Ahh, Leeds Festival, the constant in my summer life since leaving high school. There's nothing that compares to sitting in a field in Yorkshire surrounded by great company, hilarious strangers, and lots of alcohol.

 

It's not exactly a wild adventure to some barren land, but you if you've never been you definitely need some tips.

 

1. Go See The Music

This may seem extremely obvious, but trust me, when you're sat in the campsite it is so easy to just stay sat where you are and miss the actual reason you paid £200+ to be there. I've done it every year and always regretted it afterwards (like superfood this year). 

 

2. The More The Merrier

This is one of the few trips where the more of you that you stay with the better. One it's safety in numbers, the nights at festivals can get a bit rough and scary. Two, if there's more people, there's more of a chance you can go to see everyone you want to see. And three, the bigger the campsite area you establish, the better.

 

3. Keep Your Wits About You

Again, sounds obvious, but it's the little things. Obviously you're only in a tent, so don't be bringing anything valuable. You may think "oh I'll bring a lock and lock my tent", honestly don't bother. It makes people think that you're trying to hide something and to be blunt, but if they really wanted to rob you, they will just slice it open. 

Also there's a lot of drugs and intoxicated people about, some could be violent, just be careful, watch out for yourself and your friends.

-Also Sunday nights, people go very crazy, lots of big fires and destruction.

 

4. Bring A Whole Range Of Clothes

As you may know, Leeds is in Yorkshire, and in Yorkshire it rains, a lot. We were incredibly lucky this year, it was glorious sunshine. But the evenings get cold, incredibly cold. If you're like me and ski, definitely bring one of them hoodies. Also go crazy. Have fun with your outfits. Wear the glitter, the see-through tops, the sequin shorts, the LED glasses and dye your hair every colour under the sun, it's a chance to express yourself.

 

Honestly though, it's not as scary as it seems. Enjoy yourself, build that campfire at nights, crack open a cold one with the boys at 10am, and dance like no one is watching. Festivals are a brilliant chance to live simply, create incredible memories, get closer to friends, and see incredible artists.

 

The lineup this year had such a variety with headliners like Eminem, Muse, Kasabian and Fat Boy Slim, there's something for everyone. I've been to a couple of festivals here in the UK and Leeds will always be close to my heart.