Whether you’re heading to Glastonbury, Wireless, Download or your local summer festival favourite, this ultimate survival guide is here to help you do more than just survive festival season, we want you to thrive. From staying comfortable in your tent to keeping the good times rolling at the campsite, we’ve put together everything you need to enjoy the music, the atmosphere and the experience without the stress of forgetting something important at home.
To make packing even easier, you can download our full festival checklist to tick everything off before you leave home.
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The Essentials
Your Ticket
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people make it all the way to the gate before realising their ticket is still on the kitchen table. While more festivals are going digital, plenty still require a physical ticket or wristband collection confirmation. Check before you leave, screenshot everything, and keep it somewhere easy to grab. No ticket = no dancing.
Money & Cards
A lot of festivals are now cashless, but not all of them. Double-check what payment methods are accepted before you set off. Bring your card, and if you’re feeling organised, download your banking app so you can freeze it instantly if it goes missing. Festivals are magical, but they are also very good at making wallets disappear.
Photo ID
If you’re lucky enough to still get asked for ID, take it as a compliment and bring it with you. Most bars operate a strict Challenge 25 policy, and security won’t bend the rules just because you “left it in the tent”. Keep it safe and dry, ideally not floating loose in the bottom of your rucksack.
Tent
Your tent is your home for the weekend. Choose wisely.
Our golden rule? Go for a tent with roughly double the berth you actually need. Two people? Take a four-man tent. It gives you space for bags, wellies, snacks, and that mysterious pile of clothes that will never fold itself. Extra space also means better ventilation and far less arguing.
Look for easy-pitch designs and waterproof ratings suitable for good old unpredictable British weather.
Sleeping Bag
It might be summer, but UK nights have a habit of turning chilly once the music stops. A 2–3 season sleeping bag is ideal for festivals, warm enough for cooler nights, but not so insulated that you wake up sweating at 6am when the sun hits the tent.
Sleeping Mat, Camp Bed or Air Mattress
You’ll walk miles every day. You’ll stand for hours. You’ll probably dance like nobody’s watching.
A decent night’s sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s survival at this point. Whether you choose a self-inflating mat, raised camp bed or a quality air mattress, don’t underestimate how much better you’ll feel with proper support. Your back will thank you by Sunday.
Air Mattress Pump
If you’re bringing an air bed, don’t be the person attempting to inflate it by mouth at midnight.
A manual foot pump works well, but a rechargeable electric pump saves time and energy, and lets you get back to more important things, like making friends with your new neighbour.
Camping Rucksack
You’ll be carrying everything from clothes to snacks to emergency biscuits. A good-quality camping rucksack with padded shoulder straps, chest and waist support makes a huge difference.
Cheap bags dig in. Proper ones distribute weight properly and make the walk from the car park significantly less dramatic.
Rechargeable Power Bank
There’s rarely access to mains power, and charging lockers often involve queues. A reliable power bank is essential for keeping your phone alive for maps, meeting points and capturing questionable dance moves.
Choose one with enough capacity to last the full weekend, future you will be grateful.
Duct Tape
The unsung hero of any festival. Tent repair, broken straps, emergency fixes, creative fashion solutions, duct tape has range. Pack it. You’ll use it. Probably more than once.
First Aid Kit
Blisters, minor cuts, mystery scrapes, festivals happen. A compact first aid kit takes up very little space and can save a lot of discomfort. It’s always better to have it and not need it than to be wandering around asking strangers for plasters.
Sun Cream & After Sun
Yes, even in the UK. Especially in the UK, where the sun appears without warning and burns you out of spite.
Apply sun cream properly, reapply during the day, and bring after sun for damage control. Red shoulders and backpack straps are not a good combination.
Torch & Batteries
Finding your tent at night is a challenge. Finding your socks inside your tent at night is an extreme sport.
A torch (head torches are particularly handy) saves your phone battery and makes navigating the campsite far easier. Bring spare batteries or ensure it’s fully charged before you leave.
Camping Mallet
Tent pegs and festival ground do not always cooperate. If the earth is hard and dry, a camping mallet will make pitching your tent much easier, and far less frustrating. Your hands will appreciate it.
Hay Fever Tablets
Fields, grass, pollen, dust. Even if you don’t usually suffer, festivals can trigger sneezing fits you didn’t sign up for. Pop a few antihistamines in your bag just in case. Constant sneezing and glitter do not mix well.
Campsite Common Area
Inflatable Loungers
The VIP seating of the campsite. Inflatable loungers are ridiculously comfortable, pack down small, and take seconds to set up once you’ve mastered the swoop-and-scoop technique.
