Festival season has begun! Get ready to rock this summer with our ultimate survival guide

Festival season is here and as ever it kicked off in serious style with Coachella‘s two weekends of fashion, frolics and famous faces.

And from now until September we’ll be spending most of our weekends in the middle of a field, getting muddy, dressing like hippies and dancing around to our favourite bands. And even some of our not so favourite bands, because at a festival all our usual likes and dislikes go out of the window.   

Camping, for example, or using portaloos suddenly becomes ‘normal’ as does not showering for three full days.

We become a more relaxed, less hygiene conscious version of ourselves and let’s face it, a more fun version too.

But if you’re a festival newbie or it’s been a while since you spent a few days drinking pear cider in the sun, then read on for our guide to what to pack and how to survive this summer.

FESTIVAL PACKING LIST 

1. A Tent and Sleep Paraphernalia  

Unless you’ve paid for Glamping you’ll need a tent. Better to face up to this unpleasant reality sooner rather than later. And don’t forget a sleeping bag and a roll mat to lie on. To be honest it’ll still be pretty uncomfortable but at least you’ll know you tried.      

2. A Torch

There aren’t many lights at a festival, especially in the camping areas so a torch is essential. And while you might want a mini one to carry around in your bag, we suggest a ‘not at all cool’ head torch as well. This way as you’re scrabbling around in your tent trying to find your toothbrush, you’ll have your hands free.  

3. Bin liners

Is this glamorous? No. Are bin liners essential? Yes. Use them to chuck all your rubbish into (obviously) but also we guarantee you’re going to struggle to repack your sleeping bag and tent when it’s time to go home, so shove them in a bin liner and you’re sorted.

4. Portable phone charger

Your phone is going to get a lot of use at a festival. From looking at the time to make sure you don’t miss the headline set, to taking endless photographs of flags, it’s going to run out of juice faster than you think. So take a portable charger with you.  

5. A Refillable Water Bottle 

There are always loads of water taps around festival sites so make use of them! And if you take a refillable bottle you’ll reduce plastic waste and also save yourself loads of money too.

6. Loo Roll

We do not apologise for mentioning loo roll because you’ll be grateful we did when you make your way into a portaloo and find a serious lack of the stuff in there.

7. Toiletry Must Haves

We know you’ve got lots of gorgeous face washes, hair treatments and serums but here are the only three wash bag products you’ll need at a festival. Baby wipes (lots of them), dry shampoo and hand sanitiser. You’re welcome.

8. Beauty Basics

And when it comes to make-up, we highly recommend condensing your usual kit down to the absolute essentials. There just won’t be enough space in your backpack for everything and nor will you care once you’ve shaken off your usual Monday-Friday self.   

9. A Cross Body or Belt Bag

Again being hands free is really useful at a festival so forget any on-trend mini top handle bags or big shoulder bags. You need something you can sling across your shoulder that’s not too big and which leaves you free to throw shapes and hold a halloumi burger at the same time. And something with a couple of internal pockets is a good idea too, as they’ll keep your money and phone a bit safer. So try a cute cross body bag with a bit of Boho fringing or do urban street style with a belt bag (AKA bum bag) worn across your chest.

10. Sturdy Boots 

Even if it’s sunny we guarantee there’ll be mud, so a pair of boots that can take a bit of a battering is just not a negotiable. Wellies are the obvious choice and always a great option or try biker boots for a slightly more rock chick vibe. Either way wear with thick socks to avoid blisters! 

11. Clothes…

There’s no need to completely overhaul your look for a festival. But there are a few pieces which will not only look great but which will be practical too. So that’s why you’ll always see revellers in cut off denim shorts, for example. They look cool but denim is also versatile and easy to wash. Then make sure you have a waterproof coat of some kind, a warm hoodie because the nights do get chilly, a couple of cute dresses and some tanks and T-shirts. 

12. Fancy Dress Costume

Some festivals have a theme or a special fancy dress day so if you don’t want to look like a killjoy then you really do have to get involved. So plan your outfit ahead and make sure you pack it. And if you just like the idea of looking a bit left field for a few days then why not pack some classic floral crowns, animal ears, glitter and face paint? 

YOU’VE MADE IT TO THE SITE, NOW WHAT? 

1. Be Careful Where You Pitch Your Tent  

It’s tempting to pitch your tent on the first bit of available grass but come the inevitable rain, you’ll be glad you trekked a little further in and uphill. Also do not be tempted to park yourselves too close to a set of portaloos. We know it makes sense in theory, but from experience we can tell you that you’ll never get to sleep as those spring hung doors slam shut over and over again.

2. Make Your Temporary Home Stand Out

Tents all look the same, especially late at night, so decorate yours with bunting, flags, banners, battery powered fairy lights; anything to ensure you can find it amongst the sea of very similar canvasses.

3. Agree A Meet Up Point

We don’t wish to sound like your teacher on a school trip but this is necessary if you don’t want to spend the whole festival on your own, scouring hundreds of thousands of people for the two mates you came with. So pick a point and a few times of day when you’ll go to the agreed place should you lose each other. 

4. Take Loo Roll With You Everywhere 

Just take our word for it. This is a good idea.