Festival Survival Guide

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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!

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 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.

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.

Showers can be scarce at festivals, so pack:

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

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.

• 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!

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.

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.