We’ve all been there; the sudden reminder of a gig you got tickets for months ago, and cramming in all the necessary prep the week before. It’s natural to want to put off tasks that require effort for as long as possible, but the ones who get all their arrangements done early are the ones who reap rewards.
Here’s your five-step guide to concert plans, which you can remember by using the acronym “TRAPS”:
T: Tickets
There’s no getting into a venue without your ticket handy, so it’s vital that all steps are taken to prevent disappointment; and that means being wide awake when tickets go on sale.
Be it an early morning or a late night, keep your phone, laptop and other electronic devices nearby – ticket websites can often lose your place in the online queue! As far as sites go, your best bet is by using an official ticket sales service, such as Ticketmaster - the tickets sold on these sites are more likely to be authentic, and often have more tickets available.
If you lose out the first time round on purchasing, don’t lose hope – this is the time to hit the second-hand services, like Gumtree. The best deals on these tickets can be found a month or less before the gig!
R: Reaching Destinations
If you’re travelling outside your area, start thinking about transport. If you’re going with friends, consider carpooling or a train journey to your destination. If you’re riding solo, you might find it more useful using transport such as a coach, or even a cheap flight if you’re travelling long distance.
If you’re a long way from home, it may be too strenuous to travel back after a late night concert; hotel chains such as Premier Inn often supply cheap and great quality rooms nearby.
A: Additional Requirements
No one plans the same before a gig, and the same can be said for those with special conditions.
As a Type 1 diabetic, I am often required to request authorisation to carry needles into a venue, and similar steps should be considered by music enthusiasts with additional needs.
Ask your doctor or a medical professional for a letter addressing your needs to present upon your arrival, and make sure to alert the venue staff via email or phone of your requirements before arriving.
P: Packing
It’s important to get packing arrangements sorted, usually starting the week before the day. Make a written list of things you will need; your tickets, wallet and phone are key staples.
Double or even triple check your belongings before you leave, to avoid any painful reminders of forgotten items when it’s too late to go back (it’s happened to all of us!). This goes for any readers with additional requirements too: forgetting any equipment or medicines is a no-no!
S: Spot
Where are your venue hotspots? Search for a map online if you can before arriving; locating facilities such as toilets and car parks may seem mundane, but knowing where they are will save you from further stress once you’ve got there!
If the venue is standing rather than seated, think about where you will stand - naturally the front row is most desirable, but areas like this can become crowded by other gig attendees. More underrated spaces, such as behind the mixing desk, save you from getting caught up in a mob, whilst still providing a great view!
While these are just some of the areas to consider before the big day, just knowing these steps can make a world of difference if you’re an inexperienced gig goer, or just want to learn to prepare beforehand.
What tips do you have for attending a concert? Let us know in the comments or send a message in our forum page “Music Advice”, in the Let’s Talk section of TMM.
Happy travels!
(Video source: ThatFangirl via YouTube)
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