Festival Essentials: A packing list for first timers

The sun is shining down, the open field is dotted with tents, food stalls are sending tantalising aromas your way, and the air is electrified with the sound of your favourite music. Ah, the magic of a festival! But amidst the excitement, there’s one thing that can make or break your experience – preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time family adventurer, navigating a festival requires some savvy planning. After all, the spontaneous memories are best enjoyed when accompanied by a well-packed kit. So, if you’re pondering over what to bring to ensure your family has an epic, hassle-free time, our ultimate festival packing guide is here to help, here are all the festival essentials you need.

Festival Essentials: the necessities

1. Wellies

The British weather is nothing if not unpredictable. With festivals often set on large open fields, mud can quickly become your least favourite accessory. Ensure everyone in the family packs a pair of wellies or any other waterproof footwear. They’re not just practical but have also become quite the festival fashion statement!

Here are three brands we recommed that won’t break the bank:

If wellies aren’t your thing then try hiking boots or trail shoes that are designed to give all day comfort and protection from wet and mud. KEEN does a great collection of trail trainers in their KS86 range which have an aggressive trail tread on the sole, generous space at the front, a foam insole and water repellent leather on the outside. They’re a great alternative to regular trainers but with all the benefits of a comfy trail shoe – a win win for style and substance!

2. Waterproof / warm jacket

The very essence of outdoor festivals means being at the mercy of the elements. Regardless of what the forecast promises, weather can shift suddenly. A waterproof jacket ensures you remain dry during surprise downpours, helping to keep your festival experience enjoyable.

Investing in a good quality jacket means you’re not only prepared for this festival but for many more to come. Quality jackets are designed to withstand harsh conditions and can be a trusty companion for several festival seasons.

Don’t let the rain mess with your festival outfit: make sure you pick a cute waterproof jacket that will turn any downpour into an #OOTD opportunity.

3. Rucksack / weekend bag

Do not take a suitcase, for the love of god! A small to medium backpack with enough space to fit in your essentials safe during the day is perfect. Nothing too big, but it also needs to be spacious enough to fit your phone and money in. Avoid keeping valuables in the big front pocket or side pockets of your bag as this makes it easier for pick-pocketers, and go for something that can’t easily be opened with a single zip.

If you find backpacks uncomfortable to wear for long then look for something that can also be carried as a tote bag such as the Chrome Industries Valencia Totepack.

4. Smaller day bag (ideally a bum bag)

The last thing you want is to lug your rucksack around all day, and a bum bag is perfect for keeping your belongings safe when walking round all day – leaving your hands free to hold more drinks! Whether it’s for snacks, a change of clothes for the kids, or storing found treasures, a sturdy day bag is your best friend.

If bum bags aren’t your thing, consider a ‘sling’ instead which can be worn across your back or chest (or any other way you want to wear it!). Chrome Industries do a great 6L option which is made from recycled nylon so is super lightweight. It has a main compartment and then rear and front zippered pockets. It even has a bottle opener attached to the adjuster buckle!

5. At least two hoodies or jumpers

Festivals can get really chilly of an evening, so make sure you choose a cute one to style up. No matter how drunk you are it’s not going to keep you warm all night with some layering undernieth. Hoodies have become a big trend the past few years, so there are so many cute options available now that won’t brake the bank, from unique designer pieces to bright statement ones.

6. Welly Socks

Welly-rub is the enemy of all festival goers: the boots will rub against the tops of your calves, which is especially painful if when it inevitably rains. Make sure you pack extra long welly socks, as well as plenty of pairs of regular everyday socks. Think how many pairs of socks you *should* need, then double it.

7. Statement jewellery

Festivals are not just a celebration of music and art; they’re also a vibrant showcase of personal style and self-expression. In the sea of festival-goers, statement jewellery serves as a beacon of individuality. Bold pieces — be them oversized earrings, chunky necklaces, or intricate arm cuffs — can elevate even the simplest of outfits, transforming a basic ensemble into a head-turning look.

8. Waterproof tent

There’s a huge range of tents on the market, but truthfully if it doesn’t cost more than say £40/£50 then you’re going to get wet. When researching for a tent think about the conditions you might be sleeping in, being waterproof or having an attachment is absolutely essential, even for Summer festivals – there is nothing worse than rain leaking through while you sleep or having no dry space to keep your stuff.

Opt for something bright in colour or unusal looking, this will be a massive help when you’re stumbling through crowds of tents trying to find yours (especially after drinking all day / night).

