Ten tips for enjoying festivals this summer

Tip n° 1: Create your favourite line-up

Start by making an analysis of the festival line-up beforehand and draw up a list of the performers you want to see. Most festivals have handy apps that can be used to locate concert venues and times. And don’t forget: a festival is more than just a billboard of musicians. Usually, there are many other things to discover, such as art exhibitions and workshops. So take the time to find out about everything the festival has to offer. 

Tip n° 2: Charge your device batteries

When you go to a festival, your smartphone is your most essential accessory: you’ll need it not only as your entry ticket and camera, but also to pay for things easily on site. No way you’ll want your smartphone battery to let you down! So take a powerbank with you and install the Payconiq by Bancontact app on your smartphone. Come on – hurry – there’s still time to make a mobile payment between two shows for that big sizzling burger you’ve been waiting for!

Tip n° 3: Set up your tent at a strategic location

Getting the full festival experience by camping on site? Then find yourself a strategic spot to pitch your tent. Preferably somewhere in the shade and not too close to the toilets or the entrance. Ideally, you should pitch it in the middle of the campsite. Don’t forget to hang something distinctive on it so that you can locate it easily in the dark.

Tip n° 4: Be ready for everything the weather can throw at you 

Remember to bring sun cream and dress in layers. It may be hot and sunny during the day, but it can often cool down in the evening and you may appreciate bringing a sweater and something waterproof if the weather changes. Forget sloppy beach sandals and opt for comfortable footwear, because chances are you’ll be covering a lot of ground at the site. 

Tip n° 5: Protect your ears

We always recommend that you use earplugs at festivals. Not only will they protect your hearing against loud music, but they’re also very handy if you want to take a little time for yourself with thousands of other festival-goers around you. And if you’re camping overnight, earplugs are absolutely essential!

Tip n° 6: Don’t weigh yourself down with things you won’t need

Go for a small, compact bag. A bumbag, slung over your shoulder, is the trendy accessory of the moment: ideal for hands-free dancing! And don’t worry about loose change weighing down your pockets, because at over 30 festivals you can pay with the Payconiq by Bancontact app... which weighs nothing at all!

Tip n° 7: Don’t lose your friends

We’ve all lost friends at a festival, haven’t we? Even when we say meet you at the bar or by the second tree to the right of the stage, it’s not always easy to find each other. But this year, thanks to Payconiq by Bancontact, you’ll have no problems finding your mates. At some festivals, such as Couleur Café, Paradise City and Dour, you'll find a large totem pole like the ones you sometimes see at the beach: that way you can meet them at the foot of the mad lion or the completely crazy horse.

Tip n° 8: Make the most of trying out new flavours

Gone are the days when festivals were all about burgers and chips and nothing else. These days, you can sample all sorts of culinary delights, from langoustines to home-made vanilla ice cream. Visit the various stands and unleash your inner foodie (and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated).

Tip n° 9: Handle your finances carefully

It can cost quite a bit to go to a festival these days. So be careful with your finances. Link your bank account to the Payconiq by Bancontact app beforehand to activate additional functions. For example, you can use your contact list to pay back a friend remotely or to send a payment request yourself. So you don’t have to remember all sorts of account numbers… indeed very practical!  

Tip n° 10: Travel by bus or train

The fun should begin as soon as you leave home. Avoid traffic jams and travel to the festival site hassle-free by train or bus. Often, the price of public transport is included in the cost of the festival ticket. But if you do need to buy a ticket, you can do so directly in the Payconiq by Bancontact app. Take a look at the app’s Services and travel with ease.

And, last but not least, don’t forget to make the most of the whole festival experience. Dance, sing, discover new performers and create unforgettable memories with your fellow festival-goers. Have fun!

Wherever you see a QR code at festivals this summer, you'll be able to pay with the Payconiq by Bancontact app. And as with all online payments, you can pay with the Payconiq by Bancontact app when you arrive on a payment page.