The Ultimate Festival Essentials Guide

Features

Georgina Davidson / Photo: Georgina Davidson

19 Jun 2018

From ticket to toothbrush we’ve got you covered with this definitive list of things you really need for a fantastic festival experience!

Summer means one thing - festivals; soaking up the (doubtful) sunny weather and getting that great dose of live music you’ve been craving all year. Of course, you’ll be super excited to get going planning playlists and getting your festival group together but first you’ll need some festival essentials.

Tickets and passes

Let’s start our list with the most important and regularly forgotten item on your list: your tickets and passes! Create a specific place on a notice board or commonly used work space and set reminders for the day you’re travelling as without these the festival is a no-go before you’ve even hit the road.

Make sure to check the festival website in advance to make sure you have all your essential passes and don’t forget to check out some of the added extras to make your festival experience that little bit more comfortable and luxurious. Extras that are handy include:

  • Lockers (which often offer branded locks and charging facilities)

  • Luxury packages (featuring upgraded toilets, hair dryers and washing facilities)

  • Secured camping facilities

If you’re super organised you’ll have already received your tickets months in advance but if not it’s not a problem - many festivals still have e-print tickets or box office collection available in the weeks leading up to event so you really don’t have to miss out on the fun.

A good pair of wellies or walking boots

An absolute lifesaver for both your feet and sanity as you trudge through the inevitably muddy fields has to be a good pair of boots. They will no doubt serve you well over the seemingly endless summer days, rain or shine. In the weeks prior to the festival do a little research to find out what the area is like.

If there are lots of fields and the ground is already wet, it can become particularly boggy so wellies may seem like a no-brainer. However, don’t be afraid to change it up and wear some walking boots as they can offer better support especially when you’re waiting at the main stage for your favourite band for hours on end.

A roomy but compact tent

One thing you definitely won’t want to forget is your tent, especially if you’re going for the real camping experience with the 5-day early bird passes that many festivals offer. It is ideal to select a tent with a bit of extra space to organise your belongings and the standard 3-4 person tent can accommodate this for two campers. There are plenty of options out there but if it is your first time camping then a pop-up style tent may be your best bet.

This tent style opens out in seconds and can be simply positioned and pegged to the ground, meaning you’ll have more time to set up camp and get a BBQ going. However, if you want to save space there are plenty of smaller tents that will do the same job. If you get stuck try asking a friendly camp neighbour as you’ll likely be surrounded by people who are experienced campers who will happily help (in exchange for a can of cider).

Skin protectors

This includes moisturisers, lip balms and, most vitally, sun cream. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure you stock up on SPF 50 and super hydrating creams as they will really allow you to have a much more comfortable time out there.

We agree that it often rains and you may think you’ll be fine but remember you will be outside a lot more than usual so you are going to be exposed to the elements a lot. It is really easy to pick up various different types of sun creams for as little as £1 so remember to invest just a little. No one likes a chapped, dry face.

A plastic cup with a sealable lid and straw

This one is important for anyone drinking outside the main arena areas and on the campsites as it can help you keep an eye on what you’re drinking. It can often get busy at the camps and with all the excitement of the day you can lose track of your cup.  A sealed lid means you can avoid anything going into your drink before you get chance to enjoy it. Mud martini? No thank you…

A bum bag/waterproof purse

You’ll need somewhere to store everyday items but a bag can be a nightmare at a festival. Luckily your cards, identification, tickets and keys can be kept together in a purse or bum bag that you can keep safely with you at all times.

There’s no need to panic about your ID if you’ve got it strapped to you. For added safety and anti-theft detection why not attach a customised key ring or bell to the zip?

Power charging banks

Okay so you forgot to get a locker and now they’re all sold out but you really need to update your Instagram and Facebook while you’re away! Don’t panic, just get yourself a portable charging bank and you’ll be set for the whole of the festival. These clever devices can often hold up to four charges which will mean you’ll be able to live stream the entire gig to your social channels.

Good quality socks

Unfortunately, those cute little mesh socks won’t cut it if you’re wearing wellies for several hours and you’re sure to be haunted by the curse of wellie rash which can be painful and super uncomfortable.

However, there is a solution in the form of knee-high wellie socks which protect your legs from mud, burns and rash whilst also being warm enough for the cold trudge back to the campsite after a hard day of partying. A worthwhile investment!

A toothbrush and plenty of chewing gum

There are so many delicious things to eat and drink during the festival season that it can often mean that essential hygiene can go out of the window. You may not have had a shower for three days but you should definitely at least try to brush your teeth twice a day whilst at a festival. It’ll save an awkward trip to the dentist when you get back and keep your teeth beautifully pearly! 

Tip: Keep a pack of chewing gum with you in your bum bag or purse so you can freshen up on the go too!

Water

It’s something you’ll be reminded constantly to take but just in case you didn’t get the message, stay hydrated! Spending every day in the sun drinking nothing but cider may sound like fun but nobody wants a visit to the medical tent during a festival as it has a habit of ruining the experience.

Bring a crate of bottled water alongside your beers and ciders to enjoy the experience rather than cringing about dehydrated fainting experiences.