Understanding the Need for Period-Friendly Festivals
Imagine being at a multi-day festival, far from the comforts of home, when an unexpected period arrives. For many attendees, this is a reality – and traditionally, festivals haven’t made it easy for those who menstruate. In fact, a recent survey found that 37% of people would feel uncomfortable having their period at an outdoor event (www.wateraid.org). Some festival-goers even plan their lives around avoiding periods during events: nearly 1 in 5 have changed plans to skip an event because their period was due (www.wateraid.org). These statistics underscore a significant attendee experience gap. If a large portion of your audience is worried about managing basic menstrual needs, their festival experience and enjoyment will suffer.
For too long, menstruation has been an overlooked aspect of event planning. Many who menstruate have come to expect inconvenience or even shame at festivals – so much so that some take drastic measures like hormone-altering medications to delay their periods, just to attend comfortably (www.bbc.com) (www.bbc.com). It shouldn’t be this way. No attendee should have to miss a favorite performance or feel embarrassed due to lack of menstrual support. By addressing this vital comfort issue, festival organizers can foster inclusivity, boost attendee satisfaction, and show that everyone is welcome.
Common Menstrual Challenges at Festivals
To create solutions, it’s important to first understand what challenges people face when they get their period during a festival:
- Lack of Supplies: Attendees might not carry pads or tampons on the off-chance their period starts. If the festival doesn’t provide them, people can be left scrambling. One festival-goer in the UK described “panicking” upon realizing her period would coincide with an event, because she assumed no products would be available (www.bbc.com).
- Inadequate Disposal Options: Not having a proper place to dispose of used menstrual products is a huge issue. Many outdoor events rely on portable toilets which sometimes lack sanitary bins. In a BBC report, attendees described “unpleasant portable loos with nowhere to dispose of used pads or tampons” (www.bbc.com). Without bins, people may resort to unsafe disposal (or even consider not changing products as often, which is unhygienic).
- Limited Privacy and Facilities: Managing menstruation can require privacy and clean facilities. Festivals are notorious for long lines at toilets, sparse lighting at night, and limited running water. Washing hands or a menstrual cup can be challenging if there’s no nearby water source (www.bbc.com). Changing a pad or tampon in a dark, cramped stall – or dealing with leaks without a clean area to regroup – adds stress.
- Physical Discomfort: Cramps, fatigue, and other period symptoms don’t pause for festival fun. Walking long distances across a venue or standing for hours in crowds can be extra exhausting for someone with menstrual pain or anemia. If there’s nowhere to rest or get a pain reliever, attendees may simply “tough it out” and suffer in silence, or cut their festival day short.
- Social Stigma and Embarrassment: Menstruation carries stigma in many cultures. At mixed-gender events, someone might feel embarrassed to ask staff (who are often male) for a tampon or to explain why they need to access restricted areas (like leaving and re-entering to get supplies). Fear of “leaking through your clothes” and the resulting embarrassment is also very real (planetwoo.itv.com), especially in a crowd. All these worries can prevent attendees from fully relaxing and enjoying themselves.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step. The next step is implementing practical measures to ensure periods don’t ruin the festival experience for anyone. Thankfully, many festivals around the world – from small community events to mega-festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella – have begun to address this issue. What follows are proven strategies and advice to make any festival more period-friendly.
Provide Free Menstrual Products On-Site
One of the most impactful steps is to offer free period products (pads and tampons) at your event. Access to these essentials can make or break an attendee’s experience. It’s hard to have fun at a show if you’re desperately asking strangers for a tampon or using wadded toilet paper as a makeshift pad. By providing products for free, festivals eliminate a major source of stress for attendees who menstruate.
How can festivals distribute menstrual products effectively? Here are some approaches:
– Info Booths & First Aid Tents: Stock a supply of pads and tampons at information kiosks, first aid stations, and any dedicated “wellness” or “welfare” tents. Advertise that these locations have free products available – you can put up a discreet sign like “Free period supplies here” so people know where to go.
