GLASTONBURY Festival-goers are being urged to stay safe and to be aware of possible health risks when attending the world famous event.
Somerset Council’s public health team and the UK Health Security Agency are reminding people of the dangers associated with alcohol and drug use, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), diseases such as measles, and weather-related illness.
The event opens to the public on Wednesday (June 26) ahead of three days of live music from Friday, which will include Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, and more.
Professor Trudi Grant, executive director for public health for Somerset Council, said: “Most health risks can be avoided by taking simple steps to help protect yourself and others.”
Familiarise yourself with the health and safety advice on the Glastonbury Festival website before you travel:
- Avoid travelling if you are feeling acutely unwell.
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in hot weather
- Wash hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser with you, alcohol gels don’t kill all bugs that can cause diarrhoeal illness
- Never take a BBQ into a tent - despite being out in the fresh air, carbon monoxide can build up to levels that can kill very quickly in enclosed spaces
- If you are preparing food – wash fruit and vegetables well and cook meat thoroughly to avoid food poisoning
- Stay safe in the sun by using sun lotion, wearing a hat and seeking shade in the hottest parts of the day
- Wear protection if having sex, but recognise that this may not prevent transmission of some infections such as mpox, if you develop symptoms during or after the festival, please seek medical advice
- Seek advice if you become unwell – there are medical facilities around the Festival site, including two dispensing and retail pharmacies.
The message from Glastonbury Festivals is not to use illegal substances on the site. The dealing in or use of illegal drugs is not condoned by the festival and drug enforcement laws are as applicable on the festival site as anywhere else in the country.
The UKHSA has issued a yellow heat-health alert for all regions except the North East. The alert is currently in place from Monday, June 24
Keep a look-out for signs of heat-related harm which include:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty