Virgin Radio's Edith Bowman shares her Top Ten Festival Tips‏

"Thanks to Virgin Radio for this!"

Virgin Radio Breakfast Show presenter Edith Bowman is a true festival veteran, having attended and broadcast from almost all of the major music events of the year, including Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival, T in the Park, Reading and Leeds Festivals. Her experience is such that she has even published a book on the subject, Edith Bowman’s Great British Festivals, which delves into the festival scene and explores some of the less known festival delicacies on offer across the country in the search for the ‘ultimate festival’.

Armed with impeccable music knowledge and a thirst for discovering new bands, Edith is ready for another summer of partying hard and… eating doughnuts, and wants to share her top tips for enjoying the best of British music festivals this summer:


1. Don’t mention the weather or the toilets. We live in Britain, the weather is unpredictable and the sooner you get your head around that the better. It’s probably going to rain but if you are prepared for it then you will have a better time. Toilets, get over any kind of cleanliness OCD, just have some hand sanitiser and try the she-pee – it’s quite empowering!


2. Although there are obviously bands and artists you want to see, don’t make too many plans. Allow yourself some wander time. This is where I’ve discovered some of my favourite bands by just going blind into tents and to stages to check out things I’ve never heard of. Also allow yourself to have a wander yourself - it’s really healthy and forces you to communicate with people in that old fashioned way of talking.


3. Travel light. Most probably anything you need you can get there. Take the basics that cover you for all weather and with that I’d suggest layers, a good Mac, a good pair of boots that don’t have to be wellies, good sunglasses and hat, dry shampoo and most definitely a high factor sunscreen.


4. Pace yourself. I have learnt from experience that you can get a little overexcited by the whole thing of being at a festival with mates, but losing a whole day is never a good look, trust me.


5. Doughnuts. These will keep you going. Make sure you find your nearest fresh doughnut stall, it might just save your life.


6. Challenge your mind and be adventurous. Step outside your comfort zone and go and see something maybe non-music related that is something you have never seen before. Festivals can be a wonderful place to expand your mind to explore new and exciting art forms.


7. Meeting point. Work out a meeting point with your mates and maybe a certain time you all meet up so that if you do get separated you know where and when you can all touch base.


8. Charging. There are loads of charging locations at festivals so try and not get to the point where your phone is totally out of charge.


9. Camping. You’re either into it or you’re not. I think it's a lot of fun, especially if you can create a commune area where you can have your own little party. I remember one Glasto where we all cooked breakfast before heading out to start another day, which was a great way to wake up. Late night drinks and singalongs and chats – it’s lovely.


10. But if you’re not into the camping thing then there are plenty other options for accommodation, you now can't use camping as an excuse not to go!


Edith Bowman presents the breakfast show on Virgin Radio, weekdays from 6am – 10am
Listen online, on mobile, and through the app

www.virginradio.co.uk