Woman At Outdoor Festival

Harriet's tips for enjoying a festival with an ostomy

I recently enjoyed the most incredible week of my life at Glastonbury. Not going to lie, I was pretty worried about going with an ostomy and if I'm honest, never thought I would be able to attend a festival of this scale with IBD or an ileostomy.

But ultimately, after really going in at the deep end with Glastonbury, a five-day camping experience, in a field, with only long drop toilets and water stations, there was absolutely nothing to worry about and fingers crossed - I'll be back next year!

However, I did do a couple of things to make the overall experience easier and have less to worry about. Here are my seven tips which will help you have a good time:

  1. I pre-cut all of my bags - you don't want to take scissors with you in case they get confiscated. Plus, cutting your bag to size if you've had a leak, in the middle of the night, pitch black, in a tent with no running water is not the perfect scenario to cut your bag…
  2. Order some extra-large bags - so you have a bit more room overnight. I used these all day long so I didn't have to worry if there was a queue for the toilet and wouldn't have to get up and empty in the middle of the night (I ordered some from Dansac)
  3. I also ordered some plastic bags which had silicone beads in - these are designed for anyone to use, e.g. on a long car journey or camping, you're meant to wee in them and then the silicone beads turn the liquid into a solid. You can then just throw the bag away. Theory here being you could just empty your bag into the beads in an emergency. I didn't end up using these, but I will be using them in the future if I ever get caught short.
  4. Make yourself up a little bag with all your essentials (adhesive remover, dry wipes, disposable bag, ileostomy pouch) - then just take these with a bottle of water and some loo roll to the nearest toilet to change your bag.
  5. Try to get disabled access if you can - you are entitled to it!
  6. Long drops are disgusting - try and use the compost loos if you can. They're much nicer, smell less and are generally much cleaner. Plus, they make compost which is useful.
  7. Have a fab time and enjoy it! Make sure you drink loadssss of water!

Page
saved

This page has been saved in your personal space. Go to “My Page” to view all saved pages.

Helpline service

Helpline
Service

We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Our helpline team can help by:

  • Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.

  • Listening and talking through your situation.

  • Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.

  • Signposting you to specialist organisations.

Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.

Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).

Live chat

If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.

Would you like to save the changes made to this page?