Creating a Festival Packing List
If you're going camping so you don't miss anything at the festival, it's a good idea to make a packing list. After all, you don't want to forget anything, and everything on the festival grounds is very expensive. So, take with you what you can, so you don't have to buy it there. You can also coordinate with friends about who brings what, so it's manageable for everyone.
Creating a Group Chat
You often go to a multi-day festival with a larger group. What you can do is create a group chat on WhatsApp. You can then discuss and share everything with each other there. Who is bringing what? Make sure you don't have to carry too much. The group chat is also handy for the festival itself; if you lose each other you can just send a message, there's always someone who will reply quickly!
Setting Off Rested
You naturally want to be fit and well when you head off to the festival. Therefore, make sure you get plenty of rest beforehand, go to bed on time at home, and if possible, get some extra sleep. There's always some noise on the festival grounds and you might find it harder to sleep. You could potentially bring earplugs and a sleep mask in the hope that you can sleep well on site too.
Finding a Campsite
Where are you going to camp? It's important to look into this carefully. Near the showers and toilets? You might think it's practical, but that means lots of people are coming and going all day and night, so the chance of you getting any sleep is pretty small. Make sure you get a bit more peace and quiet after a busy festival day. You could choose a campsite that's nearby, but not on the actual festival grounds. Then you can get there on time the next day as well, but properly rested!
Bringing a Festival Tent
If you're visiting a multi-day festival, it's important that you bring the right festival tent. Therefore, make sure your tent is recognisable and attach, for example, a ribbon or a small flag to it, so you can spot it on a busy site.
Charging Your Mobile
There is often a charging point for your mobile phone on a festival site. You usually have to hand your phone in somewhere and can often collect it again after an hour. You could also bring your own power bank, which can charge your phone about three times over. But it's also good to be mindful of your battery and conserve it. Turn off your Wi-Fi and mobile networks, take photos with a separate camera. Bringing a separate torch is also a good idea, for at night when it's dark and you need to go to the toilet.
Having a Refreshing Shower
You probably want to appear nice and fresh at the festival. But if it lasts a few days, that freshness can wear off a bit. So, you'll want to have a shower there at some point. This is possible, but you need to know the best time to do it. In the morning it's often busy, as many people who are hungover want to go straight into their tent and sleep. When they wake up, the first thing they usually do is shower. If you want to get ahead of that, you're better off having a shower in the evening, then you can step into your tent feeling fresh and avoid the morning shower rush.
Visiting the Toilets
Throughout the day, festival-goers use the toilets, and after a while you might notice that there's no toilet paper left. That's why it's better to bring some wipes yourself. A disinfectant gel is also not an unnecessary luxury! Make sure you keep thinking about your hygiene, because a huge number of people come together on a festival site!
Getting a Ticket on Time
You really want to go to that one festival, you've been talking about it for months and now it's almost here. The tickets are going on sale and you want to be quick! Therefore, make sure you have a Festival Gift Card! Then you can easily pay online yourself and you can first check the festival agenda to see all the places you want to go! Sort it out on time, then you know for sure you can be there!
Not Taking Your Wallet
You might have a big wallet full of cards at home, but it's better to leave that one behind. Why? Because it's awkward to carry, but also because you could lose everything. Therefore, only take what you need. Get a small wallet, one with a zip for coins and your debit card and ID. Also take your insurance certificate, and then you'll have everything you need with you.
Need Medication?
You might need daily medication, in which case it's important that you take it with you. Store it in a dry and cool place and take it on time with water. Do pay close attention to whether your medication can be mixed with alcohol, otherwise just don't drink! It might also be that you bring something for a hangover, but if you know you don't handle it well, just take it easy!
Bringing Food and Drink
You can save a lot of money if you can bring your own food and drink. Think of a disposable BBQ or a small camping stove. Then you can still make something nice to eat yourself. You can also bring a bottle of squash/cordial; you can get water on site. Then you'll have plenty to drink and you can save a lot of money this way. Individual bottles of drink on site are very expensive, so make sure you don't have to buy anything there. Bringing a cool box is also an option; then you can usually keep everything cool for a whole day or a day and a half.
Drinking Enough Water
If you drink a lot at a festival, for many people that means alcohol. But often it's in an open field, nice and warm, the sun can be blazing, and then you really must remember not to get dehydrated. Therefore, make sure you also drink enough water. This is better for your health anyway, but alcohol dehydrates your body faster, and then with lots of dancing and jumping and the sun on top, it only gets worse. So, keep remembering to drink enough water because your body needs it to get through the weekend.
Choosing a Festival Outfit
You want a nice outfit, you want to look good, but it also has to be comfortable and not too hot or cold. After all, you never know what the weather will do. Therefore, it's best to wear several layers. You can always tie a jumper or cardigan around your waist and put it on when it gets a bit colder. Also make sure you always have a cap or hat for the sun, because you can burn very quickly (and you often only realise a day later). Avoid this stress and apply sunscreen properly, and wear clothing that can cover your body and prevent you from getting sunburned.
Which Shoes Do You Wear?
The right shoes are also important for a festival; you'll be doing a lot of walking and moving. Dancing, jumping around and having fun, and your feet have to be able to handle it. Therefore, wear shoes that are already well broken-in and that are comfortable. So don't go for heels or flip-flops, because your feet will not thank you for it.
What's the Weather Doing?
This is exciting right up until the day itself. The weather in the UK is very changeable, so make sure you're prepared for anything. Take dry clothes with you, make sure you have a poncho that you can put over your clothes if it suddenly rains. Then you can still keep your own clothes somewhat dry and enjoy yourself. Don't let the weather spoil your mood, enjoy the festival, you're there for the music and a rain shower shouldn't spoil the fun. It can actually be quite cooling and that's wonderfully refreshing! Also, keep applying sunscreen if it's very hot, because the sun is very strong and getting sunburned? That's definitely not something you're looking forward to. Enjoy the festival and the people around you!