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Music festivals can be a memorable experience, for the wrong reasons. My virgin music festival extravaganza happened 3 years ago and oh boy..being a first timer, I was clueless to what I should wear or what to bring ! Thank God I was blessed with good weather and a well-prepared group of friends who made sure I was taken care of.  After being to a couple more of such events and with many upcoming concerts and festivals coming to Singapore, here’s a (yet another) survival guide for others out there ! Disclaimer: The following guide is just based on my own experience and observations. Feel free to contribute more tips!

Have A Game Plan : It’s important to know the line-up for the day. You wouldn’t want to miss your favorite band’s act or not knowing who is playing on stage right now. If there are more than 1 main stage, know which performing area you want to be at next. If you have no idea who are the bands playing, just go for it ! I have discovered good music by randomly picking a band to watch too.

Ditch Your Friends : Don’t spend the entire day sms-ing and trying to locate your friends. You’ll bound to lose them halfway (somehow). Just enjoy the music and who knows, you’ll meet new people and usually you always do. See also  ”Spot the spot“.

Sheer Freedom : Screw fashion, dress wisely – my ideal attire is shorts/berms+sneakers/flats+baggy T-shirt. Ladies, do not come in heels and maxi dresses. I saw a couple at Laneway earlier on and they inspired me to post this entry. As for wet weather, some others would recommend wellies but not many Singaporean probably owns a pair. I would say just wear a pair of shoes that you’re comfortable throwing away or ‘losing your sole’  at the end of the festival with. Do not wear flops because you’ll probably lose them in the mud and end up barefooted. Of course, ladies in white is always ‘sheer happiness’ for the guys – if you know what I mean.

Baked or Mudcaked : Being at the festival is not just a commitment but also an endurance-wise challenge. You will be there for hours so bring sunblock ! You’ll need it even if you think you want to get a tan. Hats and shades are recommended if you’re going for the earlier acts. Bring umbrella or ponchos (some events provide them too) in case of rain. Just remember that your umbrellas shouldn’t be blocking others’ views too !

Spot the Spot : Mark your territory! It is important to find a good spot where you can see the stage. Be a typical kiasu Singaporean – ‘chope’ a spot that your group of friends can hang out and easily locate each other in case one of you lose their way after visiting the loo or make a stop at the bar. Picnic mats are a good idea if it’s good weather and well, if it rains like how it did at Laneway – don’t bother.

Water Parade : Keep yourselves hydrated ! You don’t want to faint and be sent to the hospital before your band comes up stage. As much as you do not wish to visit the port-a-loo, just drink up and sweat it off by dancing the day/night away. There will be expensive mineral water being sold at the bar tents but it’s always wise to bring a bottle along. Of course, there will be alcohol and whatnots at the F&B tents too. See also “Cash It”

The Piss-Stop : There is no way you can avoid the port-a-loo throughout the festival. Yes, it will be stinky and dirty. I would suggest looking for the nearest cleaner options available for the girls (e.g Malls and nearby buildings) It will not be a 5-stars hotel toilet experience so always remember to bring tissue/toilet roll and hand sanitizer ! Not only to keep your hands clean but take a whiff of it before holding your breath in. (One trick I’ve learnt is to spray perfume on my tee/collar and pull it up to cover my nose before stepping in!)

Cash It : There will be merchandises and bar tents that provide snacks like hot dogs, nachos etc. Most of the time it’ll be double the price of the usual price outside so don’t get a shock. Drinks will also be available – most of the time it’s S$4 for a bottle of mineral water and S$8 or more for beer/housepour drinks. Remember to bring your cash since credit cards are most unlikely to be accepted. So if you want to save up, bring a bottle of water or if possible (most festivals do not allow outside food/drinks actually), bring your own lil picnic!

Moderation is Key : You are bound to end up drinking, dancing and singing out loud like nobody’s business. You will meet new people whom you would have never imagine knowing in your entire life. You will probably have a few butt gropes or arms around you for no reason. You will see crazy things happening around you. Just remember, it’s probably an once in a lifetime experience so unleash that crazy side of you!  It is the way to live our lives as it is meant to be lived!

Buzzing Good Time : You will probably feel like your legs are breaking and you have gone deaf with that buzz ringing in your ears after the festival. BUT WHO CARES ANYWAYS ? Have a blast, be it rain or shine and enjoy the great music. Make it worth your ticket price and go home with a story to re-tell your children next time.

And for chrissakes - Don’t forget your tickets!

*Pictures taken off Google images*

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