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How To Stay Cool At Festivals: 15 Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Packed

2026-05-09T10:39:54+01:00

How To Stay Cool At Festivals: 15 Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Packed

There’s nothing worse than overheating at a festival.

One minute you’re dancing in the sun feeling amazing… the next you’re dehydrated, sunburnt and regretting every life decision while sitting outside a boiling-hot tent 🫠

With UK and European festivals getting hotter every year, packing properly can make the difference between surviving the weekend and actually enjoying it.

Here are the best festival essentials to help you stay cool, comfortable and rave-ready all weekend long.

1. A Large Folding Festival Fan Is Honestly A Lifesaver

If there’s one accessory experienced festival-goers never skip, it’s a folding hand fan.

Not only do they cool you down instantly in crowds, tents and queues, but they’re lightweight, easy to carry and surprisingly effective during heatwaves.

Reflective fans are especially popular right now because they catch light beautifully during daytime sets and night events.

XL Reflective Festival Fans

2. Hydration Packs Beat Water Bottles Every Time

Walking around carrying bottles all day gets annoying fast.

A hydration backpack means:

hands-free drinking
less dehydration
fewer refill trips
easier dancing

Most festivals now also have free refill stations, so they’re much more practical than they used to

3. Reflective Accessories Actually Help You Stand Out In Crowds

Festival fashion has shifted massively towards reflective and light-reactive accessories over the last few years.

Reflective materials:

photograph well
stand out at night
glow under flash photography
make outfits look more unique with minimal effort

Silver reflective accessories especially work well with:

techno outfits
cyber/rave fashion
Ibiza-style looks
Y2K aesthetics
Reflective Web Festival Fan
Reflective Stars Festival Fan

4. Cooling Towels Are Underrated

Most people don’t think to pack one until they’re overheating in a packed crowd at 4pm.

Cooling towels:

weigh almost nothing
stay cold surprisingly long
help reduce headaches from heat
are amazing for camping festivals

They’re especially useful during:

Glastonbury
Boomtown
Creamfields
European camping festivals

5. Your Tent Placement Matters More Than You Think

If possible:

avoid pitching in direct morning sun
stay slightly away from speaker towers
camp near shade if available
avoid low ground if rain is forecast

Your future exhausted self will thank

6. Portable Fans Are Good… But Hand Fans Work Better In Crowds

Battery fans are useful around camp.

But in packed festival crowds, a large folding fan usually works better because:

no charging needed
stronger airflow
works instantly
doesn’t overheat
easier to carry

Plus they double as part of your outfit.

Large Folding Festival Fans Collection

7. Electrolytes Are Just As Important As Water

A lot of people drink loads of water but still feel awful because they’re losing salts through sweating.

Electrolyte sachets or tablets can help with:

dizziness
headaches
fatigue
muscle cramps

Especially during multi-day festivals.

8. Sunglasses Are Essential — But Cheap Ones Usually Break

Festival sunglasses go missing constantly.

Bring:

one decent pair
one backup pair

Trust me on this

9. Shade Breaks Make A Huge Difference

It sounds obvious, but a lot of people stay in direct sun for hours without realising how drained they’re getting.

Even 15–20 minutes in shade can massively improve:

energy
hydration
overheating

10. The Best Festival Accessories Are The Ones You’ll Actually Use

The best festival purchases aren’t always the flashy gimmicks.

They’re usually the things that:

keep you comfortable
make crowds easier
help with heat
improve your overall experience

A good folding fan genuinely ends up being one of the most-used accessories at most summer festivals.

Especially once the crowds get intense.

Final Thoughts

Festival weekends are supposed to be fun — not spent overheating and searching desperately for shade.

Packing smart makes a massive difference.

Whether you’re heading to Boomtown, Glastonbury, Creamfields or Ibiza this summer, having a few practical accessories can completely change your experience.

And honestly, once you take a proper festival fan to an event, you probably won’t ever go without one again.

