Kendal Calling Festivalgoers Issued STI Warning Ahead of Weekend
Festivalgoers heading to Kendal Calling have been urged to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections.
Around 40,000 people are expected at Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith, for the four-day festival from Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, August 2.
The warning follows research which suggests sexual activity at music festivals is common. A LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor survey found that 1 in 4 people who had attended a festival said they had sex while there.
If that proportion were reflected among Kendal Calling’s 40,000 attendees, it would represent around 10,000 people. However, this is only an illustration based on a national survey and not a prediction for the festival.
Of the 500 UK adults aged 18 to 40 surveyed, 51% also said they would be open to having sex with someone they met at a festival. Applied to a similar-sized group, that would equal 20,400 people.
These figures do not mean that this number of Kendal Calling visitors will have sex or contract an infection. They do, however, show why sexual health advice is important at major festivals.
Festivalgoers Urged to Use Protection
Health experts are reminding anyone having sex with a new or casual partner to use a condom.
Condoms can reduce the risk of infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. Festivalgoers are also encouraged to carry protection with them rather than relying on it being available when needed.
The survey found that 60% of respondents believed festivals should do more to promote safe sex. More than seven in ten also supported free condoms being made available at festival sites.
Many STIs Have No Symptoms
Sexually transmitted infections do not always cause noticeable symptoms. Someone may therefore have an infection and pass it to another person without knowing.
Possible symptoms can include:
- Pain when urinating
- Unusual discharge
- Itching or a rash
- Lumps, sores, blisters or warts around the genitals
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
Anyone who has condomless sex with a new or casual partner should consider arranging an STI test, even if they feel well.
Testing and Support Available
Anyone worried about an STI can contact a sexual health clinic for confidential advice, testing and treatment. People do not usually need a referral from their GP.
The Sexual Health Clinic at Kentwood Clinic in Kendal provides services including STI testing, treatment, contraception, HIV testing and free condoms. Visitors should check availability and arrange an appointment before attending.
Further advice is available through the NHS guide to STI symptoms, testing and treatment. Information about the Kendal Sexual Health Clinic is also available online.
