Heading to a festival this summer? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, packing for a festival can be quite the endeavour. Having the right gear can make or break your festival experience. In this ultimate packing guide, I’ll walk you through what to take to a festival with all the festival essentials you need for a smooth and memorable time.

As someone who has attended numerous festivals, both with and without kids, I know firsthand the importance of packing efficiently. Not only does it save you from unnecessary stress and hassle, but it also ensures that you have everything you need to fully enjoy your festival experience. From camping gear to essential items for music lovers, this guide will cover all the bases so you can focus on having a great time. So whether you’re heading to Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival, Camp Bestival or any other amazing festival, here’s what you should take with you to make the most out of your festival adventure. Grab your backpack and let’s get packing! 

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Our Experience at ClubFest at Weston Park

First up, let me start by sharing a bit about our recent adventure at ClubFest at Weston Park. This year, we experienced everything from blazing sunshine to torrential downpours. It was a true test of our packing skills and taught us exactly what you need to thrive in all weather conditions. We were staying ion a Bailey Motorhome 

The Rainy Day Survival Kit

It poured during the first day, but thanks to my trusty breathable and waterproof changing robe and waterproof bags, we stayed dry and our gear intact. We had packed extra plastic bags for wet clothes, which came in handy. Even though it was muddy, we kept our spirits high and enjoyed our favourite artists with ease. My wellies were essential! 

Sunshine and Good Vibes

The next day brought glorious sunshine. A hydration pack was our saviour, keeping us cool and hydrated throughout the long day of activities and dancing. We also had sun protection on lockdown with sun cream, hats, and lip balm to prevent any sunburn disasters.

My Personal Top Essentials to take to a Festival 

1. Two Bare Feet Breathable and Waterproof Changing Robe

My top essential item and biggest recommendation has to be my Two Bare Feet Breathable and Waterproof Changing Robe. I know changing robes have come under a bit of stick but for a festival in the UK, where rain is highly likely, it’s a must. It poured at the last festival I attended and this kept me pretty much head to toe, dry. 

Top Tip: Look for breathable changing robes. A lot of changing robes aren’t breathable which isn’t ideal if you’re wearing them all day and potentially dancing in them – you might get pretty swaety in there! 

2. Camping Trolley 

A Camping Trolley is a must in my humble opinion – with or without kids! You can load up your camping chairs, drinks and snacks, blankets and any other essentials – including kids and dogs! Our son enjoyed riding back to our camp in it when his legs got too tired at the end of the day. 

3. Tent:

To avoid landfill, make sure you bring a tent that is easy to pack up and take back with you. It’s essential to get a good quality tent but you don’t have to spend the earth. The Colman Galiano is a great option as it had fibreglass poles which makes it lightweight. It comes in different sizes too. 

4. Oversized Hoodie:

I love the Oodies but they are quite expensive. If you’re on a budget you can get a much cheaper alternative on Amazon, which in my opinion was just as effective. I loved my pink oversized hoodie from Amazon which was just £12.99! Don’t just take my word for it though, check out the amazing Amazon reviews!! My son loved his grey blanket hoodie. He’s eight and it fit him perfectly, keeping him warm on the cold Spring evenings and nights. He actually ended up sleeping in too to keep him warm on the colder nights. 

5. Wellies:

One of the worst mistakes you can potentially make at a UK festival is not bringing your wellies. Mud is highly likely and unavoidable on wet days! 

6. Solar powered shower:

A solar-powered shower is an ideal addition to your festival camping gear because it provides the luxury of a warm, refreshing shower without needing electricity. It harnesses the power of the sun, making it an eco-friendly and perfect choice for multi-day outdoor festivals where facilities might be limited. Of course it is sunshine dependent so bear that in mind! 

7. Mosquito Bracelets:

Not only do these come in a variety of bright and festival friendly colours, they also ward off mosquitos and other nasty insects. 

8. Battery charged kettle and coffee bags:

If you’re at a camping festival without Electric Hook Up you might want to look to bring a battery charged kettle. This convenient solution ensures you can enjoy your morning coffee without the hassle of starting a fire or finding a power source. Pair it with instant coffee bags for a quick and easy caffeine fix to kickstart your day.

9. Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitiser:

These are essential for any festival goer, especially for those attending multi-day events. Keep yourself clean and hygienic with wet wipes, great for freshening up after a long day of dancing and sweating. And don’t forget the hand sanitiser to keep germs at bay.

10. Portable Phone Charger:

Let’s face it, we all rely heavily on our phones these days and festivals are no exception. Make sure you’re prepared with a portable phone charger so you can keep snapping photos and videos, stay connected with friends, and have access to important information like set times and maps.

