There's nothing quite like a drum & bass festival. 3-5 days of incredible music, meeting new people and dancing from midday until sunrise is what it's all about.
The only problem? Festivals can be exhausting if you don't come prepared.
Whether you're heading to Boomtown, Liquicity, WAH in the City or another DnB event this year, these tips will help you enjoy the weekend from start to finish.
1. Wear Comfortable Clothes
You'll be walking, dancing and standing for hours every day, so comfort should always come first.
Oversized T-shirts, shorts and lightweight layers are popular for a reason—they're breathable, easy to move in and ideal if the weather changes throughout the day.
2. Break Your Trainers In
A festival isn't the place to test a brand new pair of shoes.
Wear trainers you've already spent plenty of time in. Your feet will thank you by the end of the weekend.
3. Stay Hydrated
It sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget when you're chasing your favourite artists around the site.
Carry a reusable water bottle and top it up whenever you can. A few minutes spent filling it is much better than feeling dehydrated halfway through the night.
4. Pack for Every Type of Weather
British weather has a habit of changing quickly.
Pack:
- Lightweight waterproof
- Hoodie for the evenings
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
You might use all four in the same day.
5. Eat Proper Meals
Festival food isn't cheap, but don't survive on chips all weekend.
Try to eat at least one proper meal each day to keep your energy up. Dancing for hours burns more energy than most people realise.
6. Don't Overpack
Everything you bring has to be carried or stored somewhere.
Stick to the essentials and leave anything you probably won't use at home.
7. Look After Your Hearing
Drum & bass is loud.
A good pair of reusable earplugs can reduce the volume without ruining the music and help protect your hearing long after the festival ends.
8. Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone will be your camera, map, torch and way of finding your mates.
Bring a fully charged power bank and charging cable so you're not searching for charging stations halfway through the weekend.
9. Agree a Meeting Point
Phone signal isn't always reliable once thousands of people arrive.
Pick a landmark where your group can meet if anyone gets separated.
10. Pace Yourself
It's tempting to try and do everything, but festivals are a marathon, not a sprint.
Take breaks, sit down when you need to and don't feel like you have to stay at the front of every set.
11. Be Ready for Mud
Even if the forecast looks perfect, pack with the possibility of rain in mind.
A small waterproof jacket takes up very little room but can make a huge difference if the weather changes.
12. Enjoy the Moment
It's easy to spend the whole weekend filming everything.
Take a few photos, capture a couple of clips, then put your phone away and enjoy the music. Some of the best festival memories are the ones you never recorded.
What Should You Wear to a DnB Festival?
Most people keep it simple:
- Graphic T-shirt (I would personally recommend LBA174 t-shirts... just saying)
- Cargo shorts or loose fitting shorts
- Comfortable trainers
- Crossbody bag
- Bucket hat
- Hoodie for the evening
If you're looking for clothing inspired by drum & bass culture, check out LBA174's collection of festival/rave tees. Designed with the rave community in mind, they're made for long days, late nights and everything in between. A selection of tees can be found at the bottom of this page.
Final Thoughts
No two festivals are the same, but the basics never change.
Stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes, look after your feet and remember that the best weekends aren't about having the perfect outfit, they're about enjoying the music with your mates.
Pack smart, dance hard and make the most of every set.
