How to Navigate a Summer Festival Sober: Five Top Tips

Festival season is one of the most exciting times of the year for music lovers. It’s a chance to see some of the hottest acts globally, seek out the next big thing and generally just have a laugh with friends.

Of course, festivals in the UK and across Europe are also well known for their excess. The beer for breakfast kind and partying well into the night. Not exactly ideal if you’re living sober.

Festivaling sober can be a tricky task, particularly for those who have previously had addiction problems and been through private alcohol rehabs to get their lives back on track and in recovery. With temptation at every turn, actually deciding if you’re ready for a festival is the first port of call.

If the answer is yes, then navigating that festival sober is the next step. So, here are five top tips to help you do so… 

Plan Ahead: Prepare Mentally and Practically

Preparation is absolutely key here. Before you even start packing your bag, in fact maybe even before you buy a ticket, you need to take the time to consider what situations you might find yourself in and what challenges they may bring.

Jotting these down in a notebook or in your phone can be a good idea, alongside what you’ll do to handle these challenges. Consider it a bit of a guidebook for your festival, helping you politely decline any alcohol, ease any anxieties and essentially enjoy the festival.

Pack things that can help you with that, particularly when it comes to drinks and staying hydrated, as dehydration can affect cognitive thinking and may contribute to succumbing to any cravings. 

Pack sunscreen and importantly a phone charger so you can connect with loved ones or support networks if you find yourself struggling. 

Find Like-Minded People

There will be plenty of other people at festivals in exactly the same situation as you. So find them. You’ll find Facebook groups and online forums that are packed with sober festival goers looking to connect with like-minded people, so why not make some new friends?

Not only is it a great opportunity to get to know people, it’ll also give you a ready made support group and a set of people that are more interested in the music, atmosphere and completely drinking in everything the festival has to offer rather than perching at the end of a bar. 

Focus on the Music and Activities

Which brings us neatly onto the next point. There’s way more to a festival than drinking, so immerse yourself in what it has to offer.

Set yourself a schedule of activities to do, whether that be watching bands, seeing comedy or even taking part in workshops and exploring art installations.

You’ll actually find many festivals cater to sober goers these days, holding the likes of yoga sessions, meditation and finding your inner peace. Green Man festival is a great example of this, with its Nature Nurture Field, an area dedicated to holistic therapies and rejuvenating body and mind. 

Practise Self-Care

Festivals can be tiring, there’s no doubt about that. The environment isn’t exactly conducive to a replenishing night’s sleep, but it is important to maintain your energy levels and look after yourself, especially if you have received treatment for addiction.

Keeping hydrated is vital, while eating regularly and as healthy as possible will also hold you in good stead. Taking a seat, finding quiet spots to sit and escape if it all gets a bit overwhelming can also be useful. Do a bit of a recce of the site beforehand and identify some quieter spots where you can rest up for a little while. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to call it an early night if you are getting tired. A good night’s sleep will make a big difference in how you feel the next day. 

Stay True to Yourself

Ultimately, the most important tip is to stay true to yourself and your reasons for choosing sobriety. It’s easy to feel pressure to conform, especially in a festival environment where drinking is often the norm. However, remember that your decision to stay sober is a personal one and doesn’t need to be justified to anyone.

If someone questions your choice, a simple, polite response is usually sufficient. You may find that many people respect your decision and some may even feel inspired by your commitment. Enjoy the festival on your terms, knowing that you’re staying true to what’s best for you.