Stay Bite-Free at Summer Festivals

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a summer festival—the music, the food, the freedom, and the friends. Whether you're dancing in a muddy field in Somerset, vibing at a wellness retreat in the Cotswolds, or soaking up the sun at a coastal day fest, festivals are one of the season’s true highlights.

But for all their magic, they do come with one less glamorous guest: biting insects.

Long hours outdoors, grassy fields, standing water, and a packed crowd? That’s prime territory for mosquitoes, midges, and other bite-happy bugs. Add in camping and dusk-to-dawn dancing, and you’re practically inviting them to the party.

So how do you stay bite-free without compromising your outfit, your vibe, or your eco-values?

Start before you even leave home. When packing your festival kit, insect repellent should be as essential as your wristband. But not just any repellent—look for a natural, DEET-free formula that’s effective and kind to your skin. incognito® insect repellent uses plant-based ingredients proven to protect against mosquitoes, ticks and midges for hours. It won’t ruin your clothes or overwhelm you with chemical smells, so you can spritz it on freely between acts.

Once you’re there, be mindful of your surroundings. Mosquitoes love the same places you do: near food stalls, by the bar, close to water features or portaloos, and anywhere with shade and damp grass. Keep some repellent spray in your day bag or bumbag so you can reapply throughout the day, especially before sunset, when bites spike.

Camping? Don’t forget a natural room refresher for your tent, which can help keep insects out while making your space smell great. And if you’re going makeup-free, a multi-use hair and body wash that also repels insects is a smart choice to save space and keep things low-maintenance.

No one wants to wake up after the best day of the summer covered in itchy bites. With a little planning and the right essentials, you can enjoy every beat, burger, and barefoot moment—without becoming a bug’s favourite snack.