With big events like Glastonbury coming up this summer and more hot weather expected, it is important to know how to stay safe in the sun. 

As more heatwaves are expected this summer, festival-goers may be worried about handling the hot temperatures.

PA Media reported that the medical team at the Isle of Wight Festival said they saw fewer heat-related issues than expected, but there was still a 15% rise in incidents since last year.

But don't worry, St John's Ambulance has you covered, with their six hacks to staying safe at a festival during a heatwave.

How to stay safe at a festival during a heatwave

1. Find shade – anywhere on the site

A lot of festivals are very open leaving you exposed to the elements. 

Associate medical director of St John's Ambulance, David Monk said it was important to find shade where you can.

Mr Monk said: "At festivals, seek shade in festival tents or near stages, or by going to bars… Even take a gazebo to go with your tent [if the festival allows].

"When out in the field, take an umbrella or parasol if you are worried."

He also said to consider “wearing light layers and a cap” and taking a "wet cloth to pop on the back of your neck, or wet the cap and wear it to cool you".

2. Put sun cream everywhere

Mr Monk said a good covering of sun cream was also important during warmer weather.

News Shopper: St John's Ambulance recommend using at least SPF 30 sun cream.St John's Ambulance recommend using at least SPF 30 sun cream. (Image: Getty Images)

He said: “Make sure you wear a good head covering, at least SPF 30, and reapply regularly, so take it into the festival with you.

"When you get sweaty, it will need reapplying.

If you are dressing up in wild clothing, he added: “Apply sun cream before putting it on and reapply it, and make sure you take something to wear when it starts getting cooler. 

“Put sun cream under make-up and glitter, and look at a sun cream spray for your scalp."

3. Know what to look out for

Knowing the signs of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and severe burns is vital, especially while out in the sun for long periods of time (like at a festival).

Mr Monk said: “Heat exhaustion is something you can self-treat by drinking lots of water or weak squash, and eating salty foods.

"If you think you have heatstroke, however, seek help from the medical teams."

According to the NHS, the signs of heatstroke include: 

  • Still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
  • Very high temperature
  • Hot skin that's not sweating and might look red
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fast breathing or shortness of breath
  • Confusion and lack of coordination
  • A seizure or fit
  • Loss of consciousness

Mr Monk added: "If you get burnt, think how bad it is. If it blisters, you feel unwell or are shivering, seek help from the festival medical teams.

"However, if it is less severe, just do lots of moisturising and rehydrating."

4. Drink water and know how hydrated you are

The associate medical director of St John's Ambulance said it was ok to drink alcohol and enjoy yourself, but in moderation, while also drinking plenty of water.

Mr Monk added: "When you go to the loo, check how dark your urine is. 

"This isn’t always possible in festival toilets, but you might detect darker and more dehydrated urine from its smell."

News Shopper: Monitoring hydration is important while at a festival during a heatwave.Monitoring hydration is important while at a festival during a heatwave. (Image: Canva)

5. Pack the electrolytes

When you sweat, you lose a lot of electrolytes, like salt.

Mr Monk said: "Take an electrolyte drink with you – things like sports drinks, or Dioralyte, to replace whatever you lose.

“Make sure you’re eating things with salt in, and carbohydrates, to give you energy.”

6. Keep an eye on drink and drugs

Drugs and alcohol can reduce your body's ability to respond to the heat.

For this reason, Mr Monk said: “If people are going to take drugs, make sure those around you know what you have taken, in case they need to tell someone if there is a problem."