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🛒 Top picks for this trip
✅ Essentials Checklist
- Tent (one size bigger than you think — a 2-man is a 1-man)
- Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
- Roll mat or inflatable sleeping pad
- Waterproof jacket — non-negotiable
- Wellies
- Power bank (large capacity)
- Festival Bum Bags ↗ bag for daily essentials
- Photo ID
- Tickets — digital and screenshot backup
- Ear Plugs & Eye Masks ↗ and eye mask
- Small padlock for tent zip
- Reusable water bottle
- Head torch
- Bin bags (wet clothes, rubbish, tent tidying)
- Dry shampoo
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Cash
🛒 More kit for this trip
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Wellies — always
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layers for night (fleece or hoodie)
- 3 full outfits — no more, no less
- Festival outfit(s) — express yourself
- Comfortable trainers for drier days
- Warm socks × 5 pairs
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Sunscreen SPF50
⭐ Nice to Have
- Camping chair
- Waterproof picnic blanket
- Small camping stove for morning coffee
- Foldable festival trolley for kit transport
- Gazebo for your campsite area
- Packable day bag
- Polaroid camera
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent size should I take to a UK festival?
Always go one size up. A 2-person tent is realistically for one person once you factor in a bag, boots, and a damp coat. A 3–4 person tunnel tent is the sweet spot for a couple. Avoid pop-up tents for multi-day festivals — they don't survive serious wind and are a nightmare to repack.
Can I bring alcohol to UK festivals?
Most camping festivals allow a personal amount of alcohol (no glass). Day tickets usually prohibit alcohol in. Always check the specific festival's rules before packing — they vary significantly and change year to year.
What is the most commonly forgotten festival item?
Ear plugs and a good padlock. Ear plugs mean you can actually sleep. A padlock means your tent zip can't be silently opened. After those two, it's a phone charger cable — most festivals have charging points but everyone forgets their lead.
Are wet wipes essential for festivals?
Absolutely — wet wipes are the festival shower. Showers at festivals mean long queues, so most people rely on biodegradable wet wipes for the weekend. Pack at least two large packs per person: one for the tent, one for your day bag. Biodegradable versions matter — thousands of standard wipes cause real environmental damage on festival sites. Dry shampoo and hand sanitiser complete the festival hygiene kit.
Not sure which suitcase size or clothing sizes you need? Check 247Sizing's luggage and clothing size guides before you pack.