Festival survival guide

Festival Survival Guide

How to Survive Festival Season


Festival season is upon us, but whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a complete beginner that finds them a bit overwhelming, there’s a lot to remember and organise ahead of time.

To steer you in the right direction, our team of outdoors experts have put together this festival camping guide that covers everything you need to know about before you dive into the party season. We’ve included insights on what the biggest festivals are, what to bring with you and what to wear, camping advice, and various budgeting tips to ensure you don’t destroy your wallet along the way.


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What Are The Biggest Music Festivals In The UK?

In terms of popularity, Glastonbury, Somerset is still number one in the UK with almost half of all people viewing the festival positively. The festival sees over 200,000 people attend every year over an impressive 900 acres of land, making it the biggest festival overall.

According to Google Trends, these are the top 10 line-up searches in the UK this year:

  • Glastonbury
  • Coachella
  • Reading
  • Download
  • Wireless 
  • Leeds
  • Creamfields 
  • Boardmasters 
  • Kendal Calling 
  • TRNSMT

Other popular festivals in the UK that enjoy very positive perception ratings above 30% include Radio 1’s Big Weekend, the BBC Proms, and Cheltenham Music Festival, according to data from YouGov.



Festival Packing List And What To Bring With You

Getting To Sleep

Camping at a festival can be an amazing experience, but getting a good night’s sleep is essential if you want to make the most of your days. Packing the right sleeping gear will help you stay comfortable, rested, and ready for all the fun.


Sleeping Essentials

Make sure you bring the following items to create a cosy and restful sleeping setup:

  • Tent: Choose a tent that’s easy to pitch, weatherproof, and the right size for you (and your friends, if sharing). Consider one with a porch area for muddy boots and extra gear.
  • Sleeping Bag: Opt for a sleeping bag suited to the season and expected temperatures. A lightweight summer bag is great for warm nights, while a three-season bag offers extra warmth if the temperature drops.
  • Sleeping Mat: A sleeping mat or inflatable mattress adds a layer of comfort and insulation from the cold, hard ground.
  • Head Pillow: Bring a compact camping pillow or use a stuff sack filled with clothes for neck support and better sleep.
  • Eye Mask: Festivals can be bright, with early morning sunshine or nearby lights. An eye mask will help you block out unwanted light and sleep longer.
  • Ear Plugs: Block out the noise from nearby tents, late-night revelers, and early risers with a good pair of ear plugs.

Extra Comfort and Safety

  • Torch or Headlamp: A torch or headlamp is invaluable for finding your way around the campsite at night, locating your tent, or navigating to the toilets in the dark. Headlamps are especially handy as they keep your hands free.
  • Spare Batteries: Don’t forget extra batteries for your torch or headlamp to avoid being left in the dark.

Optional Extras

  • Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds warmth and keeps your sleeping bag clean.
  • Blanket: A lightweight blanket can be useful for extra warmth or lounging outside your tent.
  • Portable Phone Charger: Keep your devices charged for photos, maps, and staying in touch with friends.

By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for a comfortable night’s sleep, no matter how lively the festival gets around you. With the right gear, you can wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy every moment!



Toiletries

Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or attending your first event, preparing the right toiletries can make your experience much more comfortable-especially when it comes to dealing with less-than-ideal bathroom facilities.


Festival Bathroom Survival Kit

Festival toilets are notorious, so it’s best to come prepared. Make sure to pack:

  • Toilet Rolls: Always have your own supply, as festival toilets often run out.
  • Hand Sanitiser or Handwash: Keep your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
  • Deodorant: Stay fresh throughout long, active days.
  • Toothpaste and Toothbrush: Maintain your oral hygiene with travel-sized versions for convenience.

Sun and Skin Care

Spending all day outdoors means your skin needs extra protection and care:

  • SPF/Sunscreen: Apply regularly to protect your skin from sunburn.
  • Moisturising Skincare Products: Bring a lightweight moisturiser or hydrating mist to combat dryness from sun, wind, and late nights.

Hair and Shower Alternatives

Showers can be scarce at festivals, so pack:

  • Dry Shampoo: Freshen up your hair without water-perfect for multi-day events.

Health and Comfort

Be ready for any minor health issues that might arise:

  • Paracetamol or Painkillers: For headaches, aches, or pains after a long day of dancing.
  • Indigestion or Stomach Relief Tablets: Festival food can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to be prepared.
  • Antihistamines: Essential if you suffer from hayfever or allergies, especially in grassy fields.

