Hygiene experts issue warning ahead of hugely popular Waterford festival
The All Together Now festival kicks off in Waterford at the end of the month
Hygiene experts have issued a warning ahead of a hugely popular festival which kicks off in County Waterford later this month.
Thousands of music lovers are preparing to descend on Curraghmore Estate for All Together Now, which is taking place during the August bank holiday weekend.
Initial Hygiene has urged festivalgoers and organisers to make hygiene a priority to help keep the event safe, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
With thousands of people expected to attend the festival, large crowds gathering in temporary venues can create hygiene challenges if the right precautions are not taken.
Shared toilets, showers, food areas and campsites can become hotspots for germs and bacteria, making simple hygiene habits more important than ever.
Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager with Initial Hygiene, said: “Ireland's summer festival season is one of the highlights of the year, bringing people together to enjoy great music and unforgettable experiences.
“However, with thousands of people sharing facilities over several days, maintaining good hygiene is essential.”
Hygiene tips for festivalgoers from Initial Hygiene are:
- Take with you hand sanitiser, wet wipes, toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste
- Always sanitise hands before preparing food, eating and after using the toilet
- Use a clean water supply at your campsite for drinking, cleaning and cooking
- 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
- Pack lightweight towels
- Take spare period products in case you or one of your party is caught unawares
- Wear flip-flops or water shoes in shared showers to help prevent the spread of fungal infections
- Wear appropriate footwear, such as a pair of wellies or a comfortable pair of runners
- Pack a good supply of dry socks to prevent fungal infections, blisters, and other foot conditions
Advice for organisers:
- Provide a good supply of clean toilets, handwashing and drinking water points across the site
- Make sure handwashing stations have running water, soap and are well-stocked
- Place hand sanitiser dispensers inside toilets and near food and communal areas
- Supply disinfectant wipes so users can clean surfaces before and after use
- Regularly check and restock hygiene stations throughout the festival.
Initial Hygiene concluded that a little preparation goes a long way toward a safer and more enjoyable experience.
It added that everyone attending or organising a festival can play their part in reducing the spread of illness.