Lost? Run out of loo paper? Taken something you regret? Read our top tips to keep you happy this festival season...


Want to have the best time at festivals? Want to remember every single bit of it? Before you go read up on our quick tips to keep you having a good time at whatever festival you visit!

Drugs information service FRANK have teamed up with the Festival Welfare Services (FWS) charity to remind festival-goers to take care and avoid getting into difficulties, particularly where drugs are concerned.

FWS revealed that last year at a single festival they helped nearly 3,000 people who were experiencing difficulties, ranging from drug and alcohol related problems, to lack of sleep and food, dehydration, or those who were lost or in distress. Out of all the people they helped at least 74 of them came to see FWS due to drug related issues.

On a lighter note, the greatest number of enquiries seen by FWS, whose primary aim is to enable  those in distress to have a safe and enjoyable festival, came from people who were looking for site information, sun cream or dry clothes.

 


Steve Willshire from Festival Welfare Services said: "We hope this provides a useful reminder of the things that can go wrong at festivals, from problems involving alcohol or drugs misuse, to those who just need a bit of help because they've lost their way, or forgotten to bring essentials to deal with the unpredictable weather. Either way, we are here to help."

Callum Jacobs, FRANK spokesperson, said: "Taking drugs at any time carries a health risk, but being at a festival can make the negative effects worse. You should be aware of the risk of ending up hot, dehydrated, stuck in the middle of a massive crowd and feeling disorientated. With drugs you never know what you're getting, and the effects can be unpredictable, or even lethal.

 

Drugs are just as illegal at festivals as they are anywhere else - police officers are usually on site and people do get busted. FRANK is available for free and in confidence no matter where you are. Before you leave the house, visit www.talktofrank.com/festivals for advice on staying safe or put the 24/7 helpline number (0800 77 66 00) in your mobile in case you need it over the weekend."