How to budget at a festival.

Whether you're watching your spending closely or ready to indulge a bit, we're here to share some savvy strategies for stretching your funds this festival season. With financial constraints affecting many of us, we've put together a guide to help you make the most of your festival experience without breaking the bank.

Set a daily budget.

We've all felt the temptation to overspend at festivals, turning a few days of fun into a major dent in our wallets! Our first piece of advice for festival budgeting is to establish a daily spending limit. Think ahead about how much money you want to bring and divide it by the number of days you'll be there.

If possible, mix cash and card payments to cover all your bases. Some banks, like Monzo, offer features to set daily spending limits, giving you better control over your expenses and preventing overspending. Remember, only spend what you're comfortable with and can afford – there's no need to keep up with others or feel pressured by your friends' spending habits.

Cash or card

It's a good idea to have some cash on hand (as not all vendors accept cards), but only carry what you can securely manage. Nowadays, most festivals provide personal lockup options, offering a safe place to store valuables. Never leave anything valuable unattended in your tent – check in advance to see what secure options the festival provides.

An emergency fund.

Always have an emergency fund tucked away – just in case your daily budgeting falls short (it happens to the best of us!). It's better to overestimate your needs and have some extra for emergencies than to find yourself needing to borrow from friends.

To cook or not to cook?

Cooking might not be everyone's idea of fun, even in the comfort of your own kitchen. However, preparing meals at your tent can be a fantastic money-saving strategy. Festival food prices are notorious for being high – you might find that what you spend on food in a few days could feed you for a week at home.

That said, festival food is often delicious! If you're on a budget, consider dining out only occasionally and opt for meals at your tent with supplies you've brought along. Cooking together can be a social highlight of the festival experience, offering a chance to unwind with friends after a long day, enjoying the sunset with a few refreshing wipes on hand.

But don't hesitate to explore the diverse selection of festival fare on offer – try out some new dishes and savor the culinary delights! If you're curious about the food options available, check out our Festival Food Guide.

Festival money-saving schemes.

Some festivals offer budget-friendly dining options. For example, Glastonbury Festival runs a 'Food for a Fiver' scheme throughout the event to ease the strain on attendees' wallets. In 2022, over 300 vendors participated, each offering special items for just £5. Look out for the 'Food for a Fiver' sticker on menus to spot these deals!

The key is to tailor your festival experience to your preferences and budget. Festivals can be enjoyed regardless of your financial situation, offering a chance to escape and unwind. So, let loose and relish all that festivals have to offer!