For even the most ardent festival-goer, hours on end of live music, blistering bass and libations can be a little much sometimes - which is where TRNSMT's wellbeing tent comes in.
Run by charity Crew 2000, the wellbeing tent has evolved from a source of support and knowledge on drugs to a little nook of peace and quiet at the centre of the weekend-long party on Glasgow Green. Anyone needing a few minutes out from the non-stop festivities can drop by the wellbeing tent - a comfortable and well-furnished zone at the western end of the TRNSMT arena.
In the cosy confines of the tent - supplied by TRNSMT organisers DF Concerts - purple-clad volunteers are on hand to dish out cups of water, provide blankets to those feeling the cold in their festival garb and offer comfy beanbags to those wanting to take the weight off. Crew 2000 also offers judgement free advice on harm reduction - a concession, neither supportive nor condemning, to the fact that some people will choose to use drugs to elevate their festival high.
Crew 2000 has partnered with DF Concerts since the days of T In The Park to offer non-judgemental and impartial advice on drug use at festivals, with funding from the Scottish Government. But its role at TRNSMT has now evolved into giving festival-goers a safe space in which to take time out, building on how the charity's work changed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Emma Crawshaw, CEO of Crew 2000, told the Record that people want somewhere safe to be during festivals if they need it, with more than 500 people visiting the tent on the first day of this year's event.
She said: "The wellbeing area is a new tack for us but it made sense. People coming out to a massive festival, one that could be their first after Covid, with heavy bass frequencies, it can be quite an unexpected shock to the system.
"Having a safe space where they can have some quiet time where people aren't going to judge them, we thought was a good idea."
Crew 2000's volunteers are trained up in emotional support and helping people feel safe and comfortable - but Emma said that she had been impressed by the resilience of youngsters coming out of Covid together too. She added: "People are really good at looking after their mates, and staying with them and checking on them."
Despite the new approach to how they work at festivals, Crew 2000 remains focused on its mission to provide people with unfettered advice on safe drug use - with TRNSMT bosses ensuring they're able to help keep festival-goers safe.
Emma added: "DF's approach to safety in terms of harm reduction, sexual assault, accessibility and supporting people is really to be admired. They've worked really hard on it.
"We can't eliminate risk at festivals. We have to meet the risks and be realistic about what they are for people - rather than ignoring them."
Emma's top tips for staying safe at festivals
- "If you're thinking of using anything with any sort of risk, read up on harm reduction measures - start out low and going slow."
- "Avoid using anything alone if you can and have people with you that you trust. If you're with people you trust that's good advice for everyone if anything happens."
- "If you get into trouble it's important to be honest with people if you've taken something and they're trying to help you. Their number one priority is to make sure you're alright."
- "Make use of services like Crew 2000 and wellbeing tents. There are other festivals where charities like The Loop won't be judgmental."
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