A-Z of festival camping essentials

The festival season always creates new experiences and memories for millions of people in the UK every year. The best way to receive the full experience (dirt and all) is to pitch up at the festival’s campsite with thousands of friendly neighbours on hand and the action in the main arena nearby. To help you have the best time for your buck, we have compiled an A to Z list of festival camping essentials for you to pack, along with a few useful tips and tricks to remember.

Attire

Although it can be tempting to simply empty the contents of your dressing up box into your rucksack, a few carefully selected jumpers, light layers and durable materials will see you through a long week of living in the great outdoors.

BBQ

A light camping stove with a small bag of coal should be enough to heat up your tinned food for breakfast and lunch during lazy days at camp. A pack of fire lighters will make the job a lot easier.

Cash

Don’t forget to take cash with you as cash points will either be non-existent or few and far between. Have your card on standby in case of emergencies during the second half of your stay.

Disposable camera

Save your memories forever with a few festival snaps. We advise you to take a couple of waterproof disposable cameras rather than a pricey digital camera which could get wet or trampled on!

Energy drinks

Buy a pack of cheap energy drinks from the supermarket on the way to the festival.

First aid kit

Waterproof plasters, rehydration tablets, bandages, and an assortment of creams for bites, burns and painkillers should be packed before you head off.

Grub

Tinned food, pasta bread and simple protein foods should be packed rather than fruit, chocolate and other items which are likely to perish and melt. Have a few bin bags ready to collect leftovers and packaging.

Hat

Keep your head warm during the night with a nice woolly hat. Fortunately most festivals are in the summer so staying warm isn't quite such a problem! If the weather is bad, you could always swap a hat for a hot water bottle!

Ice pack

Pack a handy gel refrigerant to soothe any minor injuries or sunburn.

Just a few kitchen things

Rather than take everything but the kitchen sink, pack just a few pots and pans, plastic cutlery and the all important bottle opener.

Kids’ earplugs

If you want your kids to experience their first festival from a young age, it may be wise to pack a few pairs of earplugs to protect delicate ears from six foot speakers. Remember to also take a strong sunscreen to keep younger skin protected.

Light

Avoid tripping over tent pegs during the night by taking a small torch with you.

Medicine

Make any prescription medicine a priority when assembling your rucksack.

Nifty tape

Use a roll of gaffer tape or duct tape as a quick fix for any broken items.

Onesie

Dress yourself in less than a minute with a comfortable onesie. Word of caution: they can be tricky to take off in the portaloos!

Printouts/tickets

Whatever you do, don’t forget your tickets! Store any printouts, identification and tickets in a side pocket for easy access.

Quintessentially British attitude

British festivals have a reputation for being a bit wet and muddy. No matter how many times you check the weather forecast, a sunny week cannot be guaranteed. Go in with your chin up and a stiff upper lip, ready to face the unexpected.

Rucksack

Invest in a large, waterproof rucksack with plenty of pockets to house all your gear. A 35 litre bag should be enough.

Sleeping bag and matt

A sleeping bag and rolling matt are basic essentials for any camper.

Tent

Remember the all important tent! Take a bright, colourful tent to help you navigate around the miles of campsite and find your way back to your pitch.

Utility day bag

Remember to take a small bag with you for the main arena filled with just a few everyday items.

Vitamins

You may not have time to cook wholesome, healthy meals every day. Keep your energy levels up with a multivitamin once a day.

Wellies

A pair of wellies are a must-have for any camping trip in the British Isles!

Xylophone

Why not?

Your mates

These are very important. Without them, your festival experience just wouldn’t be the same.

Ziplock bags

Yes, we’ve actually got a useful item for Z! Ziplock bags are great for storing anything safely, from bank notes and coins to sandwiches and biscuits!

Now that you have filled the car with your festival camping essentials and friends, it is time to turn the music up and hit the not-so-open road, armed with a map and a pack of beer in the back!