Pride season is upon us. Hundreds of thousands LGBTI folk up and down the nation will be visiting Pride festivals all over the UK… Here’s what you should take with you.
With Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people visiting one of over 60 prides across the UK, it’s a good idea to go prepared. They are often crowded and expensive and outdoors so here’s our top 10 tips on how to survive pride.
1) Raincoat
Pack a raincoat. I know it’s not sexy – make it a Vivienne Westwood if you have to, but the British weather can not be relied upon to be good. Make sure it has a hood – hair straighteners won’t work in the middle of a field in a portaloo.
2) Battery Powerpack
CREDIT: TheGayShopSmartphones are amazing at capturing the moment whether it’s through pictures, face time or you being able to update your social about who’s doing who. The only problem is the battery never lasts long enough. So grab a power source. Pride in London have released their very own this year – well worth the £12.00 – plus they come already charged.
3) Medication
(C) Garyphoto:Depositphotos.comOnly the legal sort. Take painkillers. Nothing kills the moment than a stinking hideous headache caused by whatever this year’s headliner is supposed to be. Also take any meds you take on a daily basis. Take a 24 hour supply – just in case you don’t go back to yours.
4) Secret Tenner
Stuff it in your pants, your socks or secret it away somewhere else. You’ll never know when it might come in handy.
5) Uber
If you find yourself in a place you don’t know summon an Uber cab. If your area doesn’t yet have Uber then make sure you know the local cab firm’s telephone number or download their app. Make sure you have enough battery on your phone to make that call.
6) Sun protection
Despite the fact that it’s overcast you can still get burnt to buggery so make sure you wear sunblock. If you’re looking for a sunblock that doesn’t go all white and sticky so you look like a sweaty pig – we suggest Image Skincare prevention + daily matt moisturiser – expensive but well worth the extra.
7) Condoms and lube
You might get lucky so bring some protection and you might even get lucky with more than one person so bring lots. If you don’t use them – share them with your mates – make sure they’re protected too!
8) Spare undies
If you end up at someone else’s place you might want to bring a spare pair of undies – you know so the walk of shame isn’t so Ewwww.
9) Antibacterial lotion
The last thing you want to do is pick up a bug from one of the many thousands of people who will attend pride, so pick up some anti-bacterial lotion. Many of the portaloos provided at pride will also have anti-bacterial handwash for free.
10) Ear plugs
Protect your eardrums. Sounds from the stage could well permanently damage your hearing – with noises louder than a Jumbo Jet taking off.
For further reading take a look at Antony Simpson’s Pride Survival article.
