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Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Ways to save money at summer festivals including Glastonbury and more
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry reveals spending hacks to prevent your summer festival spending spiralling out of control Whether you're off to a day event or have an entire long weekend of camping and music ahead of you, summer festivals are on the way – and heading for your wallet. Even once you've paid for the (often extortionate) tickets, there is more spending to be done. Follow these tips to make sure your summer festival fun isn't ruined by racking up debt. Buy tickets from a legitimate retailer You might have seen an amazing deal for sold-out tickets online, or from a mate of a mate down the pub, but don't fall for it. Ticket scams are increasingly sophisticated, but so it ticket technology. For example, some events have unique QR codes that can only be used once – and if someone has replicated it on a fake ticket, you won't be granted entry at the gate. While ticket platforms are expensive with their extra fees, they do offer buyer protection – including if an event is cancelled. Most also have a genuine resale platform too, meaning you can buy legitimate tickets from someone who needs their money back but can't falsely inflate the price for a mega profit. Travel as a group If you're going to an event in a group of eight or more people, look at your travel options. You could qualify for group discounts on rail or coach travel, or on minibus hire to get you (and all your stuff) to the location in one go. Even in smaller groups, such as a couple or family, it can be beneficial to look at your accommodation and pitch options. Renting a campervan could mean slightly higher pitch fees at the event campground – but a more comfortable night's sleep AND your transport to and from the event is covered. Borrow camping kit Most people have a tent in their attic or shed, and the same goes for other camping gear like sleep mats, lanterns, even sleeping bags. Try not to spend on kit if you've only got one event to attend this year. Instead, ask around to borrow kit from friends – on the understanding that you will pay for a replacement if it is damaged at the event. This means you'll save money on kit and provide your friends reassurance their stuff will be returned in a good manner. And, if an accident does happen, paying for the damage is only fair. Prepare your 'boy scout' kit You might want to travel light, but packing everything you might need for a few days at a festival will make a big difference to your enjoyment and your expenditure. This kit should include things to keep you clean, like water baby wipes to freshen up, and hand sanitiser (lots of it). Taking loo roll is important but can be bulky – you may prefer to pack several smaller packs of tissues to keep handy in your daybag. Your kit should also include first aid items like blister plasters, paracetamol and other necessary medications. And remember to keep something for the inevitable sore throat from talking and singing all day – throat lozenges like Jakemans are reliable for soothing throats (and the mint ones help freshen your breath, too!). Hydration powders can also be a great rescue remedy for hangovers and help prevent dehydration from sweating in the sun all day. Prepare for all weathers Your scout kit should also ensure you have a way to keep warm and dry if the weather doesn't hold out. Emergency ponchos might not be attractive, but they're pocket sized and light to pack. Opt for ones with a silver thermal lining if you can, to help keep your body heat in, as these can double as an extra blanket if the temperature drops low at night. Or, reversed, they reflect heat away from you if things get too hot. If the weather is looking iffy before you even set off, consider taking a coat like the Vivida All Weather Changing Robe. It's waterproof and warm – ideal for cold nights – but it can also double as a blanket over your sleeping bag and provide a peek-free way to get changed in a busy campground without trying to do it hunched in a tent! Take suitable snacks Food and drink is by far the most expensive part of any summer festival. Budget for one hot meal per day, and take non-perishable snacks with you for the rest of the time. Flapjacks are great for long-lasting energy, as are other types of protein bars or trail mixes. Chocolate is tasty but gets everywhere if it melts! Apples and tangerines keep well, and give you a much-needed vitamin dose. Crackers, crisps, anything that can be stored in heat and is light to carry will do well. Some people choose to fill a cool box with ice and take some luxury perishable items like cheese, meats, and fruit. But, these are heavy and you're not guaranteed food safety. Get a reusable water bottle Invest in a 500ml or one litre thermal water bottle like Sho Reusable or Chillys. It's an upfront cost, but it'll save you a lot of money as buying water at festivals can easily be £5 per 500ml. Taking a bottle with you for a day event saves any expenditure, and for weekend events there will be refill stations for water at no cost. Take a power bank Charging devices in the middle of a field is challenging! Many events will offer charging lockers but these cost a high fee around £5 for a couple of hours. Before you go to the event, charge up a power bank (or two) and take them with you, instead. If you don't have a power bank, ask around your friends and family as someone is likely to have one stashed in a drawer somewhere! Share the load When going to an event with friends, plan ahead. There may be things you can share between you, to avoid bringing duplicates. For example, you only need one Bluetooth speaker for tunes over breakfast, and only one camping stove between a few of you. This will save you all some money and also space and weight in your bags – which is important when you've got to lug them a long way across fields! Don't risk alcohol thrown out at the gate Finally, check the event rules about alcohol. Most won't allow glass bottles on entry, and many won't allow any alcohol at all. Alcohol is very expensive, so the worst thing would be to load up a bag and have it all confiscated at the entrance. The same goes for other items, like disposable BBQs, so make sure you're fully aware of the rules before you pack your kit – otherwise you could lose it at the entrance or forfeit your entry altogether. Some of the brands and websites we mention may be, or may have been, a partner of However, we only ever mention brands we believe in and trust, so it never influences who we prioritise and link to.