– Restroom Baskets: If your event has staffed restroom facilities or permanent bathrooms, consider placing baskets of tampons and pads inside. Even at events with portable toilets, you can attach small baskets in or near the most-used units (just ensure they are shaded/protected and restocked frequently). Some smaller festivals have had success simply by leaving a basket of products in the toilet areas with a “take one if you need one” note.
– Dedicated “Period Stations”: Larger festivals might set up a specific tent or booth focused on menstrual needs. For example, Glastonbury Festival in the UK worked with charity WaterAid to create “period proud” stations where volunteers distribute free eco-friendly pads/tampons and offer guidance (www.wateraid.org) (www.wateraid.org). These stations provide a safe, friendly space to quickly grab what you need. Another idea is a “Menstruation Station” – a concept experts have suggested that would go beyond products to also offer painkillers or heating pads for cramps (planetwoo.itv.com).
– Partner with Sponsors or Charities: Teaming up with an organization can help supply products at scale. In 2025, Coachella partnered with a major feminine care brand to stock all its bathrooms with free pads and tampons, acknowledging that an estimated “1 in 4 Coachella attendees” would be on their period during the festival (www.prnewswire.com) (www.prnewswire.com). This on-site activation (dubbed the “House of Flow”) not only gave attendees peace of mind, it generated positive buzz about Coachella being supportive and inclusive. Likewise, Glastonbury’s collaboration with WaterAid and Natracare ensured that tens of thousands of festival-goers had access to supplies, and even tied it to a good cause – for every pad or tampon used on-site, the same amount was donated to charity to combat hygiene poverty (www.wateraid.org). Such partnerships can offset costs and align with a festival’s values.
– On-Site General Stores: If completely free distribution isn’t feasible, at the very least ensure your on-site vendors or general stores sell a variety of menstrual products at a reasonable price. Nothing’s worse than needing a tampon and finding none for miles around. Some camping festivals have a “general store” for essentials; make sure pads, tampons, and even menstrual pain relief meds are on the inventory list. However, try to keep prices fair (or subsidized) – attendees shouldn’t feel exploited for an essential need.
From boutique regional events to major international festivals, providing menstrual products has proven straightforward and affordable. A few thousand pads and tampons (ideally unscented and in mixed sizes/absorbencies) can be bought in bulk for a relatively low cost. Compared to the overall festival budget – or the goodwill you’ll gain – it’s a minor expense. And the payoff is huge: attendees who menstruate will remember that your festival had their back in a very personal way.
Ensure Adequate Sanitary Bins and Clean Water
Hand-in-hand with giving out products is making sure attendees have a place to use and dispose of them hygienically. A period-friendly festival must have plenty of sanitary waste bins and access to clean water in restroom areas. Without these, even free tampons won’t fully solve the problem.
Sanitary Disposal Bins: Every restroom (permanent or portable) should have a designated bin for used pads, tampons, and liners. These bins need lids (for odor control and privacy) and must be emptied regularly. If you’re renting portable toilets, ask the provider about units with built-in sanitary bins or consider renting separate sanitary disposal units that can be placed inside each stall. It’s critical that these bins are in every women’s or unisex toilet stall – not just a few scattered around – so that no one has to carry a used product out in the open. Festival cleaners or an external waste service should check and empty the bins frequently (far more often than a typical office restroom, given the high usage at events). An overflowing sanitary bin is not only off-putting; it may lead attendees to flush products (risking clogs in portables) or toss waste on the floor. At one event with poor facilities, an attendee noted there were “no bins in or near the cubicles” and the lack of disposal made the experience “uncomfortable and embarrassing” (ramonamag.com). Don’t let that happen at your festival – invest in enough bins and a robust service schedule to keep them clean.
