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My countdown to Download has begun (I even have a countdown timer on my computer – days-hours-minutes to go!) and this week I had the pleasure of going on the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Derby Breakfast Show to talk about something which can ruin a festival, indeed summer for many - hayfever.

Downloader: Rebecca Hobbs

Having kept in touch with many Downloaders and as a member of the Official Download forum lots of people have tales of watering eyes and sneezing fits spoiling their three days at Donington. And so the list of hints and tips to stop the festival sniffles builds up and one old wives' tale caught the eye – eating local honey. Ever seen Winnie the Pooh sneeze?

It is believed by eating honey local to the area, the body is introduced to small amounts of local pollen and become more tolerant of it, relieving hayfever symptoms.Ìý One lady, Michelle, from Scotland has particularly bad hayfever and as she is attending the festival this year with her daughter for the first time is desperate to try all measures not to spoil their trip.Ìý

I hunted around and we are blessed with some wonderful honey supplies in the region and two jars of East Midlands best is now in Scotland with Michelle taking a few teaspoons a day!Ìý Whether it helps her hayfever we wait and see but she has already reported back that it is the best honey she has ever tasted!

If you are heading to Download this June, the month when grass pollens peak which affects 75% of hay fever sufferers, or even planning a day out or sitting the dreaded exams here are some hints and tips…

Download 2005

• serious sufferers should consult their GP or allergy specialist, and start their treatment now. When you come to the festival make sure you have enough supplies with you of your medications, nasal sprays and eye drops.
• Alternative remedies, including eating local honey need to be started well in advance and whilst there is no proven evidence it works as many sufferers say, it’s worth a go.
• Preventing the pollen entering your system can help stop or lessen symptoms. Wear wrap around sunglasses to protect eyes and a face mask to stop yourself inhaling pollen particles. Wearing a face mask isn't odd at a festival, on the contrary it is a wise precaution to take if you are heading into the pits where a lot of dust gets thrown up. Face masks are available at Chemists or even DIY stores, follow others leads and decorate them for that bespoke look or else wrap a scarf around your face for that Billy The Kid vibe!
• A layer of Vaseline on the nostrils can also stop pollen particles entering your system. However it soon melts, especially if the weather is fine or you are getting hot and bothered in the crowd.Ìý Look out in chemists and health food stores for anti-hay fever balm to place on the nostrils, it is made from beeswax which has a higher melting point.
• At night-time get changed outside of the sleeping area of your tent (hey it’s a festival!), this keeps clothes with pollen on them outside of your sleeping area and if possible rinse your hair to remove pollen – and make sure your tent mates do this too!

And of course it isn't just hayfever you may need to consider to ensure you get the best festival experience. If you have a medical condition make sure you have your medications with you and may want to consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. Make sure your friends know what to do in an emergency.

To keep your medicines in good form and to help avoid any misunderstanding of unmarked tablets etc, it is wise to keep tablets etc in their blister packets. Ensure you know the name and correct dosage of your medicines incase such a thing as you do lose them.

If you have any concerns beforehand check with your doctor or nurse on the finer points of your medicines. If you have to carry a medicine with you, I have an asthma inhaler, clothing with zipped pockets are a festival blessing especially if you don't want to be lumbered with a bag.

Back at the tent a basic first aid kit of paracetamol, plasters, aftersun lotion etc is a wise precaution though prevention is better than cure!Ìý

Pace yourself, keep hydrated, eat regularly (the food choice is wonderful!), be ready for all weather be that suntan lotions or waterproofs and play it safe. There is a fantastic welfare and medical staff at the festival should you need them but hopefully you won't.

Now who's for a honey sandwich?....