Last Updated on: 14th June 2026, 11:42 am

Things To Take To A Festival

Heading off to a festival is so much fun, whether you are going for a day or spending two or three nights sleeping in a field. Being there and soaking up the music and atmosphere, enjoying the family event with kids or going with a group of friends. You really need to be prepared for the day, because buying things on site can be quite expensive. After all, the vendors are looking to make money. As well as all of your camping equipment, you will also need to take a few extras. Here are the best things to take to a festival, making sure you are prepared for fun.

A Reusable Water Bottle To Fill Up At Water Stations

Staying hydrated is crucial when attending a festival, especially in the heat of the summer. The best thing is that most festivals now have free water refill stations, so you can take your reusable water bottle and just refill it when you need. It is also the most environmentally friendly option, because you won’t be leaving water bottles everywhere. Choose a lightweight water bottle, because you will be carrying it around all day. If you can get an insulated bottle, it will keep your water cold.

Take A Power Bank To Charge Your Tech Up

A phone has become your clock, your alarm, your camera, your festival ticket and more. So it makes sense to take a power bank or two to a festival. Your battery can go down pretty fast when you are making videos or phoning friends. So having a power bank means you can charge your phone up when you need to. You can hire power banks at some festivals, and swap them for a new one when they run out.

Comfortable Shoes To Look After Your Feet

You are going to be on your feet for a long time during the day, and sometimes at night. So you will need comfortable shoes or wellies. Whilst your stylish shoes will look awesome with your outfit, they will not be practical. So pack your trainers, sandals, and wellies.

Waterproof Jacket or Poncho To Take To A Festival

The weather in the UK is so unpredictable, so we always pack a raincoat or a disposable poncho. You can buy some disposable ponchos from places like Poundland. Buying them at festivals will be about 5 times the cost. They are lightweight to carry around in your bag, too.

Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag For Everything You Need To Take To A Festival

When you go to a festival, you also take the extra things that I have written about, so you need a small bag to pop them into. Do not have a bag that you have to carry with handles. You will get so fed up before the end of the day. Get a small backpack or crossbody bag to pop everything in. Make sure your backpack is not easily opened when it is on your back. Pickpockets can get your bag open quickly and rob you.

Hand Sanitiser and Wet Wipes To Stay Clean

Festival facilities can sometimes be basic, especially at larger outdoor events. Hand sanitiser and wet wipes are incredibly useful for freshening up before meals, cleaning hands after using facilities, or dealing with unexpected spills and messes. I have even had a strip wash with wipes before.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen To Protect Yourself

Even if the forecast looks uncertain, it’s always wise to prepare for sunshine. A good pair of sunglasses helps protect your eyes, while sunscreen helps prevent uncomfortable sunburn. Remember that spending hours outdoors can quickly add up, even on cloudy days.

A Foldable Picnic Blanket To Take To A Festival

Pack a picnic blanket to sit on whilst you watch the bands at the festival. It is also good for having a picnic. Placing a blanket on the floor kind of secures your spot, so your friends and family know where to come back to after they have been to the bar or the toilet.

Cash and A Bank Card

Although most festivals now accept card payments, technology isn’t always reliable when large crowds are involved. Carrying a small amount of cash provides a useful backup should card machines experience issues. Some places can be cash only, and others can be card only. But taking both cash and card means you have both options covered

Snacks To Take To A Festival

Festival food stalls can be fantastic, but queues are often long and meal times can be unpredictable. Keeping a few snacks in your bag helps with energy levels throughout the day and can be particularly useful for families with younger children. Having your child’s favourite snacks reassures you if your child is picky, because you will know that they will eat something that they like.

Ear Protection

Festivals are all about music, but prolonged exposure to loud sounds can be tiring for your ears. Reusable earplugs are cheap, comfortable, and can make a surprising difference. They are especially important for children attending family-friendly music events. You can get some great ear defenders for kids if you shop online.

Portable Seating

Many festivals let you take lightweight folding stools or portable and fold-up seats. If you’re attending a long event or have mobility concerns, having somewhere comfortable to sit can make the experience much more enjoyable.

Torch Or Headlamp

For camping festivals, a torch is essential. Navigating campsites after dark can be challenging because there are usually guy ropes everywhere! A headlamp leaves your hands free while holding your kids’ hands. It will also help you while setting up tents in the dark or finding your way back after an evening performance.

A Reusable Tote Bag

A simple tote bag can be incredibly versatile. Use it for carrying anything that you buy or for freebies that you might get. You can also use it for storing extra layers or separating muddy clothing from clean items at the end of the day. Tote bags fold up so small that they fit in a pocket or small shoulder bag.

Weather-Appropriate Layers

Festival weather can be unpredictable – always! Temperatures often change dramatically between day and night, particularly at camping events. Lightweight layers allow you to stay comfortable whatever the conditions. If you layer up, you can remove layers as you get warmer or add layers if you get cold.

You Need A Positive Attitude To Take To A Festival

Perhaps the most important thing to bring is a flexible and positive mindset. Festivals are busy, exciting, and sometimes a little chaotic. Plans can change, queues can be longer than you expected, and the weather might not be good. However, these moments often become part of the adventure and the memories you’ll laugh about later. So, before you zip up your bag and head out the door, take a few minutes to run through your checklist. Your future festival-going self will thank you for it.