They’re ideal for daytime chilling, recovery chats and dramatic storytelling about “that set last night”. Some are compact enough to stash in your bag and even take into the arena, so you can claim your lounging rights wherever you land.
Camping Chairs
There will come a moment when sitting on the ground just isn’t cutting it anymore. A proper camping chair changes everything.
Perfect for morning coffees, late-night snacks or regrouping before heading back out, they make your camp feel like an actual base rather than a waiting room for exhaustion. If you’re going as a group, bring a few, there’s always someone hovering awkwardly without a seat.
Zip Ties
Small. Lightweight. Surprisingly powerful.
Zip ties are the unsung heroes of campsite organisation. Secure a flag to a pole so you can actually find your tent again. Attach a makeshift washing line. Fix something that’s decided to detach itself mid-weekend. Pack a handful, they weigh nothing and solve more problems than you’d expect.
Bin Bags
No one wants to live in a rubbish heap by day two. Bring plenty of bin bags to keep your pitch tidy and make packing up easier.
They’re also useful for wet clothes, muddy shoes, as emergency ponchos, and protecting things from the rain. Multi-purpose and very underrated.
Lantern
Festival campsites usually light up main walkways, but your specific patch of grass? That’s on you.
A battery-powered or rechargeable lantern makes evenings far easier, whether you’re cooking, playing cards, or trying to locate your toothbrush. It creates a bit of atmosphere too, which makes the whole setup feel intentional rather than chaotic.
Camping Table
If you’re in a group, a camping table is a game changer.
It keeps stoves safely off the ground, food organised, and drinks within reach. Without one, everything ends up balanced precariously on cool boxes or directly on the grass. With one, you look like a festival pro.
Gazebo or Temporary Shelter
If you’re setting up camp with friends, a gazebo turns your area into the unofficial headquarters.
It offers shade when the sun appears, shelter when the rain rolls in, and protection from the wind when the British weather decides to remind everyone who’s in charge. It also creates a natural meeting point, and makes your pitch far easier to spot in a sea of identical tents.
Rechargeable Speaker
The main stages might close for the night, but that doesn’t mean your campsite has to.
A rechargeable speaker keeps the good vibes going, just remember to be respectful of your neighbours (especially the ones who went too hard earlier). Choose one with decent battery life so it lasts the weekend without constantly hunting for a charge.
Creature Comforts
A Pillow
Yes, you can roll up a hoodie and pretend it’s fine. No, you won’t thank yourself in the morning.
A proper pillow makes a huge difference to your sleep quality. If space is tight, an inflatable or compressible camping pillow is ideal, lightweight, compact and far more supportive than a bundle of clothes. Small upgrade, big impact.
Blanket
When the temperature drops and you’re still deep in conversation at 3am, that blanket tucked around you in your camp chair will feel like the best decision you’ve ever made.
It’s perfect for wrapping up around camp, layering over your sleeping bag for extra warmth, or even throwing over your shoulders during a chilly headline set. Comfort levels instantly rise.
Eye Mask
Most UK festivals run between June and August, which means sunrise happens at a very unpleasant hour. Your tent will glow like a lantern from around 4:30am.
An eye mask helps block out that early morning light so you can squeeze in a few more precious hours of sleep. It’s one of those tiny items that makes a surprisingly big difference.
Earplugs
Festivals don’t operate on a universal bedtime. There will always be someone chatting, laughing, or testing out their speaker until 5am.
If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs are essential. They help you actually rest rather than lie awake listening to strangers debate which set was best. Also useful if your tent ends up closer to a walkway than planned.
Painkillers, Imodium & Antacids
Whether you’re dancing all day, eating food you wouldn’t normally choose, or just running on less sleep than usual, your body will notice.
Pack basic essentials like painkillers, Imodium and heartburn tablets. Even if you’re not drinking, long days and festival food can take their toll. A small supply in your wash bag can save your entire weekend.
Hydration Tablets
If you are planning to enjoy a few drinks, hydration tablets are your secret weapon.
Pop one into your water before bed and you’ll dramatically improve your chances of functioning the next morning. Even without alcohol, they’re great for replacing electrolytes after long days in the sun.
Compact Mirror
Getting ready in a tent is an extreme sport. A compact mirror makes applying make-up, sorting hair or checking for rogue glitter far easier.
It’s lightweight, easy to pack and saves you from trying to use your phone camera as a makeshift mirror (which never quite works as planned).
