Thinking ahead
Take water and some snacks with you as it is important to stay hydrated. It is sensible not to drink too much alcohol as this could inhibit your ability to make rational decisions in the event of an emergency. Make enough time to queue for the toilet before the main event. Take toilet roll or tissues and hand sanitiser with you.
Large crowds can be a prime hunting ground for pickpockets. That’s why you should restrict your belongings to what your need - your I.D., cash, one debit or credit card, and your fully-charged mobile phone. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or anything else of value that could easily be taken or lost in a crowd. Carry important items in your front pockets, a money belt that sits under your clothes, or a crossbody bag.
Your phone is important both to keep in touch and as a torch. It should be fully charged and on vibrate. You should also ideally have an external power bank, and keep the phone on low power mode.
Use GPS apps to track each other if you become separated. Google Maps or WhatsApp “share my location” functionality allows you to keep track of everyone in your group. This feature can quickly drain your phone battery, so don’t share your location for the full day - instead, set predetermined times with your friends or family to turn it on.
Memorise a few key mobile numbers, so that you can still make contact with each other even if someone has lost their phone. In addition, there may not be a phone signal as sometimes there is overstretched demand at large gatherings.
When attending an event with a large crowd, it’s important that you dress appropriately. Most minor injuries in large crowds result from simple falls due to dressing inappropriately. If you want to minimise the risk of falling, wear practical shoes with closed toes and laces like trainers and boots. Do not wear loose clothing or accessories that could be pulled or tugged. Wear comfortable clothing like a pair of jeans and a t-shirt as they don't restrict your movement.
If you have children with you, keep a close eye on them and put your phone number in their pocket so they can easily reach you if you become separated. Even more importantly, be sure they know who to go to if they get lost (police officers, event security, etc.).
