Can you attend festivals and concerts with a stoma? Having a stoma shouldn’t mean you have to miss out on the things you love – like music, dancing, sunshine, and the buzz of live events. However, they can feel daunting, especially the first time after stoma surgery.
No matter what type of stoma you have or how long you have had it, with a bit of planning and the right kit, you can absolutely have a brilliant time at a concert or festival. Here is our step-by-step guide for attending festivals and concerts when you have a stoma, created with the lived experience of ostomates and the medical professionals on our team.
Preparing for festivals and concerts with a stoma
How soon after stoma surgery you can attend a concert or festival will depend entirely on you and your recovery. If you’re unsure whether it’s too early, have a chat with your stoma nurse or doctor – they’ll give you advice based on your recovery and confidence level. Read more: Living with a stoma
Once you have decided you want to go, research the event. Being prepared and organised can help to ease any anxiety. Contact the venue or festival ahead of time to ask about their rules on bags and medical supplies. Most stadiums or arenas only allow bags up to A4 size, but you can often bring a bigger one for medical reasons if you think you’ll need it – just check first. You could also ask about disabled facilities such as accessible toilets, disabled access areas, or specific camping zones.
Get familiar with the layout via a site map; you might be able to book accommodation or seats near the toilets. Take a RADAR key with you to access locked accessible toilets.
While building your confidence, it might help to book a day festival at first rather than a full weekend festival. This means you do not camp onsite; you may be able to stay in a nearby hotel or travel home. This can ease you into enjoying live events again without the added stress.
Packing for festivals and concerts with a stoma
So, what should you pack for a festival or concert when you have a stoma? Here is our guide:
- Count how many stoma supplies you typically use in a day, then calculate how many you’ll need for the duration of the event. Pack plenty of extras – better to overpack than risk running out, especially since getting supplies at the event could be difficult.
- Don’t forget lots of dry and (alcohol-free) wet wipes.
- You may want to pre-cut your stoma bags to make your life a bit easier while at the event.
- Don’t forget any of your usual medications.
- Pack a small bag (a waist bag/fanny pack is ideal for hands-free use, and can cover your stoma bag if you are feeling insecure) that fits all your essentials. This way, you’re ready for whatever the day throws at you.
- Consider bagging everything in plastic bags, or even double-bagging, to protect supplies from rain or mud.
- Pack spare clothes in case of leaks – you’ll feel more at ease knowing you’re covered.
- Use flange extenders to help your bag stay secure. They increase the adhesive area, offering extra peace of mind that the bag won’t come off, so you can dance and have a good time!
- Hand sanitiser is essential – public toilets may not be the most hygienic (especially portaloos!).
- Bring a water bottle – some toilets don’t have sinks.
- Try a longer-wear seal, like the Ostoform FLOWASSIST, so you can change your bag on your terms rather than worrying about leaks.
Enjoying festivals and concerts with a stoma
What can you do to ensure you can enjoy the event without worrying about your stoma? Here are our tips:
- For security checks, it’s unlikely they’ll question your stoma bag, but if you’d prefer not to explain, you can download a medical PDF or take a stoma travel card to show staff.
- If you’re still building confidence, you may prefer seated tickets at gigs. They offer extra space, a chance to rest, and easier toilet access.
- If standing, try to stay near the back or sides for more room and easier exits if you are worried about being bumped into or changing your stoma appliance.
- However, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy yourself in the midst of the crowd if you feel comfortable. Support wear or high-waisted bottoms can help keep your bag in place and make you feel more secure in these situations.
- Get familiar with the location of accessible loos and the medical team as soon as you arrive.
- Visit the toilet before the concert starts and consider emptying or changing your bag more frequently throughout the day to reduce anxiety.
- Pack a few sweets or snacks to keep your energy and sugar levels up.
Lucy Jane is an ostomate who loves attending festivals and doesn’t let her stoma stop her from having the best time and wearing her favourite outfits! She has posted lots of advice for festival-goers with stomas, including her stoma bag essentials kit for Glastonbury. You can follow her on Instagram @lucyjane.fashion.
We asked for her advice and her main point was to change your stoma appliance in your tent: “One tip I always share with people is if you’re worried about where to change your bag, do it in your tent as a lot of the facilities, even the disabled toilets, don’t have enough room to lay everything out! I’ve found doing it in my tent is as clean as anywhere else and at least I know what’s been there.”
How to stay hydrated with a stoma at concerts/festivals
It’s vital to stay hydrated at events. As an ostomate, you’re more at risk of dehydration, especially when drinking alcohol, dancing, or in warm weather. Here are our tips for staying hydrated at a festival or gig:
- Drink water regularly, and make the most of free tap water stations. Carry a water bottle with you and refill it often.
- Carry rehydration sachets or drinks like Dioralyte and use them if you begin to feel woozy or light-headed.
- Avoid fizzy drinks, as they can cause ballooning.
- Be mindful of any food or drink that usually causes your stoma to act up – it might be worth avoiding these for the day. Read more: Foods to eat with a stoma
Enjoy yourself
Most importantly, have fun! Remember to take breaks when you need to (a foldable deck chair at festivals can be a game changer). Always listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, there’s no shame in taking time to rest or heading home early.
If you are feeling anxious about your body image, remember that everyone at events is focused on themselves; chances are, no one will notice your stoma bag. No one needs to know about it unless you choose to tell them.
Your stoma should never stop you from living your life. Whether you’re dancing in a muddy field or singing along to your favourite band, you deserve to be there just like everyone else. If your stoma is holding you back or causing you problems, speak to your stoma nurse so you can get back to living fully and confidently.
Although all our articles are written alongside qualified medical professionals, this information is for guidance only and does not replace advice given by your healthcare advisors.
Further reading
5 inspirational women with stomas (and their advice)