Clean Water and Washing Facilities: Menstrual hygiene isn’t just about throwing things away – attendees also need to wash their hands and possibly their reusable products. Ensure that all restroom areas have either running water and soap or at least high-quality hand sanitizer. Ideally, provide water for hand-washing inside or immediately outside the toilet area. Many festivals place communal sink stations nearby; these are helpful, but consider privacy and access. For example, someone using a menstrual cup may need to rinse it between uses. In one case, a festival-goer had to rinse her cup at a communal drinking water tap in view of others (www.bbc.com) – an awkward and unsanitary situation. To avoid this, you could set up a small privacy screen around one of the outdoor sinks, or label one sink specifically for “hygiene use” rather than drinking. If your budget stretches to higher-end portable toilet trailers or facilities, opt for units that have integrated sinks with water inside each stall. This simple addition allows people to manage menstrual hygiene much more comfortably.
Lighting and Cleanliness: Don’t forget the basics. Good lighting in toilet areas (especially at night) is important – fumbling in the dark with a tampon or trying to check for stains by phone flashlight is no fun. Keep the restrooms well-lit and clean. Stock ample toilet paper and soap; these run out quickly at festivals and are essential for period-related cleanups. Make sure your cleaning crews are briefed to keep an extra eye on refilling these supplies throughout the event. A well-maintained restroom makes all the difference – attendees have praised festivals that “regularly cleaned” their toilets and kept them stocked, noting it as a key factor that helped them manage their period without issue (ramonamag.com).
By providing ways to discreetly dispose of products and clean up, you remove much of the inconvenience and embarrassment around periods. It sends a message that menstrual hygiene is as normal and supported as any other need – just like trash cans and hand-wash stations, period bins and water are simply part of a well-equipped festival.
Create Private Comfort Areas (Period Relief Spaces)
Even with supplies and bins in place, some attendees might need a little extra care when dealing with cramps, heavy flow, or just the general discomfort of menstruating at an event. This is where having a private relief area or integrating menstrual care into your existing wellness infrastructure can really elevate the attendee experience.
Welfare & First Aid Tents: Most large festivals have a first aid tent or a welfare sanctuary for attendees who aren’t feeling well. Consider allocating a corner of this space for menstrual relief. This doesn’t need to be elaborate – a few cots or comfortable chairs behind a privacy screen, and a female (or otherwise trained) staff member or volunteer who can assist. Here, someone suffering from severe cramps or fatigue can lie down for a short while, or clean up in privacy if they’ve had a leakage accident. Stock this area with period products (pads, tampons), wet wipes, hand sanitizer, a heating pad or hot water bottles, and some over-the-counter painkillers (which the medical team can administer according to protocol). The knowledge that there’s a safe place to regroup if menstrual symptoms become overwhelming can be a huge mental relief for attendees. It can mean the difference between someone powering through and enjoying the rest of their day versus leaving early in distress.
Dedicated “Period Tents” or Pods: If space and budget allow, some festivals set up a separate tent specifically for menstrual support (sometimes under broader names like “Wellness Tent” or as part of a broader inclusivity initiative). For instance, WaterAid’s “period proud” spaces at Glastonbury are volunteer-run tents where anyone can stop in for a free pad, information, or just moral support (www.wateraid.org) (www.wateraid.org). These kinds of spaces can normalize the act of seeking help for a period issue. They also double as an education and community hub – volunteers might share tips on sustainable period products or just chat to break the stigma. If a standalone tent isn’t feasible, you can get creative: maybe repurpose a small section of the site (like a lounge area) during certain hours as a “menstrual comfort corner.”
Quiet Rest Areas: Beyond menstrual-specific spaces, ensure there are some quiet, shaded areas at your event where anyone can take a break. This benefits all attendees, but is especially valuable for someone feeling unwell due to PMS, migraines, or cramps. A 10-minute rest in a calm spot can recharge them to enjoy the festival again. Many events have chill-out zones, hammocks, or meet-up tents – just make sure these exist and that attendees know they’re welcome to use them if they need a breather.
