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Festivalgoers urged to practice good hygiene etiquette

As the 2025 summer festival season hits full swing, Initial Hygiene, a leading expert in commercial hygiene solutions, is calling on both music festivalgoers and organisers to make good hygiene a top priority. With major festivals like Glastonbury Festival (25-29 June), Latitude (24-27 July) and Boomtown Fair (6-10 August), rapidly approaching, hygiene will play a key role in  helping to keep everyone safe while they are on site.

Hands are a natural breeding ground for bacteria and can be one of the principal carriers of disease-causing germs. As festivalgoers often spend time in communal areas or shared facilities, germs can pass from one person to another through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, for example, at a festival in the portaloos where multiple people touch the same door handle or toilet roll holder, or at food stalls where customers may use communal condiment bottles.

Large numbers of people sharing temporary toilets, showers, dining areas and other communal spaces increases the risk of hygiene issues but adopting a few simple habits can help reduce exposure to bacteria and viruses.

Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical & Innovations Manager for Initial Washroom Hygiene commented: “Music and arts festivals are a highlight of the summer for many, but they also come with hygiene challenges. Staying clean in communal spaces isn’t always easy, so packing smart and following a few basics can make a big difference.” 

Initial’s Hygiene tips for festivalgoers include:

  • Carrying a small bottle of hand sanitiser with you at all times and always sanitising hands before eating and after using the toilet.
  • Using your sleeve, elbow or toilet paper to open toilet doors or turn on taps.
  • If staying overnight then pack antibacterial wipes, toilet paper, lightweight towels, toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Using a clean water supply for drinking, washing and cooking, it’s also a good idea to take a water bottle with you, so you can stay hydrated.
  • Packing towels (microfibre towels/cloths are lightweight and practical) to ensure you can dry off when needed.
  • Wearing flip-flops or jelly shoes, or crocs to keep your feet covered and avoid the spread of foot fungi.
  • Wear appropriate footwear, such as a pair of wellies or a comfortable pair of trainers when moving around the site, and pack a good supply of dry socks to prevent blisters, fungal infections and other foot conditions.
  • Everyone wants to have an enjoyable and carefree time when attending any event, but for those who menstruate, be sure to pack enough period products so you are not caught short. 

Initial also has some advice for festival organisers so they can help to prevent hygiene issues on site and they include:

  • Providing enough portable toilets, handwashing and water points across the site.
  • Making sure handwashing stations have running water and are kept well stocked with soap.
  • Installing hand sanitiser dispensers in each toilet cubicle and near food and communal areas.
  • Regularly checking and restocking hygiene stations throughout the festival duration.

Everyone attending or organising a festival can help reduce the potential spread of illness via cross contamination with small actions. A little preparation goes a long way towards a safer and more enjoyable experience for all festivalgoers.

About Sarah OBeirne