Festival season has arrived, with events such as Glastonbury around the corner. As summer reaches its peak, festivals are occurring more frequently. If you possess tickets, you’re probably preparing to indulge in beverages, food, music, and perhaps even intimacy. Research conducted by Lovehoney reveals that 39% of Brits have engaged in sexual activities at a festival, increasing to 55% among those aged 18-34. Nevertheless, only 12% consider festival sex as excellent, while another 12% describe it as merely satisfactory. The difficulties include the absence of showers, cramped accommodations, and alcohol intake.
Preparation is essential. Reflect on whether you might engage in sexual activities at the festival. If that’s the case, undergo an STI test in advance. Pippa Murphy from condoms.co.uk recommends bringing your own condoms, particularly if you have allergies. Ella, 28, suggests keeping emergency contraception available. For individuals in the queer community, PrEP is advised to lessen the risk of HIV.
Maintaining hygiene after sex is vital. Pack wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a towel. Murphy recommends fragrance-free wipes to help prevent infections. Bring additional underwear and a small towel for added comfort. If you’re on the pill, set reminders to keep on track with your regimen. If you forget, follow the directions provided in your pill packet. Numerous festivals provide contraception tents for urgent situations.
Before engaging in sexual activities at a festival, take into account consent, communication, and safety. Confirm that both parties are adequately sober to provide consent. Keep protection easily accessible. For privacy, Murphy suggests utilizing your tent and securing it to minimize movement. Tammy, 22, advises using a portable speaker to drown out noise.
Seek out chill-out zones for enhanced privacy. It’s recommended to engage in sexual activities earlier in the festival when conditions are more sanitary. Embrace the spontaneous spirit of the festival and relish the experience.
This article was initially published in 2023 and republished in 2025.