The Survival of Summer Festivals Depends on Participant Precautions

I went to the OSAKA GIGANTIC MUSIC FES (Giga) on July 20th and 21st. Given the recent heat issues, I thought I might regret the risks associated with summer festivals, but that anxiety turned out to be unfounded.

This is because, based on past experience, I took extra precautions and thoroughly prepared for heatstroke and the heat. Thanks to that, I didn't have any sunburn or fatigue at all.
As summer festivals are now in full swing, I would like to share my summer festival precautions with those attending so that they can have fun memories.

1. Be prepared to never expose your skin

The absolute basic rule: never expose your skin.
Think about it calmly. There are all kinds of people, but would anyone willingly go outside this summer, lower their immunity, and keep exposing themselves to sunlight just to damage their skin? The answer is no.
If so, thoroughly protect your skin from sunlight and UV rays. Here is what I did for protection.

• Hat (prevents sunburn on the face and neck)

• Sunglasses (prevents sunburn on the eyes)

• Arm covers (prevents sunburn on the arms)

• Artist bath towel (prevents sunburn on the face and neck that a hat cannot cover)

I didn't have a hat or arm covers before, so I bought them for this festival. They were surprisingly affordable, and I can use them in my daily life outside of festivals, so I highly recommend getting them.

2. Apply sunscreen, apply it, and keep applying it

You don't need to go that far, but apply it 1) before going outside, 2) when you arrive at the festival venue and settle down, and 3) when you feel like you've sweated.
Be especially careful with 3), as neglecting it can lead to your skin turning bright red.

3. Ensure shade and ventilation

At many festivals, you can secure shaded spaces like sunshade areas or tent areas as part of heatstroke prevention. While securing shade is important for preventing heatstroke, you should also try to ensure ventilation at the same time.

My biggest regret this time was bringing a tent. At first, I thought it was great because it created shade, but as time passed, the inside of the tent turned into a sauna. I tried opening the front and back entrances to improve ventilation, but tents were lined up surrounding us, leaving no gap for the wind to enter. Even if I endured it, there was no cold water bath nearby.
Unable to stand the heat, I ran to a nearby sunshade area. The tarp-style sunshade area had a good breeze blowing through, which felt very pleasant.

It depends a lot on the location and weather, but if you are going to secure a tent or shade, it might be a good idea to
use whether you can ensure ventilation as a criterion.

I'll use the tent I bought this time for another occasion...

4. Utilize the official app

Don't try to endure the heat without taking advantage of the official app.

This time, I used the Giga Package Service to get my wristband in advance. Thanks to that, I was able to enter without having to exchange for a wristband at the venue in 32°C heat.
Also, I registered for an admission ticket and was able to enter without waiting in line by predicting the time based on the number. Thanks to that, I was able to secure a good spot.

I believe the above information is covered by the official apps of many festivals, so I would like you to actively use them.

5. Experience the heatstroke countermeasures at the venue

So far, I have shared measures that participants can take themselves. From here on, I will share two of the heatstroke countermeasures implemented at the venue that were particularly good.

The first is the cold water experience. It is an experience where you soak a sponge in ice-cold water and apply it to your body or towel. This was very good. I kept asking them to pour it over my head and neck. The moment they poured it, my head felt as refreshed as if I were in the Antarctic. After that, my perceived temperature dropped, so I was able to spend the time very comfortably.

The second is the free distribution of Haagen-Dazs. You might wonder if this counts as a heatstroke countermeasure, but ice cream in temperatures exceeding 34°C cools down an overheated body. I cannot thank Haagen-Dazs enough for giving this away for free. It was so delicious that I went both days.

6. To those going to a festival from now on

I hope the above measures help you create fun summer festival memories.

However, in this kind of disaster-level heat, it is dangerous to push yourself to go, and I cannot recommend it. This time, I saw many people collapse from heatstroke or being carried to the first-aid area. Honestly, even if you are healthy, there is a part of me that thinks it is better not to go to summer festivals.

Even so, when the sense of openness and atmosphere that can only be tasted under this summer sky, the heat, and the sunset or night view that steals your heart are combined with the scenery of your favorite artist performing, you end up wanting to go. There is a space that can only be experienced there.

I felt that many people, wanting to experience such a space, participate even in such intense heat and liven up the festival. At the same time, festival organizers are doing everything they can, such as heatstroke countermeasures. That is precisely why I want you to protect yourself and go to the festival fully prepared. May the summer memories that are about to begin be wonderful ones.