Sun Protection

One thing you can almost guarantee if you attend a UK festival in the summer is extremes of weather, it is either too hot, too wet or too cold! It’s best to come prepared for every type of weather, so anoraks, wellies, sun-hats and sunglasses. 

If it is hot then drink plenty of water, try to stay out of the sun and wear good sunglasses and at least a factor 30 sunscreen.

Sunscreen sold in the UK has a star rating: higher rated products offer more UVA protection, so the higher the better – five is the highest. While we all need the Vitamin D from sunlight, remember there is no such thing as a “healthy” tan. Don’t be tempted to take a dip in the river or streams to cool off.

There are plenty of water points so please bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Longer term, if you are concerned about changes to any moles or freckles that you notice, always seek medical advice. While people with fair skin, blonde or red hair are at higher risk of sun-damage, everyone with any colour skin is at risk of developing skin cancer. For more information about the harm that the sun can cause please go to:

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer

NHS 111 Wales - Health A-Z : Cancer of the skin - non melanoma

Even if it is a cloudy and wet festival you still might be at risk of sunburn. But the main issue in wet weather is what to wear, particularly footwear. Wellies or walking boots are recommended if it is a wet and muddy year – don’t wear brand new boots for the first time at the festival, wear them in before you arrive and bring blister plasters with you. And don’t wear the same footwear for the entire festival.