but keeping it clean and organised will make a big difference. Food wrappers, half-eaten snacks and open containers attract insects and bacteria – not to mention making your tent smell unpleasant by day two.
Use designated bins or bring your own small rubbish bags to dispose of waste regularly. Keeping your area clean will also make it easier to find things, get dressed, and sleep without disruption.
Top tip: Don’t store food inside your tent overnight – especially meat, cheese or leftovers.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep might seem like a low priority when there’s so much to see and do, but your immune system depends on rest to keep you going. Without it, you’ll crash hard by day three, and your body will struggle to fight off illness.
Try to get a solid few hours each night. Earplugs, an eye mask and a comfy sleeping bag can make all the difference when you’re surrounded by sound and light.
Bonus: Rested festival-goers have more energy, sharper focus and enjoy the music even more.
Final Thought: Festivals Are for Living, Not Recovering
You don’t have to let illness ruin your weekend. With a few smart habits – and some common sense – you can keep yourself healthy and happy from the first act to the final encore.
Remember to respect the sun, eat proper food from trusted festival food vendors, stay hydrated and keep clean. Duo Catering is here throughout the summer to serve safe, satisfying meals that give you the energy to enjoy every moment. Come and find us at your next festival, we’ll keep you fuelled and feeling good all weekend.