Toiletries
Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash (or Soap)
After a full day of dancing, walking and queueing, a proper shower feels like luxury. There’s nothing worse than climbing into your sleeping bag still feeling sticky.
Top tip: aim for the showers either late at night when most people have given up, or early in the morning before the queues build. It’s far more civilised.
Microfibre Towel
A regular bath towel will stay damp for approximately the entire weekend. A microfibre towel dries quickly, packs down small and won’t leave your tent smelling like a swimming pool changing room.
Lightweight, practical and far easier to live with.
Changing Robe
A changing robe is one of those items you don’t realise you need until you’ve done the awkward towel-walk back to your tent once.
Throw it on over your towel and you’re sorted, no juggling clothes, no strategic arm movements, no stress if there’s a breeze. It also doubles up as a warm layer around camp.
Deodorant
Summer crowds. Warm weather. Long days.
Enough said. Bring it, use it, reapply it. Everyone around you will appreciate it.
Baby Wipes
When showers aren’t practical (or you simply can’t face the queue), baby wipes are your best friend.
A quick freshen-up in your tent can completely reset how you feel. They’re also useful for hands, muddy feet and emergency clean-ups. Pack more than you think you’ll need. If you’re packing wipes, opt for biodegradable ones. Festivals take place in fields, after all, and choosing compostable options helps reduce your impact on the environment. Freshen up without leaving a trace, your future self and the planet will both appreciate it.
Facial Cleanser or Micellar Water
Even if you’re not wearing make-up, your skin will thank you for a proper cleanse at the end of the day. Dust, sweat and sun cream build up quickly.
A small bottle of micellar water or travel-sized cleanser keeps you feeling fresh rather than festival-worn.
Brush or Comb
Wind, humidity and sleeping in a tent do interesting things to hair.
A simple brush or comb saves you from tackling knots with your fingers five minutes before heading to the arena.
Dry Shampoo
Hot weather plus limited washing facilities equals greasy roots. Dry shampoo is a quick fix that revives your hair and adds volume when you need it most.
It’s a small item that makes a big difference to feeling put together.
Toilet Roll & Tissues
Never assume the portable toilets will be stocked. They often aren’t.
Keep a small roll or travel pack of tissues in your day bag so you’re never caught out. It’s one of those lessons you only need to learn once.
Hand Sanitiser
Hand washing facilities can be limited, especially during peak times. A pocket-sized hand sanitiser is essential for staying hygienic before eating or after using the loo.
Small bottle. Big importance.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
A basic, but vital. Brushing your teeth twice a day keeps you feeling human, even when everything else feels slightly chaotic.
A toothbrush case helps keep it clean in your wash bag, because no one wants their toothbrush floating loose next to everything else.
Pits & Bits Festival Filthy Festival Wash Kit
If the showers are packed, the queues are long, and you just need a reset, a waterless wash kit like the Pits & Bits Festival Filthy Festival Wash Kit is a lifesaver.
Designed specifically for festival life, it helps you feel (and smell) fresh without needing a drop of water. Ideal for day three when morale needs a boost.
Food & Water
Cooler or Cool Bag
Festival food is brilliant… but it adds up quickly and your bank account will soon notice. If you’re planning to cook at camp and save a few pennies, a good cool bag or cool box is essential for keeping fresh food and snacks chilled.
Look for one with solid insulation and ice packs that actually last. No one wants to discover their ham has given up by Saturday afternoon.
Water Carrier
A refillable water carrier is a campsite hero. Fill it up once and keep it at your tent for everything from brushing your teeth to making that all-important morning brew.
It saves constant trips to the tap and ensures you always have water on hand, especially useful when queues start forming.
Camping Stove
If you’re cooking at camp, a reliable camping stove is key. Just make sure you check your festival’s rules first, not all fuel types are allowed, and regulations can vary.
Compact, easy-to-use stoves are perfect for quick meals, morning coffee or late-night instant noodles when you need them most.
Pots & Pans
If you’re planning to eat at camp more than once, a small, lightweight cooking set will make life much easier.
You don’t need a full kitchen, just a compact pot and pan set that packs down neatly and handles simple meals. Efficient, easy to clean, and far better than trying to cook everything in one questionable container.
Drinks
Whether it’s soft drinks, juice or something a little stronger, it’s often much cheaper to bring your own rather than buying everything on site (within festival guidelines, of course).
Check the rules on quantities and glass, most festivals won’t allow it, and pack accordingly.