The key is to signal that your festival cares about attendee wellbeing holistically. People shouldn’t have to hide or feel ashamed if they need a moment to handle a natural bodily function. By offering even modest amenities like a private space or a hot water bottle, you show empathy for those on their period, which goes a long way in building loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
Train Staff and Volunteers on Menstrual Inclusivity
Having facilities and supplies is fantastic, but it’s equally important that your festival staff and volunteers are prepared to assist attendees with menstrual needs in a respectful, matter-of-fact way. A little training and awareness-raising among your team can prevent awkward or dismissive interactions and ensure attendees get help promptly.
Sensitivity and Professionalism: Make menstrual inclusivity a small part of your staff training. Emphasize that periods are a normal part of life for attendees, not something to snicker about or treat as an inconvenience. Even if a security guard or stage crew member might never personally need a tampon, they should understand that helping someone find one is as routine as pointing them to the nearest water station. If staff overhear someone asking for a pad, they should know where the free supplies are kept and be able to direct or escort the attendee without fuss.
Equip Key Personnel: Consider giving certain staff (especially those at info booths, first aid, and roaming “patrol” volunteers) a small emergency stash of pads and tampons to carry. That way if they encounter someone in immediate need – say, a guest urgently asking if anyone has a spare tampon – they can provide one on the spot. It’s a simple gesture that can save someone’s day. Be sure male staff are included in this too; while they might initially be shy about it, normalizing men handing out tampons to help someone is actually a great way to bust stigma.
Handling Emergencies Discreetly: Train medical and security staff on what to do if a menstrual situation becomes more serious. For example, if a guest has bled through their clothes and is distressed, how can staff assist? Perhaps have cheap blankets or sarongs at first aid that can be given out so the person can wrap around their waist. Your lost-and-found or merch vendors might have spare pants or shorts that could be gifted in a pinch. Empower your team to think compassionately and solve these problems just as they would help an attendee who, say, spilled a drink on themselves or lost their shoes – in other words, don’t make a big deal, just help. Privacy is paramount; staff should know to lower their voice, offer to talk away from a crowd, and never shame someone for what they’re experiencing.
Volunteer & Crew Facilities: Remember that your own staff and performers might menstruate during the event too. Apply the same principles backstage and in crew areas – have period products and bins in staff toilets, and encourage a supportive environment. A happy crew that feels cared for will in turn do a better job for your attendees.
When festival teams treat menstrual needs as just another routine aspect of customer service, it creates a culture where attendees feel safe and supported. The goal is for someone to ask any staffer “Hey, do you know where I can find a tampon?” and for that staffer to respond immediately and helpfully, without embarrassment on either side. Achieve that, and you’ve made huge strides in inclusivity.
Use Inclusive Language and Policies
In making your festival period-friendly, be mindful of language and policies so that you truly include all people who menstruate. Not everyone who gets a period identifies as a woman, and not all women menstruate – your plans should account for transgender and non-binary attendees as well.
Gender-Inclusive Language: In communications, signage, and training materials, try to use terms like “attendees who menstruate” or “people with periods” rather than only saying “women.” This small shift signals that you welcome anyone with menstrual needs, including trans men and non-binary individuals. For example, if you put a notice on your website about free menstrual products, phrase it as “Free pads and tampons will be available for anyone who needs them”, which is inclusive and clear.
Facilities for All: Ensure that wherever menstrual products are provided, they are accessible to those of any gender. If your event has all-gender restrooms, definitely include a supply of pads and tampons and a disposal bin there too. If a trans man or non-binary person doesn’t feel comfortable entering a women’s restroom or a “women’s tent,” they should still be able to get what they need easily. One approach is to keep products at truly neutral locations like the medical tent or info desk in addition to women’s bathrooms. Also, don’t overlook the fact that disabled attendees who menstruate may need accommodations – for instance, stock menstrual supplies in accessible toilets for wheelchair users.
