Festival Tips: 15 Essential Items Every Festival Goer Needs to Pack

Probably the most obvious of the lot, but you’d be surprised how many people turn up at the festival gates without a ticket. Be aware that pickpockets can operate in busy public areas at festivals, so once you’ve made sure you have your ticket, make sure you hold onto it.

You’ll need somewhere to rest your head after you stumble back to your campsite as the sun comes up, so a tent is rather important. Whether you need a sleeping bag is dependent on where you’re going: if it’s in the UK then definitely. Spain, not so much.

Don’t bring all of your cards in case you lose them, but you’ll definitely need to bring basic things like your bank card and ID. Festivals do have cash points on site but you will generally have to pay to withdraw your own money, so it’s worth bringing some with you.

Again, this is weather dependent, but be sure to invest in a good pair of wellies or some sturdy shoes. You will likely be on your feet all day and night, and a cheap pair of wellies just don’t cut the mustard. Trust us, we’ve been there.

There’s nothing worse than sitting on soggy grass or mud. Inflatable camping chairs offer maximum comfort, but you can usually pick up a standard camping chair, cup holder included, for very little from your local supermarket.

As we fight against plastic entering our seas it’s important to remember that all little actions count. Bringing a reusable water bottle to a festival is one thing we can do to halt the use of single-use plastic items. Festivals like Glastonbury even offer the chance to purchase one when you buy your ticket.

If you’re anything like us, the thought of not having a shower for five days is a little bit revolting. Keeping clean can be made a bit easier by bringing the basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, antibacterial hand gel and shampoo/shower gel. While you may not be having a shower, you can still have a quick wash next to your tent.

You’ll undoubtedly need to use a phone to find your lost mates at some point. Plus, if you’re spending some time in the vicinity before or after the festival, the Apple Culture Trip app or for Android will also be your friend.

Don’t waste time and money queuing up to re-charge your phone at a festival. Small portable chargers are available on Amazon for as little as £/$10 and will give your phone the juice it needs to add to your Instagram story. You can also charge most bluetooth speakers through them.

Never trust a festival toilet. A couple of hours after those gates have swung open, all toilet roll will have disappeared. Make sure you bring your own and carry it with you just in case nature calls and you’ve already committed…

Another sensible option for toilet runs, baby wipes can help you feel fresher than you look (for a little while, anyway). They also provide fantastic ‘dry shower’ cloths – and have you seen these huge body baby wipes?!

A rather obvious one, but one that festival-goers tend to struggle with the most. While we all dream of a sunny weekend, the reality can often be a mudbath. Festival fashion is key, so while you’re packing your “out there” tie-dye tees and flamboyant frocks, you’ll still want to make sure your waterproof jacket and jeans come with you.

Another festival essential, even if the forecast says it’ll be overcast. Don’t be that guy who falls asleep in the sun and wakes up with a cherry tomato for a head; pick up some suitable sun cream.

Festival fashion may be all the rage but the sensible in you says you should pack a hat. Whether it’s a sun hat or a simple cap (or maybe a fancy dress sombrero), you need something to protect you from the sun – if it ever comes out, that is.

Last but not least, everybody should pack a tent repair kit. You can buy these fairly cheap from all good camping retailers, but you can’t go wrong with duct tape, bin bags, rope and extra tent pegs. If your tent gets slashed, duct tape and bin bags will keep it waterproof. Missing a guy rope? Form a DIY one with the rope you’ve brought with you, and peg it down with those additional tent pegs. Job done!