Smart Festival Budgeting 2025: How to Save Money at Glastonbury, Brockwell & More

As the 2025 summer festival season heats up, so does the pressure on your wallet. With skyrocketing ticket prices, rising travel costs, and growing social expectations, attending your favorite music festivals, such as Glastonbury, Brockwell, and others, can quickly turn from an exciting experience to an expensive one. You can still enjoy the festival season without spending a fortune.

In this guide, we’ll share expert-backed strategies to keep festival costs low while still making the most out of your summer. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned festivalgoer, these practical tips can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing fun.

The Rising Cost of Festivals in 2025

A recent survey by Credit Karma, conducted in collaboration with Opinium and based on responses from 2,000 UK adults, revealed a concerning trend: 35% of festival attendees are dipping into their savings to purchase tickets. The surge in prices isn’t limited to entry fees — costs for travel, food, drinks, and even clothing are on the rise.

More than 61% of festivalgoers believe ticket prices have gone too far, and 76% say overall festival expenses are growing each year. Being financially savvy is more essential than ever in 2025.

Why Are Festivals So Expensive Now?

1. Ticket Inflation

Festival tickets are often the most significant single expense. Popular events like Glastonbury and Brockwell sell out quickly, allowing organizers to raise prices year over year. Early-bird options offer some savings, but only if you’re lucky enough to snag them.

2. Hidden and Add-On Costs

Beyond tickets, there are transportation fees, accommodation charges (if camping isn’t your style), and on-site expenses like food, drinks, and merchandise. If you’re not mindful, these expenses can accumulate rapidly.

3. Social Pressure and FOMO

Especially among Gen Z, the fear of missing out (FOMO) plays a significant role in attendance. According to Credit Karma’s research, 30% of festival-goers feel compelled to attend because their friends are going — not necessarily because they want to.

How to Keep Festival Costs Down This Summer

1. Set a Festival Budget in Advance

Begin by creating a realistic budget for your entire trip, factoring in ticket prices, travel, accommodations, and daily expenses. Utilize budgeting tools or mobile apps to track your spending in real-time.

2. Prioritize Early Bird and Group Discounts

Early-bird tickets are often significantly cheaper. Additionally, consider group packages or splitting accommodation and travel costs with friends to reduce your per-person expenses.

3. Choose Smaller, Local Festivals

Instead of heading to mega-events like Glastonbury, consider exploring smaller regional festivals that offer a more intimate vibe and more affordable pricing. Many of these still feature impressive lineups and vibrant atmospheres.

4. Pack Smart and Avoid On-Site Markups

Pack all your necessities, including snacks, a reusable water bottle, basic toiletries, and a poncho. Buying these on-site can cost two to three times more. Avoid buying expensive festival fashion and instead repurpose outfits you already own.

5. Use Public Transport and Carpooling

Skip the pricey taxis and rideshares. Public transportation is often the most affordable way to reach major festivals. If public transit isn’t available, coordinate carpooling with friends to split fuel and parking costs.

6. Volunteer for Free Entry

Many festivals offer free admission in exchange for a specified number of volunteer hours. Whether it’s helping with setup, cleanup, or working at info booths, volunteering can save you hundreds while still giving you plenty of time to enjoy the event.

Cost-Cutting Ideas That Don’t Sacrifice Experience

DIY Meals and Snacks

Most festivals allow a limited selection of food items through the gates. Where allowed, take your own food to avoid depending on costly vendor meals. Energy bars, fruit, and sandwiches are great portable options.

Camping Instead of Hotels

If your festival offers camping, opt for the campsite over hotels or Airbnb. It’s cheaper, and you’ll stay closer to the action. Invest in reusable camping gear that you can use year after year.

Limit Alcohol Spending

Drinks at festivals can quickly drain your wallet. If permitted, bring your beverages or set a daily drink limit. Many festivals now offer free hydration stations, so be sure to pack a reusable bottle.

Long-Term Festival Planning Tips

Start Saving Early

Set aside a monthly “festival fund,” so you’re not hit with sudden costs right before summer. This strategy helps you preserve your emergency savings.

Subscribe to Festival Newsletters

Stay updated on deals, presales, and discount codes by signing up for official festival newsletters and social media pages. Subscribers often gain access to special deals through these platforms.

Avoid Impulse Buys

Merch booths and pop-up shops are tempting, but resist the urge to make unnecessary purchases. Take photos instead of souvenirs — your wallet will thank you later.

Enjoy the Vibes Without the Debt

Attending music festivals should be about creating unforgettable memories — not financial stress. By planning, budgeting smartly, and making conscious choices, you can enjoy all the energy, music, and connection of the 2025 festival season without overspending.

Whether you’re dancing in the fields at Glastonbury, soaking in the culture at Brockwell, or discovering new sounds at a local event, use these cost-saving tips to experience the magic without the money worries.

Festival fun doesn’t have to mean financial fallout. Plan wisely and party freely.