Could the days of hardcore festival-going be numbered? A new survey suggests they are, with increasing numbers of people prioritising mindful behaviours over more more traditional hedonistic habits.
Researchers from Barclaycard found "enjoying the atmosphere" and "making the most of the whole experience" were deemed more important than drinking alcohol.
More than 30 percent of festivalgoers say they plan to drink less at this summer's live events, with 19 percent claiming a hangover affects the next day’s festival experience.
Many respondents said they would ditch social media and opt for healthier food choices like salads and smoothies to get more from their festival experiences.
Perhaps most surprising was the finding that rather than mosh pits and getting stuck in the mud, 30 percent of those polled said they preferred activities such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
Despite living in the digital age, filming acts on smartphones was a red line for 23 percent of festival revellers, with 37 percent preferring to watch bands "live". A further 62 percent felt social media a distraction that hinders festival experiences.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings said: “The phenomenon of using festivals as a way to relax and unwind is nothing new, however our behaviours at these live events are changing significantly.
“Festivals are now seen as more than just a raucous weekend away in the countryside – they are a form of escapism fuelled by a growing desire to be mindful and ‘present’ in the moment.
“As we live in an ‘always on’ economy, the thought of a digital detox is becoming more appealing and there are huge benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing.
“By embracing a new attitude at festivals, we could see stronger emotional connections to the audience and acts, and even improved sleep and lower blood pressure amongst attendees.”
South West News Service
