Music festivals are an integral part of the Irish summer, but when large crowds of people get together to share temporary toilets and showers, it can be a hygiene disaster.
Initial Hygiene, an expert in commercial hygiene solutions, is reminding music festivalgoers and festival organisers to follow good hygiene practices as the 2025 summer festival season kicks off. The advice includes practical guidance for attendees and clear hygiene management advice for organisers to help keep everyone safe on site.
Major upcoming festivals include Beyond the Pale (June 20 to 22 ), Longitude (June 28 to 29 ), All Together Now (August 1 to 3 ), and Electric Picnic (September 5 to 7 ). Large crowds sharing temporary toilets, showers and dining areas increase the risk of hygiene issues but adopting a few simple habits can help reduce exposure to bacteria and viruses.
Festivals are a highlight of the summer, but they also come with hygiene challenges,” said Dr Colm Moore, regional technical manager for Initial Hygiene. “Staying clean in communal spaces isn’t always easy, so packing smart and following a few basics can make a big difference.”
Dr Moore’s festival hygiene tips include:
Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser with you at all times.
Always sanitise your hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Use your sleeve, elbow or toilet paper to open toilet doors or turn taps.
Avoid urinating in public as it is unhygienic for yourself and others, and when done in large numbers, it can pollute the ground.
If staying overnight then pack antibacterial wipes, toilet paper, lightweight towels, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Use a clean water supply for drinking, washing and cooking – it’s a good idea to take a water bottle with you, so you can stay hydrated.
Wear flip-flops or water shoes in shared showers.
Wear appropriate footwear, such as a pair of wellies or a comfortable set of runners, and pack a good supply of dry socks to prevent blisters, fungal infections and other foot conditions.
Dr Moore also has some advice for festival organisers so they can help to prevent hygiene issues on site and they include:
Provide enough portable toilets, handwashing and water points across the site.
Make sure handwashing stations have running water and are kept well stocked with soap.
Install hand sanitiser dispensers in each toilet cubicle and near food and communal areas.
Regularly check and restock 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.
