This is no Glastonbury or Coachella, but in sunny Singapore, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is about as close as it gets to a fully-fledged music fiesta. With only a few days to go before the indie music festival sputters to life on February 12, here’s an A-Z guide on surviving your big day out at Fort Canning Park.

PRE-LANEWAY PREP

Plan ahead by printing out the line-up list (pictured below) for performance timings and the venue map. Should you want to get out for a stroll, this will make sure you know when your favourite bands are hitting the stage, and which stage they will be on. Learn more about the individual acts here. 

This 14-act festival kicks off at 1.30 pm on Sunday and ends at 1.30 am on Monday, so keep the energy levels up by not screaming and moshing excessively too early on in the day. Have a full meal before coming, so you can settle down comfortably when you arrive, instead of looking for the nearest food stall.

STYLE ADVICE: COMFORT FIRST

You’ve probably seen glamorous images of Kate Moss or Alexa Chung strutting around in stylish attire at music festivals. Unlike us mere mortals, however, they also get ushered straight to air-conditioned VIP tents and probably watch the bands from the side of the stage, as opposed to getting squashed for hours in a sweaty mosh pit.

So that’s why you should dress to suit yourself, and not to impress the imaginary paparazzi. Pick a practical ensemble that you can live in for more than twelve hours, both in the chilly rain and in the blistering sun. Skip the hippie maxi dresses, draped fringe shirts and too-tight high-waisted shorts that will mess with your circulation.

For shoes, be prepared to get your footwear covered by the mud at Fort Canning Park. Just ask the poor folks at last year’s Laneway, after the sudden rain turned the festival grounds into a muddy swamp.

Wellington boots are your best bet. Alternatively, sturdy shoes like these super-comfortable and hard-wearing Dr Martens "Blake" Boots (pictured right) are also ideal, because you can easily wipe them clean afterwards. Avoid flip flops, which become useless in the thick mud when the rain pours. Go barefoot at your own risk – your exposed toes will cry out in alarm at the sight of other heavy boots.

PACK LIGHT AND PACK RIGHT

Opt for a sling bag or a crossbody bag rather than a backpack, because the latter is an obstruction in the standing area and other festival-goers will hate you for that.

Seal everything that you have – your keys, wallet, handphone and other valuables – in clear waterproof bag before putting that in your larger carryall. You will thank us once it starts raining.

Keep things light for your shoulder by bringing only these essential items: your basic valuables, a strong poncho instead of an umbrella, enough hard cash as opposed to assorted credit cards, wet wipes, a pen for autographs and a compact picnic mat. You could also save your cash for the merchandise stand by bringing your own food.

Expect to wait around a lot between sets, so having a source of entertainment other than your friends – like a cool card game or a slender paperback – is also a good idea.

HOW TO GET A GOOD VIEW – EVEN IF YOU’RE SHORT

Remember, this is Fort Canning Park, not the Indoor Stadium, so it's a hilly, uneven terrain worth exploring. Those little bumps in the ground could be a good place to stand on for those who are a little vertically challenged.

The best way for short people see the stage properly is simply to queue early and secure a spot near the stage. To catch your “must-see” acts, give yourself enough time to shuttle back and forth the two stages. If you find your view being blocked by an impossibly tall person, ask nicely if you could swap places – it usually works.

If you’re not one for squeezing in the crowd and staring at the back of someone’s sweaty T-shirt for hours, then pick a spot further up the hill and have a leisurely picnic. You’ll still have a good view of all the action.

FOOD, DRINKS AND ANSWERING NATURE’S CALL

Beer is not water and it dehydrates you. Sure, you can chill out with a tall cold one but do make sure that you take in enough water throughout the day, and not when you’re about to pass out. It’s best to bring in your own supply of dry snacks and bottled drinks in a separate carrier – it saves you the hassle of queuing at the crowded and expensive food stalls.

When it comes to the festival toilets, there’s no choice but to grin and bear it. Alternatively, head out to nearby Park Mall and Plaza Singapura for more grub and cleaner restrooms.

Lastly, don’t stick your iPhone in the air and attempt to record entire sets. Snap a photo or two, but after that, tuck your gadget away, get your hippie mode on and revel in the music. Have fun!

St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2012 is happening on Sunday, February 12 2012 at Fort Canning Park from 1.30 am to 1.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $135 each with a $3 booking fee, available from www.sistic.com.sg or at the venue gates itself. For more information, visit singapore.lanewayfestival.com.au.