How to have your best festival sex ever

Wash your hands regularly advises Calandra Balfour. "If you don’t have access to showers, at the very least, give your bits a good wipe before getting down. You want horny memories to be the only thing that linger after the festival, not a UTI."

Hand sanitiser is another essential - aside from helping prevent you from getting any dodgy stomach bugs, it'll also make sex safer. Genitals are covered in coliform bacteria if this gets inside you, you could get an infection. (NB You also have coliform bacteria around your anus but unless they get inside your urethra it's not usually a problem. When a penis or finger is inside you, that's when the trouble occurs.)

Hand washing is important at all times when it comes to sex but even more so at a festival so don't be afraid to tell someone to scrub up before they put their hands where the sun doesn't shine.

Unless you're lucky enough with the weather not to need extra warmth at night, a sleeping bag will be a necessary evil. However, wearing a giant feather-filled condom does not make sex easy.

Unless, that is, you invest in a roomy double sleeping bag. Not only do you need a sleeping bag with plenty of width, allowing you to get on top, one that also splits into two so that once you get sweaty, you can keep warm without catching a chill can be amazing.

Some sleeping bags even come with a handy little internal pocket for condoms. Some companies really do think of everything.

If you'd rather not sleep in a sleeping bag, make sure you have a decent duvet and blanket to share, it can get very cold at night in the UK, even in the summer, and you don't want to risk freezing just because you live for those skin-on-skin cuddles.

Ah the humble British festival, otherwise known as "the big stink". Being a little grubby at a festival is par for the course, but during sex, it can be a little off-putting if you or your partner are literally humming.

With a solar-powered shower, you can get freshened up anywhere as long as there's somewhere to hang it from. Of course, you do need some sun to warm the water, otherwise you'll be having a cold shower, but needs must and hey, ice baths are cool now.

The alternative is a pack of fresh-up wipes from one of your favourite intimate health brands. Make sure the ones you invest in are pH balanced to support vaginal health and ideally biodegradable too.

Then there's the obvious advice - wear cotton underwear, change it regularly and let your bits breathe where possible. Having thrush or BV at a festival is not the one and you want to be as comfortable as possible while you have the time of your life.

Condoms aren't just for protection against pregnancy and STIs, they'll also ensure there's no mess to clean up. The wet patch is bad enough on your king-size mattress in your centrally-heated bedroom, on your sleeping bag, on a chilly UK night it's downright depressing.

Calandra Balfour says, always use condoms. "Let me say that again, ALWAYS USE CONDOMS! Getting an STI is just not worth it. If you’re using oral contraception, remember that it might be less effective if you’ve been indulging in a bit too much festival food or hitting the booze."

Also not many people know that condoms can overheat in pockets and wallets causing the quality of the condom to degrade. "This gives them a higher chance of breaking during intercourse." says Pippa. "Similarly, them being left in the direct sunlight of a tent can cause them to overheat so make sure to store them in a dry, cool place."

Drink plenty of water to keep your body functioning at optimum levels. Dehydration is terrible for sex because it prevents natural lubrication and encourages energy depletion and UTIs. Add all the dancing, singing and potential sun exposure and if you're not downing water on the reg, you're asking for trouble.

Also, wetness doesn't equal readiness and vice-versa, so remember to bring your favourite lube and soothing cream for tour bits - no one likes the feeling of being chafed up! And lube makes everything better.

"Many people realise that they need but have forgotten lube so they decide to use a substitute such as Vaseline, body lotion or a moisturiser. However, these oil-based products can weaken latex condoms, increasing the risk of breakage and reducing their effectiveness in preventing STIs and unwanted pregnancies." says Pippa Murphy.

"Inadequate lubrication can lead to discomfort, chafing, or even injury during sex. And no one wants to spend their time in the medical tent at a festival." Just pack your lube and thank us later. Hydration for the duration, festival huns.

Fumbling around in the dark has its merits, but let's be honest, doing it in candlelight is sexier. Trouble is, candles in a tent? Total fire hazard. And those head-strap torches are too reminiscent of a gynaecologist getting a good look at your bits.

