5 money pitfalls to avoid when attending music festivals or concerts this summer

These are the money mistakes to avoid – so you can get on with enjoying some festival fun, says Vicky Shaw.

Festival money pitfalls to avoid (Alamy/PA)

With festival season in full swing, many people are looking forward to seeing their favourite bands and enjoying some fun in the sun.

But there are some money pitfalls which could put a dampener on events – or even spoil your plans altogether. Here’s what to watch out for…

1. Festival and concert scams

Don’t end up out of pocket before you even get to the festival or gig. Popular sold-out events will attract scammers, so make sure you are buying from a legitimate source.

If someone appears to have tickets for an event that’s attracted massive demand, or the prices are much cheaper than you’d expect, ask yourself whether it’s likely to be legit.

Action Fraud suggests only buying tickets from the venue’s box office, the promoter, an official agent or a well-known and reputable ticket exchange site. Be careful how you pay too. Paying by credit card, or PayPal, for example, could give you added protections if something goes wrong.

If you suspect you might have been scammed, tell your bank immediately, as well as the police.

2. Not planning transport ahead

A car share may be an option if there’s a few of you going. Or if you’re travelling by train, see if the journey would be cheaper by splitting the journey into multiple tickets. Trainline has a SplitSave feature that can help with this.

3. Always buying brand new

Regular festival-goer Georgia Johnson, 31, from London, sources items second-hand from websites such as Gumtree. She says: “I remember one festival that I attended in the UK where there were so many tents, gazebos, chairs and tarps left behind. It was shocking – I still can’t believe that people leave behind items that still have value and can be reused.”

Johnson’s second-hand festival items include a tent, camping chairs, a sleeping bag, outfits and portable speakers.

She adds: “I love sourcing items second-hand. I estimate that I’ve saved around £400 from sourcing items second-hand. I even found the portable speakers for free in my local community – all I had to do was go pick it up and saved myself £100 in the process.

“That’s why I love websites like Gumtree – its so easy to find pre-loved party items that are still really in good condition and I can give them a second lease of life.”

Sustainability is also at the forefront of Johnson’s mind. She uses reusable water bottles and, where possible, public transport, adding: “I’m really conscious of being green wherever I can.”

4. Not sharing

It’s also worth asking friends if they have any festival items you could borrow – or if you’re going with friends, sharing items between you – so you don’t double up.

5. Not checking your insurance policy

Insurance giant Aviva says loss and accidental damage claims can range from spilled drinks to damage caused while dancing the night away. Many claims are due to “opportunistic” thefts, items such as phones, money wallets and jewellery sometimes being swiped, the insurer found – so make sure you’re covered.

Kelly Whittington, property claims director for Aviva, says: “The best way to avoid items getting lost, stolen or damaged at a festival is simply to leave them at home. But if you do plan on taking high value items such as phones, jewellery or money, personal belongings insurance can provide useful protection.

“To find out whether your belongings are covered while you’re out and about – for example at a festival – you can check your home contents insurance policy documents. Terms will vary from one insurer to another, but generally speaking, ‘personal belongings’ or ‘personal possessions’ insurance, will cover your items outside the home.

“Be aware that most insurers will specify a ‘single item limit’ for personal belongings – often around £2,000 – and any items above this value should be specified on your policy,” she adds. “If this cover isn’t listed on your policy, your insurer may be able to add it, usually for an additional premium.”