Re-entry and Carry Policies: Take a look at your festival’s entry policies through a menstrual equity lens. If you have a strict no re-entry rule, consider exceptions or solutions for someone who might need to exit to deal with a menstrual emergency (perhaps allow a short re-entry pass issued by medical). Similarly, if your bag policy limits bringing in liquids, an attendee with a menstrual cup might need to carry a small bottle of water or menstrual cup cleaning solution – make sure security staff understand and allow exceptions for medical or hygiene reasons. These little policy tweaks cost nothing but can prevent a lot of headaches.
Communication and Transparency: Add information about your menstrual support facilities in your festival program, website FAQ, and maps. List where free products can be found, which tents offer help, and note that all are welcome. Being upfront and matter-of-fact about it (alongside info on other services like water stations and phone charging) normalizes the idea. It tells attendees, “We’ve got you covered – no need to worry.” As one expert noted, it would make sense for festivals to include a “menstrual facilities” section online so people can prepare and know what to expect (planetwoo.itv.com). Don’t make people hunt for this info; put it out there proudly.
In short, inclusivity is about more than just providing items – it’s about making sure every attendee feels the festival is designed for them too. By using welcoming language and thoughtful policies, you ensure that no one is left out of the experience.
Spreading the Word and Celebrating Inclusivity
Once you’ve put these menstrual-friendly practices in place, let people know! Part of improving attendee experience is communicating that improvement to them. There’s no need to be shy about it – in fact, highlighting your festival’s inclusive amenities can be a positive marketing angle (handled appropriately).
Pre-Festival Announcements: Include a note about period products and facilities in pre-event emails, social media updates, and your website. For example: “We’re excited to announce that [Festival Name] will offer free pads and tampons at all main toilet areas and the Info Tent. We want everyone to enjoy the festival comfortably – our staff and volunteers are here to support attendees with any personal needs.” This kind of message not only informs those who need the products, but also demonstrates to all your followers that you care about attendee comfort. It’s an easy way to earn respect and possibly attract attendees who prioritize inclusive environments.
On-Site Signage and Info: Make sure that on the festival grounds, information about menstrual support is visible. A simple sign in restroom areas like, “Periods happen – grab free tampons/pads at the red tent by the main stage or from any info booth” can direct people effectively. If you have a festival app or printed map, use a special symbol to mark where menstrual products or wellness services are located. Some events use a pink drop symbol or a heart to indicate “women’s health” services in maps. Just be sure to explain the symbol in the legend.
Normalize the Conversation: Use your platform to normalize talking about periods. For instance, a festival blog post or an FAQ section could feature a short piece on what you’re doing to be period-friendly (similar to how you’d tout your sustainability efforts or accessibility features). Maybe profile a crew member or volunteer team behind the initiative, or share a quote from an attendee who was grateful for the support. By weaving this topic into your festival’s narrative, you’re helping chip away at the taboo. And when festivals – which often celebrate community and humanity in all forms – take a stand to say “menstrual needs are human needs”, it sets a powerful example.
Engage the Community: You can even invite attendee input or stories. For example, start a social hashtag like #PeriodFriendlyFestival and encourage people to share tips or gratitude for the services. (Do moderate carefully, as such topics can unfortunately attract trolls – but the positive voices usually win out.) Another idea is to collaborate with menstrual equity advocates or influencers in your region – perhaps host a short workshop or talk at the festival about reproductive health, or have a booth by a nonprofit raising awareness about period poverty. This turns a service into an interactive feature that can enrich the festival experience for those interested.
Celebrating your festival’s inclusivity doesn’t just earn good press; it also educates attendees. Someone who might never have thought about this issue may learn something and carry those expectations to other events, creating a ripple effect of change. By proudly promoting your period-friendly measures, you’re leading the industry forward and building a festival community built on empathy and care.
Learning from Successes (and Mistakes)
As you implement period-friendly measures, pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, and be willing to iterate. Even the most experienced festival producers continually learn from each event.
Collect Feedback: After the festival, seek feedback from attendees specifically about facilities and services. You might add a question in the post-event survey like, “Did you use any of the free period products or visit the wellness tent? How was your experience?” or “What could we improve to better accommodate guests who are menstruating?”. Read social media comments and encourage open dialogue. Real-world feedback will tell you if, for instance, the product stations were hard to find, or if supplies ran out too quickly on Day 2.
