Festival frolics take toll on wallets
As the outdoor events season gets underway, research by Post Office Home Insurance reveals that people attending musical festivals and sporting events will spend on average £187.30 per person on tickets and spending money - with some expecting to spend as much as £550.
Over 18 million people are estimated to be attending events this summer - ranging from Glastonbury to Glydebourne. On average people will spend around £187.30 on tickets, food and accomodation - a total of more than £3billion.
Of those attending, 76 per cent will take a digital camera to capture those special moments and 34 per cent will take an iPhone or another brand of smartphone. While the appeal for many is to get away from it all, some techno-dependants just can't give up their keyboard - nine per cent confessed to taking their iPad or laptop with them.
With UK residents spoilt for choice in terms of which festival, concert or sporting event to attend, the only downside is the growing cost of doing so. One in five 18-24 year olds said they wouldn't be able to attend their favourite festival this year because of the high costs. Almost half of respondents (48 per cent) said outdoor events are more expensive now than they were five years ago.
Contrary to popular belief, these events these aren't just for the young. One in five people aged 45-54 plan to attend a music festival this summer - although only seven per cent of these will stay overnight in a tent or caravan, compared to 21 per cent of those aged 18-24.
The Post Office is reminding anyone heading to an outdoor event to make sure their fun isn't ruined by checking any items taken with them are fully insured - especially as 27 per cent of people attending an outdoor event this summer said they'd previously lost, or had items stolen at events.
Post Office Head of Home Insurance, Gerry Barrett, said: "People are already spending hundreds of pounds on events this summer, so it is wise to avoid facing further financial demands by making sure any valuable items are fully protected against loss, damage or theft.
"Leaving high value goods such as laptops or iPads at home is probably the safest approach. But for anyone who can't face the idea of living without their favourite gadget, we'd recommend they check their home or travel insurance policies to see what personal possessions are covered,"
Post Office Home Insurance policies includes personal possessions cover of up to £1,500 as standard.
To find out more about Post Office Home Insurance visit postoffice.co.uk.