As the United Kingdom braces for yet another surge of intense heat this festival season, many are searching for practical advice to stay cool and safe in sweltering conditions. With Glastonbury Festival and other outdoor events fast approaching, and forecasts signalling daily highs potentially nearing the 30-degree mark, the nation is keenly tuning in for trusted tips to beat the heat.
On a recent episode of BBC’s Morning Live, viewers were given the chance to put forward their summer survival queries. Responding with enthusiasm from his own home, consumer advocate Matt Allwright shared his tried-and-tested method for keeping cool, a solution he has relied on throughout years of attending music festivals.
In a short video demonstration, Allwright presented the audience with an easy-to-follow, two-step trick. He started by displaying a standard bandana, saying, “It’s a real challenge to stay cool, but here’s a festival tip I’ve used time and again.” Mimicking festival conditions, he suggested folding several ice cubes (represented for illustration purposes by teabags) into the centre of a bandana.
He continued by folding the material over the “ice” and rolling the bandana into a tube, ensuring the contents remained in the centre. The final step involved tying the rolled bandana around the neck, which gradually releases cool water as the ice melts. “That ice water drips down and keeps you cool for the whole day,” Allwright explained, recalling how the trick kept him comfortable during even the hottest Glastonbury events. With a smile, he referred back to the blazing heat of Glastonbury 2019, noting it was his homemade cooling bandana that saw him through.
Back in the studio, presenters Gethin Jones and Holly Hamilton remarked on the practicality and style of the home-made cooling accessory. Jones described it as something of a festival fashion statement, while Hamilton light-heartedly noted some drawbacks, suggesting not everyone may want to end up damp at close quarters with fellow revellers. Jones, ever the optimist, responded that at Glastonbury, such quirks are all part of the experience.
Yet for those seeking to avoid a soggy festival encounter, additional advice was at hand. Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, contributed her own expert suggestions for staying safe and comfortable during heatwaves. She highlighted the importance of robust sun protection, recommending festival-goers find shade whenever possible and generously apply high-quality sunscreen.
Nevinson further suggested that attendees arm themselves with portable cooling sprays or mists, which provide quick relief for the face and body. For those spending time at home, she offered the classic tip of positioning a bowl of ice cubes before an electric fan to amplify the cooling effect throughout a room.
Hydration remains a central pillar of Nevinson’s advice. She recommends starting the day with a glass of water and continuing to sip water throughout the day, especially during periods of intense activity or sun exposure. Carrying a reusable water bottle is strongly advised, and she emphasised the importance of steering clear of excessive alcohol, which can significantly dehydrate the body.
As climate patterns see the mercury rising in Britain, such practical advice is essential not only for festival-goers but for anyone navigating the warmer months. Whether one opts for a makeshift ice bandana or chooses to rely on cooling sprays, the overarching message remains clear: preparation and mindfulness are key to enjoying the summer safely.
With more heatwaves likely on the way, the hope is that these accessible solutions can help the public stay comfortable, hydrated, and protected. For those attending Glastonbury or other outdoor gatherings, thoughtful planning – from wearing sunhats to topping up on fluids – could be the difference between enduring the weather and truly enjoying the festivities.
As the nation looks forward to its favourite summer traditions, the value of shared wisdom—be it from television experts or pharmacists—is hard to overstate. With simple measures, the challenge of British heatwaves may just be that bit more manageable for all.