9. Sleeping bag / mat

Whilst you might not plan on getting any sleep, you’re still going to need a sleeping bag for an afternoon nap when you’re 3 days into surviving on 4 hours sleep. Finding the perfect sleeping bag depends on time of year as they’re scored on tog ratings, but generally for peak summer any will do just fine.

11. Instant Barbecue

What’s a festival without some grilling? Pack an instant barbecue to whip up some quick burgers or veggie skewers. Just remember to follow the festival’s guidelines about where and how you can use them.

12. Food & Snacks

While many festivals offer a variety of food stalls, having a stash of your own snacks ensures you’re never caught off-guard with sudden hunger pangs. It’s particularly handy for families with kids who might have specific dietary preferences or needs. Here are some ideas:

• Portable Proteins: Think about packing nuts, seeds, protein bars, or even jerky. These can give a quick energy boost without taking up too much space.
• Fresh Fruit: Apples, bananas, and oranges are durable fruits that can survive in a day bag. They offer hydration, essential vitamins, and natural sugars for an energy lift.
• Crackers and Nut Butters: A small jar of peanut or almond butter paired with some crackers can be filling and satisfying.
• Pre-made Sandwiches: Made the night before, sandwiches are a great lunch option. Opt for non-perishable fillings to ensure they stay fresh.
• Granola or Energy Bars: Perfect for a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.
• Bottled Juices or Iced Tea: While water is crucial, having a flavoured beverage can be a pleasant change, especially for kids.

Remember, if you’re bringing perishables, consider a small cool bag or cooler to keep things fresh, especially during hotter days. And always clean up after yourselves to keep the festival grounds clean and green! With a proper stash of food and snacks, you’ll be all set to fuel your festival fun without the worry of waiting in long food stall lines or running out of options for picky eaters. Enjoy the beats and the eats!

12. Refillable Water Bottle

Hydration is key. With all the dancing and exploring, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Carrying a refillable water bottle not only reduces plastic waste but also ensures you’re sipping regularly.

13. Tissue/Toilet Roll & Wet Wipes

Festivals are notorious for the lack of toilet essentials. Give yourself piece of mind by stocking up on toilet roll or small packets of tissues. You will also need some wet wipes for keeping yourself fresh, getting a wash in the morning will be a delight instead of something you need counselling for later.

14. Hand Sanitiser

Pleaseeeeeee take this. With limited washing facilities, hand sanitiser is an absolute must for keeping some kind of sanitation and hygein. Imagine the amount of people that attend festivals and how many of them that haven’t washed their hands after the toilet or the sheer amount of dirt you’ll be touching constantly.

15. Dry shampoo / Sea Salt Spray/ Hairspray

If you know your hair isn’t going to cope with being loose for a few days, go for the slicked back bun with plenty of hairspray. If you don’t want your hair to feel rock solid though, go with a high quality stay all day spray like Caviar’s Professional Working Hairspray which has a flexible hold and touchable feel. It’s great for all hair textures, including tight coils and won’t take several shampoos to get out when you get home!

Dry shampoo is the closest thing to a curly blow dry that you’re going to get at a festival. Any type of dry shampoo will do, just combine it with plenty of backcombing.

Or you can embrace the unruliness of festival hair and add some sea salt spray. Caviar also does a great one of these, tried and tested by my own unruly hair this summer! It’s super lightweight, infused with mineral-rich Dead Sea Salt and there’s none of the stickiness you can sometimes get with sea salt sprays.

16. Glitter/ face paint

You may smell but at least you’ll look fabulous! And yes lads, you can wear glitter too. You can get ready made designs to just stick on, gems to create your own look and even glitter pens. Body glitter is also an option, but just be mindful that you aren’t able to get a proper wash at a camping festival, so you’ll be committing to this look for the duration.

17. Bin bags

Be environmentally responsible! With snacks and quick meals, rubbish will accumulate. Carrying a few rubbish bags not only helps you keep your camping area tidy but also ensures you leave no trace behind.

18. A folding chair

While you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet dancing and exploring, there will be moments when you’ll want to sit back and relax. A folding camping chair offers a welcome respite for tired legs.

19. Sunglasses

Protect those peepers! Sunglasses are a must, both as a protective measure against the sun’s rays and as a stylish accessory that elevates your festival look.

20. Contraceptives

Stay safe out there!

21. A Torch

Once the sun sets, navigating your way back to the tent or locating items in the dark can be a challenge. A torch or lantern can be a beacon in the night, especially if kids are trying to find their way back after a loo break.

Non festival essentials, (that’ll get you shouted at for being a newbie)

• A suitcase
• Anything nice – it’s going to get ruined
• Glass bottles – that includes perfume girls
• Fake tan – Please apply before you go. Fake tan and rain DO NOT mix!