11. Headlamp or Flashlight:

It’s always a good idea to have a light source on hand, especially at night when navigating through crowded festival grounds. A headlamp or flashlight will come in handy when trying to find your way back to your campsite, finding something in your bag, or even just going to the bathroom.

12. Earplugs:

Festivals can get loud, and while that’s part of the fun, it’s important to protect your hearing. Bring a pair of earplugs to use during especially loud sets or if you need some peace and quiet for sleeping. Your ears will thank you later.

13. Comfortable Shoes:

This may seem obvious, but comfortable shoes are a must for any festival goer. You’ll be on your feet all day and night, walking and dancing, so make sure you have a pair that won’t leave you with blisters or sore feet.

14. Cash:

While many festivals now have cashless systems, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. Some vendors may only accept cash, or there may be issues with the card machines getting signal. You never know when you might need some extra money for food or drinks.

15. Airtag:

Not only are there brilliant kids’ accessories for air tags, such as cool airtag wristbands, helping you to find your child if the worst happens and they get lost, but you can also pop an airtag into your tent to help you find exactly where you are and which one is yours on the way back in the dark when there are hundreds of very similar looking tents. 

16. A brightly coloured hat:

We laughed at how bright my husband’s orange baseball cap was but actually it was brilliant to find him in a crowd. Perfect when I popped for a loo break for helping me to find where we were all sitting in a crowd of thousands! 

The Ultimate Festival Packing List: What to take to a Festival

So we’ve run through my personal essentials. Now, let’s move on to the main event – a comprehensive festival packing list. This ultimate guide covers everything you need, from camping gear to those often forgotten but essential items.

Festival Checklist Essentials:

1. Festival Ticket: The most important thing! Double-check you have it before leaving.
2. ID and Credit/Debit Card: You’ll need these for entry and purchases on-site.
3. Cash: I know, who uses cash anymore right? But it’s a good idea to bring cash as some vendors might not accept cards. Plus signal can be hit and miss so vendors card machines might not be working. 
4. Phone: Your lifeline for communication, photos, and more.
5. Portable Phone Charger/Power Bank: Keep your phone battery topped up.
6. First Aid Kit: Bandaids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any personal medications.
7. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without the waste.
8. Ear Plugs: Protect your ears during loud performances.
9. Toilet Paper/Wet Wipes: Festival toilets can run out quickly!
10. Rain Jacket: Be prepared for sudden downpours.
11. Sun Cream and Sun Protection: Hats, sunglasses, and SPF to protect against the sun.
12. Lip Balm: Prevent chapped lips from wind and sun exposure.
13. Insect Repellent/Bug Spray: Keep pesky insects at bay.
14. Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, and extra blanket for comfort.
15. Warm Jacket/Extra Layer: Nights can get chilly.
16. Cool Box: Store food and drinks to keep them fresh.
17. Small Bag/Bum Bag/Fanny Pack/Crossbody Bag: For easy access to essentials while dancing.
18. Proper Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking and dancing, plus extra socks.
19. Video Camera: Capture memorable moments.
20. Duct Tape: A great option for quick fixes.
21. Extra Battery/Battery Pack: For gadgets and devices.
22. Plastic Bag: For dirty or wet clothes.
23. Dry Shampoo: Freshen up between showers.
24. Solar Shower: If you have space, this is a perfect choice for multi-day festivals.

Personal Care and Comfort

Camp Setup:

• Tent: Ensure it’s waterproof and has plenty of room.
• Sleeping Bag: A must-have item for a good night’s sleep.
• Air Mattress or Sleeping Pad: Adds extra comfort.
• Pillow: Bring a small one or use cloth bags stuffed with clothes.
• Extra Blanket: For those cold nights.
• Warm Jacket or oversized hoodie: An absoloute essential for evenings.
• Warm socks: To keep your feet warm on chilly nights! 
• Eye Mask and Ear Plugs: Help block out light and noise for better sleep.

Hygiene and Health:

• Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes: Never assume there will be enough!
• First Aid Kit: Essential for minor injuries.
• Bug Spray: Protect yourself from bites.
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Keep that smile festival-ready.
• Dry Shampoo: A lifesaver when showers are hard to come by.
• Deodorant: For obvious reasons.
• Hand Sanitiser: Hygiene is key.
• Shower Supplies: If showers are available, bring travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and a towel.
• Wet Wipes: If showers aren’t available, these are a must!
• Solar Shower: If privacy and hot water are essentials for you.
• Personal Medications: Always carry these with you.

