Congratulations! You finally snagged those concert and festival tickets that you’ve been waiting for. While it is important for you and your friends to have fun and create lasting memories, it’s also imperative that you are aware of and adhere to essential safety measures and be mindful of other concertgoers. 

With a line-up of global superstars such as Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Bruno Mars heading our way soon, the venues are sure to be packed to the core. But not to worry, the Bandwagon team has created a handy guide to navigate you through the fuss and buzz. 

From protecting your ears to avoiding tight spaces, here’s how you can ensure a safe and enjoyable concert experience not just for yourself, but for other fans too – whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or a first-timer.

PROTECT YOUR EARS, PRETTY PLEASE

Your auditory well-being is paramount. It’s absolutely important to put on earplugs during any concert, gig, or festival, especially if you’re one of the lucky few to secure a spot near the barricade – usually where the sound systems are placed. 

Extensive exposure to loud noises over 85 dB can potentially cause permanent damage to your hearing. This can cause concertgoers to feel a ringing in their ears – also known as tinnitus –  after a concert and experience temporary deafness. However, wearing earplugs can provide a layer of protection from the high sound levels while allowing you to immerse in the music.

QUEUE WITH EASE

Upon arrival at the venue, keep a lookout for the rules regarding queuing as there may be specific guidelines. Try scouting for the signboards indicating the queues for your designated seating zones, or reach out to the on-site staff if you’re unsure. 

 Apart from that, while the anticipation of queuing up early can be exciting, it can also be exhausting and uncomfortable over time. To ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and others, be mindful of the personal space of those around you and avoid pushing or crowding as you wait in line. And as a bonus, since you’re surrounded by fellow fans, use this opportunity to say hello and make new friends!

WEAR SUNSCREEN

For those planning to dedicate their day to queuing up early outside the venue, whether it’s for a concert or festival – indoor or outdoor – sunscreen is king. While it may seem like a cliché tip, safeguarding your skin from prolonged sun exposure can prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Plus, you’ll feel so much more comfortable during the show without experiencing that burning sensation on your skin!

EAT AND HYDRATE 

To fuel your energy for the concert or festival, it’s essential for you to eat and keep hydrated prior to the show. As some events can take up to an hour or three to finish (yes, I’m talking about Taylor Swift), it’s recommended that you indulge in a hearty meal and drink lots of fluids before entering the venue. Do note that some venues may not allow food and drinks into the hall, so take some time before the door opens to power up.

BRING A PORTABLE CHARGER

We can’t stress enough how important it is for you to keep a portable charger handy during any concert or festival. While your battery may drain out quickly after capturing all the fun memories, it’s also essential to make sure that your phone has enough juice to contact your friends and family after the show in case you get separated from the group, and even book a ride home. 

CLEAR YOUR STORAGE SPACE 

The last thing you want during a concert is your phone telling you that you’re out of storage space while filming mid-performance (trust us, we know). If you’re sentimental and can’t seem to delete the majority of photos and videos from your photo library, it helps if you offload unused apps instead. Alternatively, you can also clear your browsing history and website data from your web browsers, or clear the cache from messaging apps like Telegram.

FILM AND TAKE PHOTOS IN MODERATION

As much as we’d like you to take as many photos and videos of the show as keepsakes, it would be a shame for you to watch the live performances through your phone screen. While it may be tempting to document your favourite song or capture fancam content, it may deprive others of their chance for a clear view of the show. Experiencing the event firsthand is certainly irreplaceable, and by moderating your use of phones or other recording devices, you can live in the moment and be more connected to the experience. 

BRING A FACE MASK AND HAND SANITISER

Falling sick after a concert is a nightmare. On top of the post-concert depression you’ll face, it’s just too much to bear. Although wearing face masks are no longer mandatory, we recommend that you keep a piece or two in your bag just in case to protect yourself and others from the risk of transmission. On top of that, it’s essential that you carry a hand sanitizer with you at all times for personal hygiene purposes. 

KEEP YOUR VALUABLES SAFE

With all the hustle and bustle at concerts and festivals, it may be easy for you to get distracted and let your guard down – which increases the risk of being pickpocketed. To keep your valuables safe, keep your wallet and phone in your front pockets as you would most likely be aware if someone tried to snatch your items away. Otherwise, you could also wear bottoms with zipped or buttoned pockets for added security. 

If you’re planning to bring along a carry-on bag, it would be best to use one that is compact and slings across your body. Remember to place it in front of you throughout the concert so you are aware of its location at all times. 

PLAN A MEET-UP SPOT 

Getting lost in a crowd is certainly no fun. Especially when the concert venue blocks off the network connection on your phone, it can be scary when you’re separated from your friends and are unable to get proper reception to call them. Which is why having a contingency plan on a post-concert meet-up spot is essential. Before entering the venue, look out for a noticeable landmark around the area to mark as the designated meeting place for your group when things get hectic. 

AVOID TIGHT SPACES

If you’re in the standing pen, it’s important to ensure that you have sufficient space around you to move. However, in the event that you are entangled in a tight crowd, keep your arms up and place them near your chest with some space in between to maintain proper breathing space and ventilation. All in all, you should remain calm and stay alert of your surroundings! Which brings us to our final point. 

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

From wherever you are located within the venue, take some time to look out for the exit points and plan potential evacuation routes in case things go south. You can also retrace the steps from the way you entered the venue, but it’s always better to have alternative ways to exit.