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Festival Frolics

"-Essential tips for the summer festival season-

Those brave enough to take their first steps towards festival heaven will have got their ticket and spending money sorted but there are a few other things you need to know before you hit the mosh pit at the The Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival 2003 (22nd - 24th August).

Having unprotected sex over the festival season could make your 'in-tents' experience one you'd rather forget.  With the prevalence of 25 sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there is a significantly greater chance of catching an STI than people think, with diagnoses of acute STIs showing an increase of 20% in men and 56% in women over the last ten years.

www.playingsafely.co.uk has announced some top festival tips so that young revellers can still have fun at this summer's festivals, but stay safe at the same time...

Do....
· Be prepared: Make sure you are carrying a condom before you set off- this will help prevent careless behaviour later on.  Condoms are as essential an item as the obligatory toilet roll, waterproofs and underwear! Using a condom significantly reduces the risk of catching the most common sexually transmitted infections STIs, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital warts and HIV

· Look out for your mates: If you're checking out the festival talent - in more ways than one - make it a ritual to check you are all carrying condoms before you leave the confines of the campfire!

· Think twice: Festival fun-seekers have a tendency to think 'anything goes' but don't let the music thrills take over

Don't....
· Have unprotected sex: This puts you at serious risk especially if you don't know their sexual history. Remember, you can't tell by looking whether someone has an STI - no matter how gorgeous they are.  You're in charge so don't be talked into anything you don't want to do - like having unprotected sex.  Just because you've pulled a Chris Martin or a Nicole Appleton look-alike doesn't mean you can't talk about condoms

· Rely only on the Pill: While it is one of the best ways to avoid pregnancy, the Pill doesn't offer any protection against STIs.

· Play the Sex Lottery: Use a condom.  Festivals are all about having fun and letting go but, if you're not careful, you could get a lot more than you bargain for when you pull this summer"   - Heidi Folland

For further information visit www.playingsafely.co.uk or call 0800 567 123.

Textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361