Monitor Usage: Have your team take note of how many products were taken and how often bins needed emptying. If you distributed 1,000 pads in a day, maybe plan for 1,500 next time just to be safe. If one particular area (say, the campsite bathrooms) saw the most use, focus efforts there in the future. Usage data helps with budgeting and placement for subsequent events.
Learn from Other Festivals: Keep an eye on industry trends. More festivals each year are adopting menstrual inclusion practices – from major music festivals in Europe to local cultural fairs. Trade publications and festival forums sometimes share case studies. For example, when Glastonbury introduced free period products and saw positive response, that story spread and inspired other European events to consider the same. If a peer festival tries something innovative, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask how it went. Festival organisers form a community, and most are happy to swap lessons learned (the Ticket Fairy promoter blog is one place where such insights are shared).
Troubleshoot Problems: Be ready to address any hiccups. Maybe you encountered people taking excessive quantities of free products – next time, you could have volunteers hand them out one-per-person to prevent wastage (though in practice, abuse of free tampon stands is rare; most people only take what they need). Or perhaps the sanitary bins were still overflowing at peak times – that might mean you need more bins, or an extra cleaning shift in the evening. Treat these not as failures, but as useful data on how to fine-tune the service.
Stay Committed: Above all, maintain your commitment to inclusivity even if there are challenges. It might be tempting for an organiser under budget pressures to say “well, that was nice to do, but we can cut it this year.” Instead, view menstrual support as a core part of attendee services – as essential as providing toilets or security. With experience, you’ll get better at integrating these needs seamlessly into your operations. And the reward is worth it: a reputation as a festival that genuinely cares about its attendees.
Key Takeaways
- Menstrual needs are attendee needs: Roughly a quarter of your attendees could be on their period at any given festival, so addressing this isn’t optional – it’s essential for a positive attendee experience.
- Free period products are a game-changer: Providing complimentary pads and tampons (via info booths, medical tents, or dedicated stations) relieves stress for attendees and shows that you care. Partnerships with brands or NGOs can help supply these at minimal cost.
- Equip your facilities for comfort: Ensure every restroom has covered sanitary disposal bins and access to water or sanitizer. Keep them well-lit, stocked, and clean. A hygienic, private space to manage periods safely is basic festival infrastructure.
- Offer relief and support: Go beyond the bare minimum by creating spaces or services for those who need a break – whether it’s a quiet rest area, a “menstruation station” with heating pads, or a sympathetic ear at the welfare tent. Small touches like these help attendees in pain or discomfort to regroup and continue enjoying the event.
- Train and empower staff: Educate your staff and volunteers to handle menstrual inquiries and incidents with empathy and efficiency. Something as simple as a crew member handing out a tampon or helping someone who leaked on their clothes can turn a guest’s day around.
- Be inclusive in approach: Use inclusive language (“people who menstruate”) and ensure anyone – women, trans men, non-binary attendees – can access your period-related services without feeling out of place. Integrate these offerings into your overall accessibility and wellness plans.
- Communicate and normalize: Advertise your menstrual support amenities in pre-event materials and on-site signage. Normalizing the conversation reduces stigma and lets attendees know help is available without shame or secrecy.
- Continuously improve: Treat period-friendly initiatives as an evolving part of your festival. Gather feedback, learn from other events, and refine your approach each year. Consistency and commitment will build trust with your audience over time.
By making festivals more accommodating for those who menstruate, event organizers create a more inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. It’s not just about avoiding discomfort or embarrassment – it’s about affirming that everyone deserves to fully enjoy the music, art, and community without basic biological functions getting in the way. The next generation of festival producers has the opportunity to set a new standard where period-friendly festivals are simply the norm. With practical planning and a bit of empathy, any event can become a place where nobody has to think twice about attending – no matter what time of the month it is.
16th September 2025