Are WonkiWear kaleidoscope glasses bad for your eyes?

2023-04-08T12:37:19+01:00

Kaleidoscope glasses have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among festival-goers and those who enjoy attending music concerts or raves. These glasses are known for their unique and visually stimulating patterns that are created when light is refracted through their multi-faceted lenses. While they can undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience and create an otherworldly atmosphere, many people have started to question whether they are bad for your eyes.

The answer to this question largely depends on how the glasses are used. In general, kaleidoscope glasses are not harmful to your eyes if used responsibly and in moderation. However, if used excessively or for extended periods, some negative effects may occur. These include eye strain, headaches, and distorted vision, which can cause temporary discomfort.

The lenses of kaleidoscope glasses are designed to bend and refract light, which can lead to visual distortion or altered perception of depth and distance. This can become more apparent with prolonged use, causing eye strain and headaches. Additionally, the intense and rapidly shifting colors and patterns can be overwhelming to your senses and cause visual fatigue, making it difficult to focus and see clearly.

It's essential to remember that everyone's eyes are different and may react differently to prolonged wear or intense light exposure. Individuals with pre-existing eye conditions, such as astigmatism or nearsightedness, may be more at risk for visual impairment, headaches, and vertigo. It's also essential to take breaks and give your eyes a rest while using kaleidoscope glasses, as this can help prevent eye strain and fatigue.

In conclusion, kaleidoscope glasses are not inherently bad for your eyes, but prolonged or excessive use can cause temporary discomfort, headaches, and visual distortion. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it's crucial to use these glasses responsibly and in moderation. If you experience any discomfort or changes in vision, it's important to take a break and consult with an optician. By using these glasses mindfully, you can enjoy their unique and dazzling effects while protecting your eyes health and well-being in the long run.

Check out our range of kaleidoscope glasses here.

https://www.wonkiwear.com/collections/kaleidoscope-glasses

How do WonkiWear Kaleidoscope glasses work?

2023-04-06T08:19:44+01:00

Kaleidoscope glasses have become popular in recent years, especially in the music festival and rave scene. These glasses can create some truly stunning visual effects, but have you ever wondered how they work? In this blog post, we will explore the mechanics behind kaleidoscope glasses.

Kaleidoscope glasses work by utilizing the principles of reflection and refraction, yep we’re about to get nerdy. The glasses are typically made with a prism, which is a block of glass or other transparent material that has flat, polished surfaces at an angle to each other. When light enters a prism, it is refracted, or bent, and separated into different colours.

The prism in kaleidoscope glasses is usually triangular in shape, with a reflective surface on one side. As light enters the triangular prism, it is reflected off the reflective surface and refracts through the other sides of the prism. This creates multiple reflections of the same image, which is what creates the kaleidoscope effect.

The number of images reflected depends on the number of side. Pretty cool ey!

Here at WonkiWear we make some of the best kaleidoscope glasses on the market, so check them out and buy a pair now x

https://www.wonkiwear.com/collections/kaleidoscope-glasses

Music festivals taking place in UK this April 2023

2023-03-31T07:30:00+01:00

Music festivals in the United Kingdom have been a staple of the music scene for decades, and April 2023 is no exception. From the biggest and best festivals like Glastonbury to smaller more intimate gatherings like The Great Escape, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a day of fun with friends or a weekend of pure bliss, here’s a look at some of the best music festivals happening in the UK in April 2023.

Teddy Rocks Festival, Friday 28th - Sunday 30th April 2023: A 3 day family-friendly festival in Dorset that aims to raise money with every ticket sold to fight children's cancer. And not only is it an amazing cause, but it was the winner of best family festival in 2022!

Land Beyond Festival, Friday 28th - Sunday 30th April 2023: The South East's foremost electronic music festival and, from 2023, Brighton's first ever dance music festival with camping. Land Beyond is about stepping into the unknown, away from the day-to-day grind and into The Lost World where you are free to be you, to explore new sounds and scenes and experience the unknown.

