Viva Press Release
Festival season is officially upon us, bringing with it the opportunity to indulge in brilliant live music and electric atmospheres. Sadly, during the cost-of-living crisis, 81% of UK adults state that they will not attend a weekend music festival in 2024. A further 65% said that festivals are becoming too expensive, with 57% also adding that they felt they were financially inaccessible.
Vivamoney.co.uk has partnered with thrifty festivalgoer Amanda Mountford to share 5 festival money saving tips this summer.
Amanda Mountford is a seasoned festivalgoer from Chester, having attended over 20 festivals and counting, from Glastonbury all the way to Lollapalooza in Chicago. Her 5 savvy tips aim to help first-time festival attendees or those simply looking to cut costs on their trip, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.
1. Compare prices
‘Many of us may associate music festivals with big names such as Glastonbury and Wireless. Naturally, ticket prices for better-known festivals are generally more expensive than they are for smaller, more intimate events. For example, a full festival pass for Glastonbury in 2024 costs £355 per person, (excluding booking fees). If you were to travel down on the Wednesday and stay until Sunday, this would equate to £71 a day. In comparison, a four-day weekend pass for Y-Not Festival in Derbyshire – plus camping – costs £204.50 per person (again, this doesn’t include booking fees and postage), which works out at £51.12 per day.
‘Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned raver, there’s a festival to suit every music taste and preference, so don’t feel as though you need to go for the best known to get the most out of your experience. When checking out your choices, compare the lineups and find one that suits you and your music taste. Sometimes, the smaller festivals host unknown, up-and-coming bands, so it may be worth checking these out beforehand to help cement your decision.’
2. Volunteer for free entry
‘Of course, you’ll need to graft for the privilege, but volunteering at festivals is a fab opportunity to soak up the vibes while enjoying the music firsthand. Site such as Hotbox and Festaff are good places to start your research and register interest. You could also volunteer on behalf on a charity, such as Mind, or WaterAid.
Some volunteering options might include bar work, general crowd management, and ticket scanning. Generally, when you’re not on shift, you’re free to wander round and fully immerse yourself in the festival.’
3. Thrifty transport
‘You’ve picked your festival, booked your tickets (exciting!), now all you’ve got to do is plan your route. It’s a good idea to do some thorough research into your chosen festival to determine the best transport options. Each festival will have a designated website that should detail different transport options and include directions.
‘Most festivals – including Glastonbury, Boomtown, and Y-Not - are all easily accessible by train and operate shuttle busses between each site and nearby stations throughout the festival weekend.
‘While taking public transport and complimentary shuttles might well work out cheaper than driving, some festivals may not be so easy to reach without a car. Try organising a car share scheme within your group and spread the cost of fuel (and reduce your carbon footprint – double win!).’
4. Pack smart
Let’s be honest, UK festivals come with high chances of excess mud and rain. There’s no point risking ruining your best clothes and accessories, or worse, having them potentially stolen. Take cheaper items with you instead - preferably ones that won’t cost an arm and a leg to replace if the worst does happen.
‘Charity shops, and low-cost high street chains such as Primark, stock a range of affordable items, from t-shirts and vest tops to sunglasses and bags. Speaking of bags, you’ll also want something practical to carry your valuables around in. We get that bumbags often get a bad rep in the fashion stakes, but they’re an ideal way to keep your phone and money safe while you’re darting between the different sets and stages all day. You can find bumbags for as little as £5 on Amazon.’
‘In 2023, it was reported that festivalgoers were being charged a staggering £8 for a small portion of fries at Glastonbury. Combat the often eyewatering prices of festival grub by taking your own food.
‘Save on the £8 fries and invest in a cool bag instead. Ironically, we found a family sized cool bag at Halfords for exactly £8! Fill your bag with foodie staples such as homemade pasta pots and overnight oats that you can quickly grab and eat in-between watching your favourite bands.
Dan Whittaker, a personal finance expert at Viva Money, concludes, ‘From food to fashion, Amanda’s frugal and thrifty tips have budding festivalgoers covered and ready for the best possible experience this summer. Bagging tickets to any festival is exciting, but don’t forget to plan ahead so that you can make the most of your budget. Wondering what to do with the money you’ve saved? Put it towards your next festival, of course!’
Viva Money has shared money saving tips for festivalgoers.
-ENDS-
About Viva Money
Viva Money is not a lender but is a fully regulated and authorised credit broker. Viva Money is a registered Trading Name of Digitonomy Limited, Registered in England and Wales (Company number 08385135), Registered Office; Steam Mill Business Centre, Steam Mill Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AN. Digitonomy Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference number: 690249. Licenced by the Information Commissioners Office, (registration number ZA007309)
Website: https://vivamoney.co.uk/
Dan Whittaker - Personal Finance Expert at Viva Money
Dan has strong market and product knowledge across a range of consumer finance products including, but not limited to, credit cards, savings, loans, and mortgages.