Your Festival Survival Guide: Parklife 2024

If you’ve bagged yourself a Parklife ticket this summer, you’re probably looking forward to the warm weather, energetic tunes, and good vibes with friends. Whether you’re booked in for a day or the whole weekend, we want you to get the most out of your experience. 

But whilst you plan your must-see acts in the festival line up, don’t forget to think about your safety and wellbeing. To help you out, we’ve put together some essential tips for surviving (and thriving) during Parklife 2024.   

Seven Survival Tips to Keep the Parklife Party Going 

1. What to take with you? 

Depending on how many days you are preparing for, packing for Parklife can be a challenge. Whilst you and your friends are planning outfits, make sure you’ve also considered the essentials! Remember to pack only what you need and nothing expensive that could be lost or broken. 

In our experience, these four items are Parklife essentials:  

• A portable charger   

• Wet wipes and toilet roll, or a pack of tissues   

• A refillable water bottle 

• Sun cream 

Parklife has restrictions on some of the items that you can take into the venue – this includes a ban on liquids and food – with sun cream needing to be in its original container and less than 200ml. Some objects might even surprise you! Did you know that you are not allowed to take umbrellas, aerosols, perfume/aftershave, and even selfie sticks. Check the Parklife website before to make sure you aren’t planning to take anything prohibited with you. 

If you’re attending your first festival, check out the Festival First Timer guide from Festival Safe.    

2. Prioritise your travel plans  

Getting to and from the festival safely is just as important as what you do during the event. As you are not allowed to camp overnight, all Parklife visitors must leave Heaton Park at the end of the festival. So, make sure you know how you are getting to and from the venue beforehand.   

Travel options include: 

• Public transport including trains, trams and coaches  

• Parklife’s Big Green Coach if you are based outside of Manchester  

• Car sharing with your friends or family  

• Local buses  

For those travelling through Manchester, Parklife offers a travel pass for just £5 per day - which allows you to travel on either the direct Parklife Shuttle bus or Metrolink services from Manchester City Centre.  

Make sure you do your research first and know the safest way of getting to the venue. If you are using public transport such as trains, keep an eye on any updates around strikes or delays that could impact your journey. Be aware that the Heaton Park tram stop will be closed from 8pm on both days of the festival, and those wanting to use the tram to head home will need to go to Bowker Vale.  

To keep up to date with all the latest news, updates and strikes – you can check out the Manchester Bee Network’s travel alerts page. It’s aways best to have a plan B just in case.  

3. Apply for a PASS ID  

Avoid carrying valuable documents such as your passport or driver’s licence by applying for a PASS ID. Most festivals accept the UK national Proof of Age Accreditation Scheme (PASS), and Parklife is no exception. The possession of a PASS-accredited card shows venues and retailers that your age and personal details have been verified and that you are who you say you are. It’s also much cheaper to replace than your passport or driver’s license if you lose it.   

You can check to confirm that Parklife accepts PASS ID – it is listed among their forms of ID under CitizenCard. 

You can apply for a PASS card here.   

4. Taking care of yourself and your friends  

Whether rain or shine, seeing your favourite artists and enjoying the vibes of a festival is the best part – but the long days and nights can be challenging to anyone’s endurance. Make sure that you are looking after yourself and your friends, by following these tips: 

• Agree on a meeting place in case anyone gets lost  

• Get an artist schedule and prioritise who you want to see – don’t burn out trying to do it all  

• Start a group WhatsApp to stay in touch throughout the event 

• Set up a ‘Find Friends’ or ‘SearchParty’ app. Use the Find My app if you have an Apple device 

• Use water refill stations to top up your water bottle and stay hydrated  

• Find a member of staff immediately if you, or someone in your group, starts to feel unwell 

5. Keep your money and personal belongings safe  

Unfortunately, music festivals and gigs can be a prime target for phone thieves and pickpockets. Stay alert and do not leave your phone, money, or other possessions unattended. Store things in a secure bag or inside pocket, where they are not easily accessible or visible.   

Take a bum bag or if the festival has lockers that you can use, utilise this safe storage space. If you lose something, head to the lost property desk to log what you have lost and try to reclaim anything of yours that has been handed in.  

Many festivals are now cashless, but check the festival website before you take off, so you know what payment methods you need to take with you. Take physical cards rather than relying on mobile payments, as you don’t want to end up stuck with no money if your phone dies. It’s also a good idea to have a little bit of cash with you in case of emergencies.   

6. Attend our Parklife Safety drop-in event  

All residential students are welcome to come along to our Parklife safety drop-in, where we will be handing out hydration sachets, hand sanitiser, ponchos, and other fun freebies. The police will also  be present to share some safety tips and advice to ensure you get the most out of your festival experience.   

There will also be a follow-up session on the 10th June with food provided. Please note that both events are only for residential students, and not the wider student population. 

Contact Student Support for more information  

When: Friday 7 June, 1pm-4pm  

Where: Student Union  

7. Report inappropriate behaviour  

Festivals should be a space for you to let loose and have fun, but like any time you go out – you should be aware of the potential dangers and report it if you feel unsafe or need some support.   

Violence or anti-social behaviour  

Large crowds and alcohol can sometimes lead to inappropriate behaviour. If you think trouble may be starting, don’t get involved. Walk away and find a member of the security team to report it to. Sometimes a warning from security can stop any trouble in its tracks.   

Be aware of your own behaviour and your friend’s behaviour. If you see a friend starting to act up, calmly take them out of the situation before they get out of control. Festival sites are usually big, and you will always be able to find a safe space where you can chill out.  

Drink spiking  

If you feel unwell or unsafe, make sure you tell your friends, bar staff, security, or even the police - it’s important to get help and seek medical advice if you need it. Remember, drink spiking does not just apply to alcoholic drinks. Please stay alert and always keep your drinks with you.   

Don’t accept drinks from people you have just met or that you have not seen poured. Check out some practical advice on avoiding drink spiking. 

Sexual harassment  

Every music festival has a zero-tolerance policy towards any type of sexual violence or harassment. Most festivals will have welfare services, 24-hour security teams and close working relationships with the local police.   

However, there are things you can do to help keep yourself and your mates safe. Festivals are a good place to meet new people who love music as much as you do. It’s good to be social but try not to put yourself in situations where you are alone or in a secluded area with anyone you don’t know. Stick with your group and maintain a buddy system when going to the toilet or exploring different areas of the site.  

The Police have a presence at festival gates and take reports of drink spiking, sexual harassment, and violence seriously, you can also report incidents by:  

• Live Chat at www.gmp.police.uk  

• Calling 101 – or 999 in an emergency 

Harm Reduction Resources offered by The Union 

There will be a member from Eclypse in The Union’s Advice Centre every Monday to offer free advice and confidential, tailored support, when it comes to drug and/or alcohol use.  

Eclypse is a completely free support service for young people in Manchester, offering professional, confidential and friendly advice; whether you wish to talk about your own experiences or if you’re concerned about someone close to you. 

• No need to book an appointment, you can just turn up. 

• Every Monday, 14:00 - 16:00. 

• Located in The Union, Advice Centre. 

Check out #BeSafeBeSound for more quick tips on having a safe and enjoyable time or take a look at Greater Manchester’s Good Night Out Guide.