Distorted Festival, Saturday 29th April 2023: Distorted heads to Hull for a day full of Drum & Bass.

Lost Minds Festival, Saturday 29th April 2023:

Free your senses. Expand your mind. Step into the unknown. After a colossal sell-out debut event, Lost Minds strikes back in Spring 2023. Summoning the demigods from the world’s biggest stages to come together once again for the most hyped dance music festival of the year. Lost Minds 2023 will be delivering the magic with an awe-inspiring spectacle of production and SFX, featuring the biggest headliners in the world.

Liverpool Sound City, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th April 3023:

The UK's leading independent festival for new music returns on 29th and 30th April 2023. With the likes of Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Florence and the Machine, Lizzo and hundreds more making their first appearances on the UK festival circuit at Sound City, you never know who you'll discover at this year’s festival.

The first wave of artists has just been announced for Sound City 2023, including their first headliner, pop sensation, Maisie Peters. After selling out her entire UK tour in under one minute, Maise Peters is one of the most talked about new artists in the country. However, she is yet to appear in the North-West dates on her current tour so this is not one to be missed!

Sounds from the other city Festival, Sunday 30th April 2023: Regarded by many as the ‘Christmas Day’ of the independent creative scene, the festival will be back to bring colour, imagination and the best in new music and art to the pubs, bars, squares, studios, warehouses and ‘everywhere in between’ spaces of Chapel Street, Salford.

Pick n Mix Festival, Sunday 30th April 2023:

Pick n Mix Festival heads to Zebedees Yard on Sunday 30th April for their Acceptable in the 90's & 00'stakeover!

Restricted Rocks Festival, Sunday 30th April 2023: Blackburn’s best tribute festival! Restricted Rocks will be offering a fun packed family festival with 13 of the best AAA Rock/indie Tributes Bands.

Whether you’re looking for a day of fun with friends or a weekend of pure bliss, the UK has plenty of music festivals to choose from in April 2023. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, book your tickets now and get ready for a musical adventure like no other.

And now that you’ve got your calendar jam packed, make sure to buy all of your festival essentials here!

ithttps://www.wonkiwear.com/collections/all?filter.v.price.gte=&filter.v.price.lte=&sort_by=created-descending

The history of the UK Rave scene - a summary!

2023-03-30T16:41:56+01:00

The history of the rave scene in the United Kingdom is long and storied. Beginning in the late 1980s, the rave scene exploded in the UK, becoming a huge part of the music and culture of the time. The first raves in the UK were held in warehouses and clubs, often illegally, and grew quickly in popularity. The UK rave scene was heavily influenced by the Acid House movement, which started in the US in the late 1980s.

The early UK rave scene was characterised by illegal parties, huge sound systems, DJs playing a mix of house, techno and acid music, and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. These parties were often held in remote locations, often warehouses, and were often advertised by word of mouth. The music played at these early raves was heavily influenced by the Acid House sound, with DJs often playing a mix of house, techno and acid tracks. The parties also featured a range of other activities, such as projection and light shows, and a range of psychedelic drugs were often taken.

The early rave scene in the UK was particularly popular with the younger generation. It was seen as a way to let off steam and escape the pressures of everyday life. The scene was also a haven for the LGBT+ community, with many of the early raves being held in gay clubs. The music and atmosphere of the early rave scene was also a huge inspiration to many of the biggest names in dance music, such as the Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy and Fatboy Slim.

The rave scene began to move away from its early underground roots in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming more mainstream and commercialised. This brought with it a new generation of DJs and producers, such as Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and John Digweed, who played a more melodic, progressive sound. This was the start of the Superclub era, with huge, popular clubs such as The Ministry of Sound and Cream in Liverpool becoming regular spots for massive raves.

