Desert Groove Festival.

I’ve just got back from Desert Groove Festival in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. It took place over the weekend from 11th – 13th February. There were two stages, 20+ artists, fashion and art marketplace, and holistic activities. It was an adult’s playground in the UAE and only one hour from the busy city of Dubai.

Usually, I’m a festival-goer several times a year but with this recent (I say recent but let’s be real two-year pandemic) my parallel worlds have been few and far between. The last time I experienced this was last May at Zamna, Tulum. I got to see Âme and Dixon B2B bringing in the beautiful jungle sunrise. That was one experience for my memory bank.

Now, it seems the festival days are coming through thick and fast, and this time they’re not being rescheduled. The happiness this brings me is exhilarating and pushes me further towards the gleam of hope – that we are coming out of this Covid nightmare!

Five Top Tips.

Not going down the depressive Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole any further – here are five top tips for a successful, practical desert festival:

1. Hydration – this may seem pretty obvious but believe me when you’re in the desert heat daytime and as cold as the UK in the evening – it’s a must to balance out your hydration levels. Even throw in an electrolyte or two to get yourself in perfect harmony and keep those feet two-steppin’.
2. Bum bag, fanny pack, or whatever else you international babies call them. This is one key item that will give you the freedom to have your hands in the air, not lose your mobile phone, and have those essential items tucked around your waist.
3. Summer and winter clothes! Touched on before – yes the desert will be freezing come night time – so pack those jumpers, kimonos, scarfs, and hats to keep the coldness at bay. Get yourself cozy around an open fire and climb into your tent/luxury camping pod – wrapped in your thermals and blankets.
4. Braided hair and glitter. If you’re anything like me with wild hair – then take the worry and time of doing your hair mid festival. Get it braided beforehand and leave your stresses in the hair god’s hands. Plus, if you’re feelin’ creative – buy glitter and put down the middle and outer edges of your parting (for when those frizzy hairpieces come to say hello). And let’s stay in line with the environment – so look out for biodegradable labeled ones.
5. Finally, a dust mask, face-covering, or yeah, one of those surgical masks that’s been plastered across our faces these past couple of years. You may well have had enough of the mask life but believe me if a dust storm hits – you will thank the desert’s crystal clear stars you have one to hand. If you’ve never experienced a desert storm – think fast 😉 Pop your sunglasses and face mask on, and resort to a calm place until it’s passed. You can thank me later.

That Community Feelin’.

You may think the numerous amount of worldwide festivals is similar in terms of your bag packing but think again. The desert life comes with intricate details and attire to bring with you. But as long as you come with a giant smile on your face, positivity in your heart, and a community feelin’ – you can’t go wrong!

Whatever you may have forgotten will be shared amongst the generous old friends and new buddies you’ll meet along the way. So fear not, get your essentials and take a little more to pay back the karma you’ll feel from others.

For now, have big hugs at the ready. I hope you’re excited about joining me on this wave of excitement for what’s to come in our future festival life. Whether that be on the beach, in the jungle, or a nearby desert.

Peace and love to you all – we’ll come out of Covid-19 on an ultimate high for a newfound existence! Where shall we go next?