Clothing: Be Ready for Anything

Daytime:

• Tank Tops/T-Shirts: Light and breathable options.
• Shorts/Skirts: Comfortable for dancing.
• Hat/Sunglasses: Protects from the sun.
• Comfortable Shoes: The best way to avoid sore feet from a long day of dancing.
• Crossbody Bag/Bum Bag: For carrying essentials.

Evening/Night:

• Warm Jacket: Essential for cooler temperatures.
• Extra Layer: A hoodie or fleece can go a long way.
• Wool Socks: Keep feet warm at night.
• Lightweight Trousers: For added warmth.
• Rain Jacket or Waterproof Changing Robe: It’s always a good idea to have on hand.

Tech and Gadgets

You can check what the signal is like for your provider, before travel, but also be prepared for no phone signal. 4G can quickly turn to nothing when thousands of people descend upon a place. You might want to check beforehand if WiFi will be available at the event. 

Stay Connected:

• Phone with Extra Battery Pack/Portable Charger: Don’t let your phone die.
• Power Bank: To keep all your devices charged.
• Camera: To capture your favourite moments.
• Headphones: For downtime listening.
• Portable Speaker: Share music back at the campsite.
• Backup Phone: A great thing to have in case of emergencies.

Food and Drink Essentials

Hydration and Snacks:

• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated the eco-friendly way.
• Cool Box: Store perishable items for longer trips.
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit.
• Camp Stove: If cooking, pack a small portable gas stove.
• Utensils: Forks, knives, spoons – the basics.
• Plates/Bowls: For meals at the campsite.
• Reusable Cups: For drinks.
• Cooking Pots/Pans: If planning to cook.
• Condiments: Salt, pepper, and your favourite sauces.

Family Essentials for a Festival

To ensure your festival experience is enjoyable for the whole family, it’s crucial to pack items that will keep the kids happy and entertained throughout the event. Here are some key family essentials:

Children’s Entertainment Kit:

• Colouring Books and Crayons: Perfect for quiet time activities.
• Small Toys and Games: Ideal for keeping them entertained during performances.
• Glow Sticks: Fun for the evenings. 
• Bubbles:  A classic family activity that is sure to bring joy.

Comfort Items:

• Kid-Sized Camping Chairs: For their comfort during shows or around the campsite.
• Blankets: For cosy cuddles when it gets chilly.
• Ooodie or oversized hoodie:  An essential for staying warm and comfortable.
• Baby Carrier or Stroller: For parents with infants, these are a must-have for keeping them close and easily transportable throughout the festival grounds.

Food and Drink:

• Snacks: Be sure to pack plenty of healthy snacks that your kids love to keep their energy levels up during long days at the festival.
• Reusable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated by bringing along refillable water bottles. 
• Favourite Sauces: Pack their favourite dipping sauces to make any festival food more appealing to picky eaters.

Safety and Health Items:

• Ear Protection: Festivals can get loud, so be sure to bring ear protection for young children.
• Child-Freindly Sunscreen: To protect their delicate skin.
• Sun Hats and Sunglasses: Protection from the sun is essential.
• First Aid Kit: Include plasters, antiseptic wipes, and any medication they may need.
• ID Bracelets and Airtags In case they wander off, having contact information on them can be a lifesaver. Even better, Airtags will help you find their location.

By packing these essentials, you’ll not only ensure your children are safe and comfortable but also engaged and entertained throughout the festival. This thoughtful preparation allows everyone in the family to have a fantastic festival experience together.

Organising Your Gear

Packing Tips:

• Day Pack: Use a smaller bag to keep daily necessities handy.
• Separate Bags: Use different bags for clothing, food, and gear.
• Label Everything: Make finding items easier.
• Plastic Bags: For wet or dirty clothes.
• Keep Valuables Close: Use a bum bag or crossbody bag for wallets, phones, and keys.

Additional Tips for a Great Festival Experience

1. Check the Weather: Prepare for all conditions.
2. Arrive Early: Settle in and get your bearings before the crowds.
3. Plan Your Schedule: Know which acts you want to see.
4. Meet New People: Festivals are a great way to make new friends.
5. Stay Safe: Stick together and always have a meeting spot.

Conclusion

Packing for a festival can seem overwhelming, but with our ultimate packing guide, you’ll be prepared for anything. Remember, the key to a great festival experience is preparation. From the must-have items like a festival ticket and reusable water bottle to essential comforts like a sleeping bag and warm jacket, we’ve got you covered.

Whether it’s your first festival or you’re a seasoned festival-goer, take these tips to heart and have an amazing time at your next festival. Good vibes only!

What’s your next festival destination?