Cereal Bars
Four hours of sleep. Ten hours on your feet. Questionable meal timings.
Cereal bars are compact, easy to stash in a pocket and perfect for keeping you going between meals. They’re not glamorous, but they are effective.
Camping Mug
A reusable camping mug is a small item that makes a big difference. Instead of relying on disposable cups all weekend, you’ve got something sturdy you can use again and again, better for the environment and far less wasteful.
It also means you can make your own coffee or tea at camp rather than buying one every morning. That’s money saved for merch, food or another round later. Practical, planet-friendly and budget-smart, it earns its space in your bag.
Coffee or Tea
You will want caffeine. Even if you think you won’t.
Whether you’re a coffee loyalist or a tea traditionalist, pack enough to last the whole weekend. Future you, slightly tired and slightly dusty, will be very grateful.
Camp Kettle
From boiling water for coffee to preparing instant noodles, a camp kettle earns its place in your kit.
It heats quickly, saves time and makes your campsite feel surprisingly civilised. Plus there is no better way to make friends with your campsite neighbours than offering a morning brew.
Snacks
Crisps, pretzels, biscuits, small snacks are essential for those moments when hunger strikes but you don’t want to queue.
Keep a stash in your tent for late-night nibbling or early-morning recovery. Just be prepared to share.
Plates, Bowls & a Spork
If you’re eating at camp, you’ll need something to eat from, and with. Lightweight, reusable plates or bowls paired with a trusty spork keep things simple.
They’re easy to wash, reduce waste and far better than attempting to balance dinner on a napkin.
Clothes
Waterproof Jacket
This is the UK. Rain is not a possibility, it’s part of the experience.
A good quality waterproof jacket is essential for keeping you dry when the skies inevitably change their mind halfway through your favourite set. Look for breathable fabrics too, so you stay comfortable even when you’re dancing in the drizzle.
Walking Boots or Wellies
You will walk further than you expect. Then, if it rains, you will walk through mud as well.
Good footwear is one of the smartest investments you can make. Comfortable walking boots or sturdy wellies will keep your feet warm, dry and happy, which makes the difference between enjoying the weekend and counting the minutes until you can sit down.
Welly Socks
Usually made from thick wool blends, welly socks help protect your feet from cold, damp conditions and add extra cushioning inside wellies.
They’re especially useful during cooler evenings when temperatures drop and your feet start to remind you that you are, in fact, camping in a field.
Sunglasses
The sun might make an appearance. Possibly. Maybe.
Still, pack sunglasses just in case, they help with glare during daytime sets and double as a disguise for tired eyes after a long night.
Jumper or Hoodie
Layers are your best friend at festivals.
Bring a hoodie or jumper you can easily put on or take off depending on temperature changes. Nights can get surprisingly cold once the music stops, so having something warm tucked into your bag is always a good idea.
Hat
A hat helps keep sun off your face and can also be surprisingly useful if you’re trying to hide slightly messy hair after a long day of festival fun.
Sun protection is important even when the weather doesn’t look particularly bright.
Warm Weather & Cold Weather Clothes
The golden rule of UK festivals: pack for both seasons.
Bring at least one pair of shorts and one warmer layer like a thick hoodie. Comfort should always win over “festival outfit vibes”. You’ll enjoy the weekend far more if you’re dressed for the weather rather than just for photos.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are brilliant for campsite life.
They’re perfect for quick trips to the showers, short walks around camp, or giving your feet a break from heavy boots. Just remember to switch back to proper footwear when walking long distances, festival ground can be unpredictable underfoot.
Extras
Bumbags or Small Arena Bag
Most festivals have strict rules about what you can take into the arena, and usually smaller is better. A bumbag or small cross-body bag is ideal for carrying essentials without getting stopped at the gate.
Keep your phone, ID, money and lip balm close to hand so you’re not rummaging through a huge bag every time you want something. Compact, practical and far easier to dance with.
Hearing Protection
Music is meant to be enjoyed, but protecting your hearing is just as important as enjoying the headline act. Long exposure to loud music can cause long-term hearing issues, so investing in good quality ear protection is a smart move.
Modern earplugs are designed to reduce volume without ruining sound quality, so you can still enjoy the music while looking after your hearing for future festivals to come.
Tips, Tricks & What to Expect
Now you know what to pack, here are some handy tips and tricks to help you keep the good vibes going throughout the weekend, along with a few things to expect if this is your first festival experience. Festivals are all about having fun, staying comfortable and being prepared for the little surprises that come with spending a few days in a field with thousands of other music fans.
