Gardaí unveil summer concert and festival survival guide for Electric Picnic, ATN and more

As Ireland gears up for a summer of music and mayhem, gardaí have issued a fresh safety plea to anyone heading to big concerts and festivals like Longitude, All Together Now, and Electric Picnic in the coming weeks.

In new advice issued ahead of the festival season, a Garda spokesperson said:

"Festivals and concerts are a lot of fun but they can be intense and tiring too. With a number of big name concerts and festivals in the coming weeks, including Longitude, All Together Now, and Electric Picnic, we've put together some tips for ensuring you have a fun, safe and stress free festival experience."

Top Garda tips for festival-goers include:

• Plan ahead: Sort your journey to and from the event in advance, whether you're using public transport, carpooling, or taxis. Allow extra time for travel, especially for large-scale events.
• Stick together: "There is strength in numbers." Even if you think you'll stay with friends all day, it's easy to get separated. Consider using a buddy system and never walk through parking areas or anywhere alone.
• Pick a meeting place: In case you get split up and can't reach friends or your phone dies, agree on a fixed meeting spot to regroup throughout the festival.
• Stay hydrated: Bring your own water bottles or check for water stations on site. "Sip early and often so you don’t get dehydrated," Gardaí advise, especially in hot weather.
• Pack a portable charger: Keep your phone powered so you can find friends, remember meeting spots, or call for help if needed.
• Wear sunscreen: Gardaí remind festival-goers to apply sunscreen each morning and find shade during the hottest parts of the day.
• Plan your way home: Don’t be stranded in an empty field after the music stops. "Never leave with intoxicated friends or with people you've just met," warn Gardaí. "New acquaintances may seem nice, but getting in the car with them can be dangerous."
• Leave valuables at home: Avoid bringing large amounts of cash or expensive items.

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Watch your alcohol and your drink

Gardaí have warned of the dangers of overconsumption of alcohol at festivals, which can lead to dehydration and lowered inhibitions.

"Drinking too much alcohol at a concert is dangerous as it can cause dehydration. This is a real problem at music festivals as people often hydrate less, overexert themselves and then become overheated. Alcohol also lowers your inhibitions which raises your risk of doing something regrettable or dangerous."

They also highlighted the risks of drink spiking:

"There is also the risk that someone may slip drugs into your drink. These drugs can make a person unable to move, think clearly or remember what happened later, setting the victim to be sexually assaulted or otherwise taken advantage of. Never let your drink out of your sight. If you lose track of it, get rid of it and get another one. Also never accept drinks from strangers."

Gardaí also reminded revellers that there's a zero-tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour at festivals and concerts and that respect for local communities and residents is key.

"There is zero tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour, including public intoxication and illegal drug use at festivals and concerts, but this also extends to before and after concerts and festivals too. You should respect local residents and their community by not engaging in any anti-social behaviour. Please respect the property and privacy of local residents."

Their final piece of advice is simple: "If you have any concerns while at a festival, don't hesitate to approach Gardaí or event staff for assistance if you need it."

With tens of thousands set to descend on festivals across the country in the coming weeks, gardaí say a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a night to remember.