Are you excited for your first experience of T in the Park or are you a regular festival goer? Either way, always make sure you’re prepared for the party. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend camping, make it memorable for the right reasons.

• Have some water or a soft drink in between alcoholic drinks. Pace yourself… you don’t want to pass out before the headliners!
• Keep your drinks in sight and covered, if possible. Only accept drinks from people you know. If you leave your drink unattended, then don’t drink it. Many drugs are odourless and colourless so you won’t know your drink has been spiked until the effects kick in.
• You can’t be sure what’s in a drug and what effect it will have on you, whether illegal or NPS (so-called ‘legal highs’). Just because a drug is ‘legal’ to buy, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Avoid the risk and never mix drink and drugs.
• Heat, alcohol and being in a large crowd can lead to severe dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Don’t ignore symptoms like headaches, dizziness, tiredness, confusion, fits, coldness/shivering, etc. Know where the medical tent is and look out for your mates. See the NHS guide about heatstroke.
• Weather is hard to predict and there’s nothing worse than getting soaked or traipsing through mud in flip-flops. Be prepared for changing weather by taking a waterproof bag, jacket and wellies to make your festival experience a bit more enjoyable.
• Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to people taking unexpected risks like having unprotected sex. Make sure you’re prepared – find out how to get FREE condoms and more info at the Lanarkshire sexual health website.
• Take a ‘party pack’ containing all your weekend essentials – water, sunscreen, condoms, mobile phone and emergency contact numbers.
• Don’t be a sheep – stand out from the crowd! People often experience pushing crowds at gigs. Avoid getting crushed at the front – try to stand a bit further back in a less crowded area. Big screens often give you a better view of the band than you get down the front.
• For further safety advice when you’re out and about, see the Party Safe page on Police Scotland’s website.