Pack Light
You may be in for a long walk from the car park to your campsite, so pack smart rather than packing everything you own. Carrying too much will make that first journey feel like a military training exercise rather than the start of a great weekend.
Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes instead of folding them helps you fit more into your bag and reduces creases. More space for essentials, or more snacks. The choice is yours.
Use Packing Cubes or Ziplock Bags
Packing cubes or ziplock bags make organising your clothes and equipment much easier. There’s nothing worse than rummaging through a dark tent at night while holding a torch in your mouth, trying to find clean socks you know you packed.
Store Essentials in Dry Bags
Anything that absolutely must stay dry should go into a waterproof or ziplock bag. This is especially useful for phones, documents, and chargers, because British weather can change its mind very quickly.
Charge Before You Go
Charge everything to 100% before you leave home. Most campsites don’t have mains electricity, so power banks will be your lifeline for maps, messages and photos of questionable dance moves
Bring Spare Tent Pegs
Tent pegs have a mysterious ability to disappear, bend or get lost in mud. Spare pegs take up almost no space and can save you a lot of frustration if something goes missing.
Expect Queues
Queues are part of festival life, for entry, food, drinks and toilets. Bring snacks and patience, and treat the queue as part of the social experience.
Find Quiet Spaces
Festivals can be busy and intense. Most larger events provide quieter areas where you can take a break, recharge and escape the crowds for a while. Check the festival map when you arrive.
Bathroom Etiquette
Don’t put your wristband on the hand you use to… well, you know. You’ll thank yourself later.
Also, don’t leave trips to the toilet until absolute emergency mode. Portaloos can be a short walk away and queues tend to appear at the worst possible moment.
Don’t Camp Right Next to Toilets
It might seem convenient, but by day two the smell and foot traffic will probably make you regret the decision. A little distance goes a long way.
Hydrate Properly
Water is your best friend. Beer is not water, no matter how convincing it may seem after a long night. Alternate between water and other drinks to keep yourself feeling human.
Check the Weather Before You Leave
Check forecasts a few days before you travel and pack accordingly. The UK is famous for delivering sunshine, thunderstorms and galeforce wind in the same afternoon.
Set a Meeting Spot
Phone signal is often unreliable at festivals due to the number of people all in one place. Agree a meeting point with friends in advance so you can regroup easily if you get separated.
Don’t Lock Your Tent
Locking your tent can sometimes attract attention rather than deter theft. Instead, keep valuables in a secure locker and avoid advertising anything valuable inside your tent.
No Glass
Most festivals don’t allow glass bottles. Decant drinks into plastic containers before you arrive to avoid having to throw things away at the gate.
Avoid Suitcases
Suitcases and festival fields do not mix well. Small wheels and uneven ground are not friends. After ten minutes of dragging a suitcase through mud, you will wish you had brought something else.
Take a Trolley
If you’re going in a group, a camping trolley can make transporting gear far easier. It’s one of those items that suddenly becomes everyone’s favourite possession.
Take Everything Home
Each year, many tents and items are left behind, which has a negative environmental impact. Pack responsibly and take everything home with you when you leave, leave nothing but footprints.
BYO Shower
A quick shower after a long day of dancing, sunshine and festival dust can feel like absolute luxury. Some festivals provide free showers, but not all of them do, and queues can be long when they are available.
If your festival allows it, a solar shower is a great backup option. Fill it during the day, let the sun do the work and you’ll have a surprisingly refreshing rinse ready when you return to camp.
Prepare to Watch Comfortably
Standing for hours sounds manageable now, but after a full day of walking between stages your legs might disagree. Having something comfortable to sit on can make a big difference.
A simple blanket works well for relaxing on the grass, but a compact folding stool is even better if you want proper support. Lightweight options that pack down small are ideal, as they’re easy to carry and won’t take up much space in your bag.
Know What Not to Bring
Before you start packing, take a few minutes to check the festival website for the official list of permitted and prohibited items. Rules vary between events, and anything that gets confiscated at the gate may not be returned at the end of the weekend.
A quick check beforehand can save you time, stress and the disappointment of leaving something behind at the entrance.
Now you’re fully prepared, it’s time to focus on what really matters, enjoying the music, making memories and having the best possible time with friends. If you’re still looking to upgrade your festival kit, take a look at our range of camping essentials to make your experience even more comfortable and stress free. Have an amazing festival season, stay safe, stay prepared and most importantly, enjoy every moment out there.
To make packing even easier, you can download our full festival checklist to tick everything off before you leave home.