North Wales Live
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Sweet Caroline voted Britain's favourite singalong track
Neil Diamond's iconic Sweet Caroline has been voted Britain's favourite song to belt out with friends, family and even complete strangers, according to new research. The famous 1969 track picked up an overwhelming 41% of the vote according to the poll of 2,000 music-loving Brits, with ABBA's Dancing Queen (28%) and Robbie Williams' Angels (25%) placing second and third. Also on the list of the nation's favourite singalong tracks was Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi (24%), I'm Still Standing by Elton John (24%), Someone Like You by Adele (21%) and Wonderwall by Oasis (19%). One in six (17%) say nothing beats belting out Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners, while 16% love to sing-along to Mr. Brightside by The Killers. Other tunes to make our hearts sing include Umbrella by Rihanna (13%), Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon (12%) and Shake It Off by Taylor Swift (11%). In fact, the research by menthol lozenge brand, Jakemans, found that as a nation we love singing so much that 80 per cent think it has a positive impact on their well-being, with 45 per cent admitting that music moves them deeply and 38 per cent saying that it can give them goosebumps. In the shower (45%), cooking in the kitchen (36%), on your commute or in the car (35%), while listening to the radio (33%) and watching TV at home (28%) are the main places that Brits let their singing voices loose, while one in five (16%) can often be found belting out a tune at work. Four in ten (37%) think they have a good singing voice, with almost half (48%) admitting that they listen to singers and think they could do a much better job. A confident sixth (17%) even go so far as to say they could have made it as a pop singer. And according to the study, six in ten (57%) say there's nothing better than showing off their singing skills by coming together as a group to sing, with one in four (25%) saying it uplifts them. 22% feel empowered singing as one, while 18 per cent love the camaraderie. Jakemans spokesperson and celebrity vocal coach, Annabel Williams, said: 'A great sing-along song has that magic mix of a catchy melody and feel-good lyrics that you just can't help but belt out. But it's more than that, singing together actually releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which boost happiness and bring people closer together. That's why we can feel so marvellous after singing the classics like Sweet Caroline and Don't Stop Believin' with a group.' As a result, this summer 26% are planning to belt out a tune on a family holiday, 21% will be singing along at a concert, 18% will put their singing voice to good use at a sporting event and 18% will be testing their vocal cords at music festivals. Despite planning to flex our vocal cords, two thirds (65%) admit they aren't planning to prepare their throats for action as it isn't something they've thought about (23%), and they believe their voice will recover naturally (23%). It's no surprise then that half (50%) have suffered from a sore throat after singing, with 60% having to stop singing altogether due to a strained throat. Williams added: 'Making sure that you're looking after your voice whilst singing is really important, so you don't do any damage to your vocal cords. Whether you're warming up for a stage performance or belting out your favourite tunes at home, you need to be giving those vocal cords some TLC.' Jakemans' Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, Brand Manager said: 'This research shows how much we as a nation love singing out loud, and the positive impact that it has on our well-being. Whether, like me, you're part of the 36% who love belting out tunes in the kitchen, or hoping to sing along to your favourite artists at a concert this summer, don't let anything hold back your voice.' BRITAIN'S FAVOURITE SINAGLONG TRACKS Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond – 41% Dancing Queen by Abba – 28% Angels by Robbie Williams – 25% Mamma Mia by Abba – 24% Livin' On A Prayer by Jon Bon Jovi – 24% I'm Still Standing by Elton John – 24% 500 Miles by the Proclaimers – 23% American Pie by Don McLean – 22% Don't Stop Me Now by Queen – 21% Someone Like You by Adele – 21% Don't Stop Believin' by Journey = 20% Hey Jude by The Beatles – 19% Wonderwall by Oasis – 19% Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners – 18% Let it Be by The Beatles – 18% Rocket Man by Elton John – 17% Rolling In The Deep by Adele – 17% Simply The Best by Tina Turner – 17% It's Raining Man by the Weather Girls – 17% 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton – 17% Mr Brightside by The Killers – 16% Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams – 16% Uptown Girl by Billy Joel – 16% Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison – 15% Umbrella by Rihanna – 13% Take On Me by Aha – 13% Like a Prayer by Madonna – 13% Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers – 13% Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon – 12% My Way by Frank Sinatra – 12% Shake It Off by Taylor Swift – 11% Murder On The Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor – 11% Night Fever by The Bee Gees – 11% All Night Long by Lionel Richie – 11% Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars – 11%
