How to save money at a festival this summer

Summer festival season is just around the corner - and it doesn’t come cheap.

From the tickets and travel expenses to food, drink, tent and clothes, the cost can quickly mount up.

So it’s perhaps no surprise that many people are spending more than they can afford on going to a festival.

In fact, a Credit Karma poll shows that more than a third of festival-goers have dipped into their savings to pay for tickets this year.

Significantly, that’s not just because they don’t want to miss their favourite artist.

Three in ten admit they feel pressure to go to festivals purely because their friends are attending and they want to avoid FOMO - fear of missing out.

Summer festivals don’t have to cost a fortune

If you want to enjoy the festival experience, you don’t have to pay over the odds or use savings.

By making a few smart decisions, you can make the most of it without leaving yourself short of money.

Buy a single-day ticket

You don’t have to be there for the whole weekend to have a great time.

If your must-see artists are all playing on one day, buy a single-day ticket.

That means you can still hear your favourite tunes and soak up the atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Get second-hand clothes

If you absolutely must have a new outfit, then you don’t have to get expensive designer gear or cheap fast fashion that only survives one wear.

Charity shops and online marketplaces like Vinted are full of quirky, unique outfits at low prices. 

You might even get lucky and find someone selling your favourite artist’s current tour t-shirt at a knockdown price.

And if you want something with a bit of sparkle, there’s no reason why you can’t customise a cheap t-shirt, dress or jacket with some sequins or patches.

You’ll save money and reduce waste at the same time.

Take your own food and drink

Festival food isn’t cheap.

A burger and chips, for example, can easily cost around £15.

So if you’re staying over a whole weekend, cut costs by simply bringing your own food and snacks, as well as a refillable water bottle.

Pack a pre-charged power bank

Festival phone-charging stalls can be expensive and have long queues, so bring a pre-charged power bank with you instead.

Download the festival app

Many festivals offer surprise deals, freebies or discounts through their official app, covering everything from merch to food.

Only buy tickets from legitimate resale sites

You might be tempted to look online for spare tickets if you missed out when they first went on sale.

If you do, make sure you only buy from legitimate resale sites like Twickets. 

That means you can be sure your ticket is genuine, you’ll be allowed in and that you won’t have to pay more than face value.

Go to smaller festivals

The likes of Glastonbury get all the media coverage, but there are countless festivals happening in every corner of the country this summer.

Many will boast the same mix of popular acts and emerging talent, so you can get the full festival experience for a fraction of the cost.

There’s something for everyone, with all musical tastes and budgets catered for, so look beyond the obvious events.

It might be one of the best decisions you ever make.