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 worth investing in (or borrowing) as it will keep you dry during the inevitable downpours. Pick up some water shield spray to ensure things stay nice and dry.
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.
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.
NB: Do not leave your tent behind; it's terrible for the environment and a waste of money.
Campsite checklist
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Insulated mat or a camp bed for extra comfort
- Travel pillow (or pack a pillowcase with clothes inside to save space)
- Bin bags
- Duct tape
- Lamp or fairy lights & batteries
- Camping chair
Overnight essentials
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.
Bag checklist
- 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 and sleeping
- Raincoat
- Handwarmers
- Fluffy socks
- Wellies
- Swimsuit and flip flops (for the showers)
- Towel (the poncho kind is always handy)
- Runners (in case the wellies give you blisters)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sanitary products
- Any medication you may need
- 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
- Eye mask
- Ear plugs
- Speakers
Top tip: If you're 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.
Edible checklist
- Flapjacks
- Protein bars
- Nuts and seeds
- Bread
- Crackers
- Apples, bananas and oranges
- A 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 from taking your phone out to check the time.
On the go checklist
- Ticket
- Phone (a waterproof phone case could be handy)
- ID
- Card and cash (some festivals are card-only)
- Power bank and lead
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues
- Reusable water bottle (most festivals have water points available)
- Snacks
- Small torch
- SPF
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- SPF lip balm
- Plasters
- Any necessary medication
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.