Optional Extras

  • Face Wipes or Biodegradable Wet Wipes: Great for a quick freshen-up when showers aren’t available.
  • Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips from sun and wind.
  • Compact Mirror: Useful for quick touch-ups or applying makeup.

By packing these essential toiletries, you’ll stay clean, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every moment of your festival adventure-no matter what the facilities are like!



Food & Drink

Packing food and drink for a festival takes a bit of planning, especially since you’ll likely be carrying everything yourself and walking long distances between camping and music areas. It’s best to pack light, focus on non-perishable options, and be mindful of festival rules about what you can bring in.


Food Essentials

  • Non-Perishable Snacks: Choose high-carb or high-protein snacks that don’t require refrigeration. Good options include:

    • Protein bars and cereal bars
    • Trail mix or mixed nuts
    • Dried fruit
    • Crackers or rice cakes
    • Beef jerky
    • Chocolate bars (but be aware they may melt in the heat)
  • Easy Meals: If you have access to hot water or a camping stove (and the festival allows it), consider:

    • Instant noodles or pasta pots
    • Canned meals like beans or ravioli
    • Pre-packaged sandwiches or wraps for the first day
  • Fresh Fruit: Apples, oranges, and bananas travel well and can be a refreshing, healthy option early in the festival. 


Drink Essentials

  • Water: Bring a refillable water bottle-most festivals have free water points to help you stay hydrated.
  • Alcohol: If allowed, pack cans or cartons of your preferred drink. Avoid glass bottles, as most festivals ban them. Choose drinks you don’t mind drinking at room temperature, since keeping them cold can be a challenge.
  • Other Drinks: Consider bringing sachets of tea, coffee, or electrolyte powders for a quick pick-me-up or to replenish nutrients. 

Packing and Storage Tips

  • Keep It Light: Only bring what you can comfortably carry. Food and drink can get heavy fast, so pack enough for emergencies or when you can’t get to a vendor, but plan to buy most meals on-site.
    • Alternatively, some festival-goers bury their snacks under the tent in a well-wrapped bag to keep them a bit cooler (though this is not always practical or allowed).
  • Cool Bags: Use a small cooler bag or insulated pouch to keep perishable items cool for as long as possible.
  • Label Your Food: Clearly mark your items, especially if you’re sharing a tent with friends, to avoid mix-ups. 

On-Site Options

Most festivals have plenty of food and drink vendors, so you can supplement your supplies or purchase full meals as needed. This allows you to pack lighter and try a variety of foods during your stay.

By packing a thoughtful mix of non-perishable snacks, a refillable water bottle, and just a small amount of easy-to-carry food and drink, you’ll be ready for whatever the festival brings-without being weighed down on your way to the party.



Festival Accessories To Bring With You

Packing the right accessories can make your festival experience more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. Whether you’re camping overnight or just attending for the day, a few smart additions to your kit can make all the difference.


Hydration Essentials

  • Refillable Water Bottle: Even if you’re not bringing other drinks, a refillable water bottle is a must-have. Most festivals provide plenty of water refilling stations, so you can stay hydrated throughout the day and night without buying single-use plastics.


Staying Connected

  • Portable Phone Charger: While some large festivals offer phone charging stations, these can have long queues and may not always be reliable. A portable power bank ensures your phone stays charged for photos, navigation, and staying in touch with friends.


Keeping Track of Friends

  • Location-Sharing Apps: Festivals can be crowded and it’s easy to get separated from your group.
    • Share your live location with friends using your phone’s built-in features.
    • Download apps like SearchParty or What3words to help friends find you quickly, no matter where you are on the festival grounds.

Comfort and Convenience

If you have extra space in your bag, consider bringing these handy extras:

  • Picnic Blanket: Perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or simply having a clean spot to sit and enjoy the music.
  • Folding Chairs: Lightweight and portable chairs can be a real luxury, especially during long sets or when you need a break from standing.
  • Plasters (Band-Aids): Essential for treating blisters or sore spots if your shoes start to rub after hours of walking and dancing.

Other Useful Accessories

  • Sunglasses and Sun Hat: Protect yourself from the sun and stay comfortable during outdoor sets.
  • Small Backpack or Bum Bag: Keep your valuables, snacks, and essentials secure and easily accessible.
  • Rain Poncho: Weather can be unpredictable, so a compact poncho can save the day if it starts to rain.

By packing these festival accessories, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way-whether it’s keeping hydrated, staying connected, finding your friends, or simply making your time at the festival more comfortable and fun.


festival packing guide


What to Wear to a Music Festival

UK weather is incredibly unpredictable, so it’s best to come prepared for all possibilities. Our advice would be to pack layered clothing like hoodies, jumpers and raincoats so that you can cover up if its cold and wet, and take layers off and wrap them round your waist if it gets too hot.