Get yourself a wind-up or battery-powered lantern and things will be much easier. Just remember to hang it from the toggle at the top of the tent, rather than putting it to one side, otherwise you'll be putting on the shadow puppet display that no one asked for.

You can also make your festival home super romantic with battery-powered fairy lights - which also make for a much sexier glow than some camping lanterns and 100% sexier lighting solution than your phone torch.

An air mattress or inflatable pillow can be a game changer. Not only will these accessories make a night's sleep way more comfortable, they can be your key to orgasm during sex. Propping your hips and back up while you're getting busy in a tent can help avoid injuries from the hard ground and mean that you can enjoy a range of positions. Lovehoney do some great inflatable sex furniture and firm pillows and wedges created specifically for this purpose.

Then there's the humble hammock. A great place to get it on - provided no one is watching. A hammock is essentially a sex swing because it takes the weight of your body out of the equation. Also, if you've never been eaten out in a hammock, you're seriously missing out. The experience is next level.

You can also pack handheld fans to keep you cool if you're hooking up in your tent during the day. And don't forget your portable speaker - this will not only provide you with the perfect make-out soundtrack but it will also help to drown out any noises you're making that might disturb your neighbours. If you're likely to make a mess, you can also pack things like a squirt-friendly blanket and a large Tupperware with a lid to throw used condoms and wipes in.

Don’t have Sex in a Portaloo: that moment of privacy just isn’t worth the multitude of infections… you can do better, says Calandra. Also, they may be stinky, there may be a queue all the way down the M5, but peeing after sex is a must.

Always carry soft tissues or vagina-friendly wipes with you. And if you can't face the festival loos you can invest in a portable toilet or a shepee. Awkward Essentials do a good one which works great for people with vulvas.

Staying up all night, getting lost in the moment, making memories to last a lifetime - all amazing. Forgetting to take your contraceptive pill? Not so amazing.

"If you feel like you’re likely to forget, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to take it." advises Pippa Murphy. "If you’re on the pill and forget to take it one day, you should take it as soon as you remember. If two days go by, you should check the instructions included in your pill packet and follow their suggestion.

However, if you somehow lose your pill packet or are worried, Glastonbury Festival and some other festivals have tents dedicated to these concerns. A doctor will be able to advise you properly. Alternatively, you can visit this tent for the morning-after pill, too." says Pippa.

The same goes for any other medication. Be mindful of your meds and take care of yourself while you're partying so that sex can be fun and not a reason for any anxiety. Self care first.

Okay, obviously your mains-powered wand won't be joining you on this excursion, but some of your smaller toys are worth packing. A quiet vibrator - fully charged - can elevate your festival sex experience to new heights.

Then there's obviously the range of remote-controlled and partner-friendly devices that offer apps and controls you can hand over to spice things up - these can make an afternoon quickie or sex in public absolutely amazing.

And then there are things like blindfolds, silky handcuffs, spanking tools, nipple suckers and a whole host of accessories that can ensure your festival experience is one to remember. Pack your favourites and remember your wipes or toy wash to ensure everything is clean before and after use!

The best place to have sex at a festival is somewhere that offers privacy, comfort and safety. Naturally, your tent is likely to be the most private and comfortable option available at a festival. However, make sure it's well-ventilated!

Alternatively, some festivals provide designated areas for relaxation and intimacy. These spaces are typically more secluded and can offer a more comfortable environment for sex. Always adhere to the rules and guidelines of the festival and the specific area.

You also might want to head back to the car for some afternoon delight, if tent sex doesn't float your boat. Or if you're at a festival with decent-sized showers, a lake or pond for swimming or a sauna, you can try getting wet and wild in one of these spaces. Just be respectful, don't make a mess and be mindful of other festival goers.

"Wherever you choose, be considerate of the people around you at the festival. Keep noise levels down and avoid engaging in sexual activities in public spaces where others may be uncomfortable or disturbed." advises Pippa.