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sweet Caroline voted Britain's favourite singalong track
Sweet Caroline voted Britain's favourite singalong track The famous 1969 track picked up an overwhelming 41% of the vote according to the poll of 2,000 music-loving Brits, with ABBA's Dancing Queen (28%) and Robbie Williams' Angels (25%) placing second and third (Image: Mirrorpix ) Neil Diamond's iconic Sweet Caroline has been voted Britain's favourite song to belt out with friends, family and even complete strangers, according to new research. The famous 1969 track picked up an overwhelming 41% of the vote according to the poll of 2,000 music-loving Brits, with ABBA's Dancing Queen (28%) and Robbie Williams' Angels (25%) placing second and third. Also on the list of the nation's favourite singalong tracks was Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi (24%), I'm Still Standing by Elton John (24%), Someone Like You by Adele (21%) and Wonderwall by Oasis (19%). One in six (17%) say nothing beats belting out Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners, while 16% love to sing-along to Mr. Brightside by The Killers. Jakemans Marvellous Melodies - The Vocal Coach top tips video Other tunes to make our hearts sing include Umbrella by Rihanna (13%), Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon (12%) and Shake It Off by Taylor Swift (11%). Article continues below In fact, the research by menthol lozenge brand, Jakemans, found that as a nation we love singing so much that 80 per cent think it has a positive impact on their well-being, with 45 per cent admitting that music moves them deeply and 38 per cent saying that it can give them goosebumps. In the shower (45%), cooking in the kitchen (36%), on your commute or in the car (35%), while listening to the radio (33%) and watching TV at home (28%) are the main places that Brits let their singing voices loose, while one in five (16%) can often be found belting out a tune at work. Four in ten (37%) think they have a good singing voice, with almost half (48%) admitting that they listen to singers and think they could do a much better job. A confident sixth (17%) even go so far as to say they could have made it as a pop singer. And according to the study, six in ten (57%) say there's nothing better than showing off their singing skills by coming together as a group to sing, with one in four (25%) saying it uplifts them. 22% feel empowered singing as one, while 18 per cent love the camaraderie. Jakemans spokesperson and celebrity vocal coach, Annabel Williams, said: 'A great sing-along song has that magic mix of a catchy melody and feel-good lyrics that you just can't help but belt out. But it's more than that, singing together actually releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which boost happiness and bring people closer together. That's why we can feel so marvellous after singing the classics like Sweet Caroline and Don't Stop Believin' with a group.' This research of 2,000 Brits was commissioned by Jakemans As a result, this summer 26% are planning to belt out a tune on a family holiday, 21% will be singing along at a concert, 18% will put their singing voice to good use at a sporting event and 18% will be testing their vocal cords at music festivals. Despite planning to flex our vocal cords, two thirds (65%) admit they aren't planning to prepare their throats for action as it isn't something they've thought about (23%), and they believe their voice will recover naturally (23%). It's no surprise then that half (50%) have suffered from a sore throat after singing, with 60% having to stop singing altogether due to a strained throat. Williams added: 'Making sure that you're looking after your voice whilst singing is really important, so you don't do any damage to your vocal cords. Whether you're warming up for a stage performance or belting out your favourite tunes at home, you need to be giving those vocal cords some TLC.' Jakemans' Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, Brand Manager said: 'This research shows how much we as a nation love singing out loud, and the positive impact that it has on our well-being. Whether, like me, you're part of the 36% who love belting out tunes in the kitchen, or hoping to sing along to your favourite artists at a concert this summer, don't let anything hold back your voice.' BRITAIN'S FAVOURITE SINAGLONG TRACKS Article continues below