The rave scene in the UK today is still thriving and continues to be popular with young people. While the scene has evolved and changed over the years, it still retains its core values of having a good time and enjoying the music. The scene is also still heavily influenced by the Acid House sound, with DJs playing a mix of house, techno and acid tracks. The rave scene in the UK continues to be a vibrant and exciting part of the music and culture of the country.

A quick guide to temporary hair colour!

2021-07-07T11:00:34+01:00

Obsessed with rainbow coloured hair but worried your going to regret it? Why not give temporary hair colour a go to create those lushes mesmerising locks!

Get the technicoloured alternative look, without the commitment. Read on to discover some of our favourite temporary hair colour products….

1. Hair chalk

Not just for kids party’s🎈. Hair chalk can provide a quick and super easy streak of colour just by swiping.

It works best for lighter hair shades. Just run the hair chalk through your hair to easily add a splash of colour.

2. Hair Mascara

Ok so I’m having a major 90’s flash back to when I personally opted for blue streaks 😂.

Whether you fancy a quick root touch up for your current shade, or a vivid pop of colour; you can get the entire rainbow plus some sparkly glitters too, for an easy way to add some colour to your temporary look.

3. Hair Gel

With these beauty’s you can style and add colour all in one go! Job done!!

Available in a full spectrum of neon to pastel shades, it's a quick and easy way to add temporary hair colour at the same time as styling.

4. Clip In Hair (Our Fav) ❤️

Now this is my personal go to as the colours are the brightest, they work with every hair style and not a single hair dye in sight!

An incredibly easy way to add full on colour to your hair. Simply clip them in under a section of your hair to hide the clip and ta da your rave ready!

What’s your product of choice? Or do you prefer to use dyes for a more permanent look? Love to hear your experiences 🌈😘 x

Get rave ready this bank holiday weekend!

2019-08-17T09:19:00+01:00

Make sure you're ready for festival season with 15% off our Diffraction & Kaleidoscope Glasses this bank holiday weekend!

Check out our full range of Diffraction Glasses and Kaleidoscope Glasses along with other festival fashion and rave accessories in our shop www.wonkiwear.com #junction2 #rave #festival #kaleidoscopeglasses #diffractionglasses #wonkiwear

Are you ready for your first festival?

2019-08-16T19:32:00+01:00

I'm waiting for my lift to pick me up and life is about to get a teeny weeny bit different! It's festival day and I feel like all of my birthdays have come at once. I've planned my outfits for months and triple checked my packing list.

But why am I so excited? Well this is why... I'm about to enter a musical paradise where nothing matters and anything goes, my senses will be overloaded, immersed in the sounds of music, laughter and cheering. A feast of lights, mayhem and I already know I'll want it to last forever!

Whether you want to go for your love of music, with the aim of getting as close to the main stage as possible to hear the incredible live beats from your favourite DJ or band. Or maybe you love the idea of camping and dancing in a field with your mates and the chance to set your inner spirit free. Or maybe glampings more your thing, with the luxury of showers and beauty bars?

There's so many festivals that take place each year that you'll be sure to find something that caters for your personal tastes. Whether it be for music, comedy, yoga, street food, beer or to simply sit back and take in the sights of stilt walkers, professional dancers and the crowd jumping in unity. Whichever way you roll, there's something for everyone. And the lovely thing is, the vibe is always happy, a feeling of one gigantic house party and its totally infectious!

There’s a massive array of music genres to choose from, literally everything under the sun so I won't list them all here, but other than the music, expect fun fairs, food stalls, bars and a wide selection of street vendors. You can pick from a local one day event or get a group together and go on a week long holiday to Ibiza, the world really is your oyster.

Bare in mind though, the best time to buy your ticket is now as the most popular festivals can sell out in a matter of hours, so decide where you want to go early and take advantage of early bird ticket offers, the prices will only go up! A lot of festival organisers now offer payment plans which can be a great help.

It’s a time to be who you want, wear what you want, dance how you want, let your hair down and go crazy. And there's one thing for sure, however you decide to party, you’ll never forget the experience and the memories and friends you make along the way.