Festival goers swap head banging for hair straightening

As Glastonbury fans start packing for the usual feast of mud, music and moshing, new research into the essentials for this summer's outdoor events scene from Post Office Home Insurance reveals a new generation of gadget addicts who are just as likely to pack a laptop or hair straighteners as they are wellies and wet wipes.

A far cry from the original summer festivals when all you needed was a tent and a sleeping bag, revellers heading off to festivals represent a generation of techno-dependants who can't bear to be separated from their gadgets and designer accessories.

This summer UK people heading to festivals, concerts and sporting events at home and abroad will be taking along over two million camcorders, 12 million digital cameras, and just under a million sets of cordless hair straighteners. To guarantee 24 hour technological connectivity over a million people are even planning to take an iPad or laptop with them to these outdoor events - although how they will keep the battery charged is another matter.

As gadgets cement their popularity as the ultimate festival accessory, it comes as little surprise that personal theft is increasing too - to the extent that last year's revellers reported a 44 per cent rise in theft from their person or tent compared to previous years.

Despite the risks 80 per cent of people will be taking a mobile phone with them, including eight per cent who will be taking iPhones, seven per cent who'll take a BlackBerry, and a further 11 per cent taking other types of smartphone, the value of which can run into hundreds of pounds.  Also, and just in case the music isn't up to scratch, 21 per cent will take an iPod or other MP3 player.

While having the right gadget is essential for those planning to enjoy outdoor events this summer, so too is looking good and having plenty of cash for food and drinks.  Over 70 per cent of people are planning to take sunglasses with them (which are also the most stolen item) while over half (52 per cent) are planning to take credit cards alongside an average of £86 in cash.

With nearly 20 million UK adults planning to enjoy the summer season at music or sporting events, either at home or abroad, it's clear that the stakes are high when it comes to protecting the contents of tents, backpacks and handbags so the Post Office is warning people to make sure their goods are covered.

Gerry Barrett, Head of Post Office Home Insurance, said: "With millions of us planning to enjoy festivals, concerts and other outdoor events this summer, people need to remain vigilant to protect themselves against theft.  A relaxed festival atmosphere is perfect for opportunistic thieves to pocket expensive gadgets.

"The Post Office recommends that people avoid taking new and expensive items with them, and leave non-essentials at home.  Spending hundreds of pounds on a festival ticket only to have your favourite gadget stolen whilst there doesn't make for a summer of fun! For those who can't live without their laptop or designer sunglasses we'd recommend that they check their home or travel insurance policies to see what personal possessions are covered as they may need to take out extra cover to ensure these items are covered against damage or theft."

To find out more about Post Office Home Insurance or any other financial services from the Post Office, visit postoffice.co.uk.