Ah, music festivals—the magical place where your worries fade away, and you're left dancing to your heart's content with your friends.

But let’s not forget, a festival is also a place where unprepared souls learn hard lessons. You know, like trying to sleep in a puddle or realizing you’ve no way to charge your phone. But hey, we've got you covered! And with Electric Picnic this weekend, here’s your ultimate survival guide to make your weekend one to remember rather than one you want to forget.

Pack the Right Gear

So let's start with the basics: the right gear. Sure, you can get by with any old tent and sleeping bag, but you’ll be glad you brought the right gear. Do you remember the scenes from last year’s Electric Picnic? There’s a strong possibility it’s going to rain at some point over the weekend so you should consider bringing a waterproof tent because a waterproof tent will help keep all of your other gear dry. And while sleep won’t be top of your agenda you’re going to need to rest for day two. A cosy sleeping bag will help you to recharge. You’re going to spend most of your time on your feet so you’ll be grateful you invested in a comfortable chair to chill out on.

Dress for Success (and Irish Weather)

Layers are your best friend! One moment it's gloriously sunny; the next, it's raining cats and dogs. Pack light but pack smart—bring a waterproof jacket, hiking boots, a mid layer and a soft fleece. Don't forget your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen because you can get burned even on cloudy days.

Portable Power

Chances are you’re going to use your phone a lot over the weekend to capture your favourite artists and let’s not forget all those Instagram selfies. You can use phone charging facilities at the festival, but they are limited so best to bring you own. Consider bringing a portable charger like the one below.

Food: Your Portable Fuel

Sure, you’ll find a range of mouth-watering food trucks at EP, but those costs add up. Pack some non-perishable snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, and perhaps some camping meals to keep cooking to a minimum. You can bring portable BBQ’s to the festival but no gas is allowed. And you can’t bring glass over 100ml so taking reusable water bottles and cups is ideal.

The Ultimate Festival Toolkit

Apart from the obvious essentials, add these items to your list: a small first-aid kit, biodegradable wet wipes, hand sanitizer, a flashlight, insect repellent, and a roll of bin bags to help you clean up afterwards.

Capture the Moments, but Live in the Present

Yes, it's tempting to capture every fantastic performance and funny moment, but don't forget to experience the festival. There's something to be said for just taking it all in without the lens of a camera between you and the life happening around you.

Surviving a music festival in Ireland goes beyond just weathering the elements—it’s about preparation, smart choices, and most importantly, having great craic. After all, festivals are a celebration of life, music, and community. With these tips, you'll not just survive but thrive, returning home with unforgettable memories and perhaps a handful of new friends. So go ahead, pack wisely, dance freely, and sing loudly, because the festival of a lifetime is waiting for you. Cheers!