Festival-bound this summer? Use this checklist of festival essentials to pack the right stuff whether you’re camping or have a day ticket.
*This post contains affiliate links and gifted items*
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What to pack for a day at a festival
If you’re got a day ticket (or are giving camping a miss and sneaking off to a local hotel) you should still come prepared.
Here’s my festival essentials for day ticket holders:
A festival bag

Here’s a really smart idea from the Paper Bag Co – an eco-friendly festival bag. The Leave No Trace Festival Bag includes:
- a 100% GOTS organic cotton t-shirt
- foldable wheat cup
- a concealed pocket for vauables
- a wash bag with bamboo face wipes, body wash and beeswax ear plugs, toothpaste tablets and a bamboo toothbrush
- a cornstarch poncho
- biodegradable glitter
- and loo roll.
The bag retails at £39.99 including P&P.
The bag itself is made of paper and fabric so won’t last forever, especially in extreme festival conditions. But it would make a nice gift for someone attending their first festival.
Things to add to your festival bag
Here’s some more things to stash in your festival day bag:
- a reusable water bottle*
- sun cream
- sun glasses
- money or cards – check what’s accepted at your festival
- phone, charging cable and power bank*
- hand sanitiser
- first aid kit* including plasters, insect bite treatment, rehydration tablets and paracetamol.
What to wear at a festival

Pretty much anything goes at a festival – dress down, dress up but most of all dress practical, particularly for festivals in the UK.
As well as bringing as many pairs of pants, socks, tops and bottoms as you’re going to need, here’s some extra items of clothing you should pack for a festival:
- a hat
- comfy shoes
- welly boots
- a rain coat or Dryrobe.
Don’t forget to check if there’s a theme or fancy dress.
Festival camping essentials

Here’s our list of essential festival camping equipment – make sure you don’t leave home without these!
- tent, including all poles and pegs – always check you have everything before you hit the road
- camping box*
- festival trolley*
- mallet*
- mole grips* for pulling pegs
- water container* and pipe
- camping stove and gas – check what’s allowed at your festival campsite
- electric cool box* or cool box* and ice packs if you don’t have electric hook up
- lighter*
- cooking utensils*
- pots and pans*
- cutlery*
- crockery*
- mugs and plastic glasses
- bottle opener*
- washing up bowl*
- tea towel
- bin bags
- folding camping table*
- folding chairs*
- towels
- torch*
- lantern*
- solar lights* to put around your guy ropes
- first aid kit*
- fire extinguisher and blanket*
Sleeping gear for festival camping
Here’s basic kits that you’ll need for sleeping in a tent:
- sleeping bag
- pillow
- inflatable sleeping mat*
Check out my caravan packing list and camper van packing list for alternative sleeping gear.
Luxuries to pack for festival camping

If you don’t mind filling your car with camping equipment, here’s some extras you might like to add to your festival checklist for comfort and convenience:
- electric hook up cable*
- portable washing line*
- portable toilet* and toilet liquids
- tent carpet*
- tent organiser*
- bunting and fairy lights
- barbecue*
- windbreak*
What to pack in your wash bag
Let’s face it, washing isn’t going to be a priority for you. But here’s a few festival essentials to add to your wash bag:
- biodegradable wet wipes
- deodorant – not aerosol as it will damage your tent and make it less waterproof!!
- dry shampoo – use it outside
- hair brush
- ear plugs
- sanitary products
- tooth brush and paste
- toilet roll
- biodegradable glitter
Camping food
Buying food in festivals can get really expensive, so make sure you bring a few meals with you and plenty of snacks. Here’s some ideas for camping meals.
Here’s some other food and drink to have at your tent to save you pennies:
- alcohol – a frozen bag of wine will save you money and help to keep you cool box icy
- Robinsons mini squash drops*
- crisps, nuts and fruit
- a bag of brioche for breakfasts
- tea and coffee
- long life milk.
What else would you add to this list of festival essentials?
More camping tips
Here’s some more camping tips and advice:
- What to pack for a family camping holiday
- 10 simple camping tips to make you look like a pro
- Common camping mistakes to avoid
- Caravan equipment checklist
- Our full guide to caravanning with kids
- Caravan beds for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers
- What to pack for caravan holidays with babies
- Essentials for caravanning with a toddler
- Camping games
- What’s the difference between a caravan and camper van?
- Why get a camping trailer?
- Top tips for buying a camper van
- How do you find a camper van to convert
- What to pack for a camper van holiday
- Glamping packing list
- Packing list for a mobile home holiday
Disclosure: this post contains items we have been sent as gifts and affiliate links. If you click on a link marked with * and make a purchase I may earn some commission. This does not affect the price you pay.
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