The Ultimate UK Festival Checklist: Everything you need for the best experience

The UK is home to some of the world’s most iconic festivals, from Glastonbury to Boomtown, and green Man to Shambala. Whether you’re a festival veteran or a first-timer, packing the right essentials can set you up to have the best experience and can leave you wading through mud in two carrier bags if you don’t! So with that in mind, here’s your go-to ultimate UK festival checklist to make sure you’re prepared for whatever the weekend (and let’s face it, mainly the weather!) throws your way. >>

1. Tickets and ID

• Festival ticket: Double-check that you have your ticket and download the festival app if there is one. It’s worth familiarising yourself with the site layout before you get there so you can easily meet up with mates.
• ID: Bring valid id.
• Travel tickets: Keep train, bus, or parking tickets handy.

2. Camping Gear

• Tent: Choose a waterproof and wind-resistant tent. Pop-up tents are convenient but make sure they’re durable. Quechua black out tents are awesome and just what you need if you’ve been up all night.
• Sleeping bag: It can get really cold out in the fields so make sure you pack a sleeping bag or duvet.
• Sleeping mat or blow up mattress: Definitely worth packing a roll mat or an inflatable mattress so you can at least get a few hours of sleep.
• Camping chair: Great for campsite mornings and definitely needed if it looks like rain.
• Pillow: This will also help you get some zzzzs in comfort.

3. Clothing and Footwear

• Wellies: The UK weather is unpredictable. A good pair of wellies or walking boots is a good idea.
• Flip flops: Conversely also worth packing some flip flops for early morning trips to the loo and a pair of sandals like Tevas are great for hot festivals.
• Waterproof jacket: Stay dry with a lightweight, packable waterproof jacket.
• Layers: Pack warm layers like hoodies or a fleece, as well as t shirts, shorts and leggings that you can add layers to.
• Socks and underwear: Bring extra pairs – no one wants to get trench foot.
• Festival fashion: Bring your favourite festival outfits, think sequins, cowboy boots and crochet everything.
• Sun hat and sunglasses: Whether bucket hats or visors are your thing, it’s definitely worth keeping the sun off your face. No one wants a lobster red nose.

4. Personal Care and Hygiene

• Wet wipes or a flannel and soap: Lots of festivals are discouraging wet wipes but taking a flannel, soap and a collapsible bucket will do the trick too.
• Toilet roll: Always make sure you have some on you.
• Hand sanitiser: Keep germs at bay when soap and water aren’t available.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Nothing feels better than brushing your teeth after a day of cider.
• Deodorant: A festival essential to stay fresh.
• Dry shampoo: Keep your hair looking good without washing.
• Towel: A quick-drying travel towel is perfect for festivals.
• Suncream: Protect your skin, even if it’s cloudy.
• Medication: Any personal meds, plus some rehydration sachets for the morning after.

5. Food and Drink Essentials

• Snacks: Bring easy-to-eat snacks like energy bars, nuts and dried fruit.
• Drinks: Whatever you like to drink. We normally take some cider and mixer cans.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and avoid buying bottled water.
• Cool bag: A small one to keep drinks cool.
• Camping stove and gas: Being able to make a coffee without trekking to the food stalls in the morning makes a big difference.
• Utensils: Don’t forget a spoon, plate and a mug.

6. Festival Gadgets

• Portable phone charger: We take two or three for long festivals.
• E-sim: Some festivals like Glastonbury team up with a mobile provider. It’s worth getting an e-sim for that provider so you have better signal.
• Head torch: Great for late-night trips to the loo although many festivals have great lighting now so not as essential as it once was.
• Earplugs: Block out noise when you need to catch some sleep.
• Bin bags: Keep your campsite tidy (leave no trace) and use them for wet clothes.
• Pocket-sized fan: If it’s hot, a hand fan can be a lifesaver.

7. Entertainment and Extras

• Marker: Although I am not a fan of flags at festivals, taking a small inflatable on a stick is a great way of finding your friends in a crowd.
• Stickers or badges: Make some stickers or badges for your crew with personalised images or quotes from previous festival good times.

8. Money and Security

• Cash: Most festivals are now cashless and some have scanable wristbands for purchases. Check if you need to add some money to an app before you leave home.
• Bumbag: Keep your valuables secure and close to your body. I use a this round mini shoulder bag from Uniqlo.

9. Travel Essentials

• Map or directions: Know how to get to the festival site and where to park.
• Backpack: Get a good trekking backpack for lugging your stuff in. If you get a trolley or sack truck, make sure the wheels are sturdy enough to withstand uneven ground or mud.

Final Tips

• Pack for the UK weather: So basically for every eventuality. Layers are great and make sure you have something warm for the nights.
• Travel light: While it’s important to be prepared, try to pack only what you need. You’ll thank yourself when you’re carrying everything from the car park to the campsite.
• Arrive early: Get to the festival early to secure a good camping spot.

With this checklist in hand, you’re all set for the best festival experience. Whether rain or shine, being well-prepared will help you make the most of the UK’s incredible festival scene. Have an awesome time. See you in the fields!