Whether you're brand new to the festival scene or a returning aficionado, it can be tricky to remember absolutely everything needed for a weekend of camping and dancing.
From an extra pair of cosy socks to a trusty power bank, this is your ultimate festival packing list.
The Campsite
A good quality tent is absolutely worth investing in as it will keep you dry during the inevitable downpours, plus it will save you having to buy a new one next year.
Be sure to add some ribbons, flags, or some kind of marker to your temporary home so you can recognise it when walking back in the dark.
Whatever happens, do not leave you tent behind; it's terrible for the environment and a waste of money.
If you are re-using last year's tent, be sure to do a test-run before the big day to ensure there are no missing pieces.
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad or camp bed
- Travel pillow or pack a pillowcase with clothes to save space
- Bin bags
- Duct tape
- Torch or fairy lights (plus batteries)
- Camping chair
Suitcase
As well as packing some fabulous looks for your weekend of fun, be sure to pack lots of sensible extras. You'll only last so long if you're freezing cold, soaked to the bone, and/or sunburnt all over. Pack for every season.
Back in the tent, keep your clothes inside a bin bag to ensure they stay dry or, at the very least, keep your socks in a ziplock bag.
If you've bought new shoes, be sure to break them in ahead of time - plasters and thick socks will be key here.
- Outfits for each day (plus some spare items in case of torrential rain)
- Jewellery (best not to bring anything too expensive or sentimental)
- Fleece / warm layers for the evening
- Raincoat
- Handwarmers
- Lots of warm layers for sleep
- Fluffy socks
- Wellies
- Swimsuit
- Runners (in case the wellies give you blisters)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sanitary products
- Skincare and haircare - transfer into reusable mini-bottles
- Bring a waterproof case to bring products to the shower
- Dry shampoo
- Hairbrush, bobbins and hair slides
- Makeup and brushes (don't forget your eco-friendly glitter)
- Portable mirror
- Baby wipes
- Flip flops (for the shower)
- Towel (the poncho kind is always handy)
- Eye mask
- Ear plugs
- Speaker (be mindful of your neighbours)
Top tip: If you or a friend are driving to the festival, leave a spare pair of shoes, a rain jacket or some towels in the boot of the car. If the weather really turns against you or your tent gets too damp, you can always run back for these dry supplies. At the very least, you'll be cosy for the drive home.
Food and Drink
Although most music festivals are filled to the brim with delicious food trucks and pop ups, eating out for every meal can be pricey and time-consuming. Try to pack something filling that will keep you going through the long days and nights.
Most festivals don't allow glass containers into the campsite, so be sure to transfer liquids into plastic containers ahead of time.
- Breakfast bars or flapjacks
- Protein bars
- Nuts and seeds
- Bread
- Crackers
- Apples, bananas and oranges
- Peanut butter
- Large bottle of water for the tent
- Reusable cups and utensils
- Kitchen paper
- Cooler box
Backpack
Music festivals are a marathon, not a sprint. Think ahead when you pack your backpack and prepare for all weather and circumstances. As well as hand sanitiser and tissues for trips to the portaloo, you'll want to have suncream and a bottle of water to hand throughout the day.
If you want to make your phone battery last as long as possible, bring a disposable camera for snaps and wear a watch to save you taking your phone out to check the time.
- Ticket
- Phone (a phone case with a lanyard could be handy)
- ID
- Card and cash (some festivals like EP are card-only)
- Power bank and lead
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues
- Reusable water bottle (most festival shave water points available)
- Snacks
- Small torch
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Spf lip balm
- Plasters
- Any necessary medication
- Sudocrem
Top tip: Type the name and number of your fellow festival goers in your notes app. Screenshot this and make it your wallpaper. If you lose your phone in the fray, hopefully a do-gooder will text your friends and get your phone back to you.
Happy camping!
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