Slip, slop, rap and rock'n'roll

Hard to believe, given a lifetime of living near an ozone hole, but we still feel the need to tell Big Day Out punters to be careful out there.

Kids, the sun is hot. So hats are cool and even caps - but caps have only one brim, so unless you are careful you'll still get your neck burned. Or in the case of you B-boys'n'girls at the hip-hop stage, your nose.

So this morning before you go, think about what the sun can do to you in half an hour - let alone all day.

In your kete for your day out should be sunscreen, a plastic bottle for water (you can take in a sealed bottle of the bought stuff), any medication you need, maybe a small towel (you can sit on it, wet it and wear it, flick friends with it), a point'n'shoot camera, headache pills and maybe something to wear if it gets cooler.

It's a day for comfortable shoes (high heels ain't where it's at, ladies) and pacing yourself. Take enough cash to last - there's an ANZ ATM but expect a queue - and remember, drugs are still illegal and you could be arrested.

If you are of legal drinking age bring ID (you'll miss the bands when you wait in queues though), and a cellphone might be useful. But do everyone a favour and don't stand on the crowded steps going, "Oh, I'm on the steps, where are you?" because people are trying to get past. Be sensible and considerate.

And make sure you have some way of getting home. Enjoy.

* nzherald.co.nz will feature updates throughout the day from the Big Day Out beginning at 12pm on Friday.