If you’re only going to be a festival for a day or two, you might want to wear your fanciest garments. However, if you’re camping for several days it’s always best to prioritise comfort as you’re limited on bag space, likely to get dirty, and you’ll want to reduce the weight of the baggage you’re carrying around for ease of movement.


Raincoat or Poncho

  • Lightweight Raincoat or Poncho: UK weather is famously changeable, and rain can arrive at any time.
    • Opt for a lightweight, waterproof raincoat or poncho that can be easily folded and stashed in your bag.
    • If you’re tight on space, choose one that can be tied around your waist when not in use.
    • A raincoat will keep you dry without weighing you down or making you overheat.

T-Shirts, Vests, and Shorts

  • Breathable Base Layers: Festivals can get surprisingly warm, especially in the south of England or when you’re dancing and moving through crowds.
    • Pack lightweight t-shirts, vests, and shorts made from breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking blends.
    • Even on cooler days, you’ll appreciate the ability to cool off quickly.
    • Layering is key-bring a light jumper or hoodie for the evening when temperatures drop.

Lightweight Bag or Satchel

  • Small Backpack or Satchel: You’ll need a bag to carry your festival essentials, but it should be practical and secure.
    • Choose a compact backpack, crossbody bag, or satchel that fits water bottles, snacks, a portable charger, medication, and toiletries.
    • Avoid bulky bags that can restrict your movement in crowds or make you overheat.
    • Bags with secure zips or hidden pockets are best to deter pickpockets.

Walking Boots or Wellies

  • Sturdy Footwear: Festivals often involve lots of walking and standing, sometimes in muddy or wet conditions.
    • Wellies are great for heavy rain and muddy fields, keeping your feet dry and preventing you from getting stuck.
    • For longer distances, a comfortable, supportive pair of walking boots is essential-at big festivals like Glastonbury, you can easily walk 30,000 steps a day.
    • Make sure your shoes are broken in before the festival to avoid blisters.

Additional Tips

  • Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen, even if the weather looks cloudy.
  • Layer Up: Bring a lightweight jumper or jacket for cooler evenings.
  • Accessories: Bandanas or scarves can be useful for dust, sun protection, or adding a bit of festival flair.

By planning your festival wardrobe with these essentials, you’ll stay comfortable, dry, and ready to enjoy every moment-rain or shine!


what to wear to a festival


Prepare for Your Festival Season with Cotswold Outdoor

With nearly 50 years of experience, our mission remains to help you enjoy the outdoors. Every piece of advice and kit recommendation is rooted in personal experience – countless walks, daring climbs and stories shared around campfires. We’ve explored new trails, pursued the first light of day and braved the elements.

So no matter what type of festival you’re going to, Cotswold Outdoor will provide you with all the necessary outdoor equipment to ensure you’re warm, comfy and well-equipped for any situation.



Music Festival FAQs


Pack a tent, sleeping bag, roll mat or air bed, reusable water bottle, power bank, torch, earplugs, and comfortable layered clothing for all weather. Don’t forget wellies or waterproof boots, sun hat, sunglasses, toiletries, snacks, and your festival ticket and ID for entry. 

Bring waterproofs like a rain jacket or poncho, wellies, and extra warm layers for cold nights. Sun protection-hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen-is just as important. A foil blanket or tarp can help keep your tent cool or provide extra warmth if needed. 

Stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle, eat regular meals and snacks, and get enough sleep using earplugs and an eye mask. Keep valuables secure in a bum bag or crossbody bag, and use a power bank to keep your phone charged for emergencies. 

Pack wet wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet roll, and a quick-drying towel. Flip flops are useful for showers. Dry shampoo, deodorant, and basic toiletries help you stay fresh. Bring spare socks and underwear to change into daily. 

Choose comfortable, weather-appropriate layers-think shorts and t-shirts for the day, with hoodies or fleeces for evenings. Wellies or waterproof boots are essential for muddy fields. Add something fun or sparkly to embrace the festival spirit, and pack a fresh outfit for the journey home. 

Use a small backpack, bum bag, or crossbody bag to keep valuables close. Only bring essentials, avoid bringing anything irreplaceable, and keep your tent zipped when you’re away. Mark your tent with a flag or fairy lights for easy identification. 

Camping chairs, extra blankets, a mallet for tent pegs, reusable bags for dirty clothes, and a folding camp table can make your stay more comfortable. A portable fan, first aid kit, and snacks are also handy for longer festivals. 



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