With summer fast approaching and the sun finally beginning to show itself, the optimists among us can think of nothing better than to spend this time standing in a field at events we will vaguely remember. Some will be hardened festival goers with tales of glory - the people who have survived festivals with a ten pound note, a jester’s hat and one shoe. These tales of survival may be entertaining to listen to after the event, but to experience them first hand... not so much!
KIT LIST
Your Home
Pack that bag
Luxuries
|
What to wear
Keep clean and fresh
|
|
For the first time festival goer this can be an exciting but anxious time. This is normal, but any anxieties can be alleviated by being prepared and taking what you need to survive. The first rule to live by is to take nothing you cannot afford to lose. Keep things light as you may have to walk a long distance from car parks or drop off points. Festivals these days are not just one stage and a crowd of hippies, they’re a collection of bewildering environments sent to challenge even the most level headed human. The festival is going to try to break you. Tests like pitching a tent in the rain at night are harder than any of the games the Crystal Maze ever had.
To start, you’re going need a good bag or rucksack that won’t fall apart the first time you throw it to the ground. Whatever you bring along, you’ll have to carry it with you, so bear that in mind. Therefore, eight pairs of heels are not going to be necessary, unless you’re Kate Moss. Line your bag with black sacks to add some extra defence from rain and water, as you don’t want to wake up in the morning having to put on wet clothes. Not a pleasurable experience.
Ensure you have a fully working tent and have checked everything before you leave. Try putting it up in the garden so you know what you’re doing and that all the parts are there. There’s nothing worse than turning up with a tent you’ve borrowed and finding you’ve got no ground sheet or a broken zip. Take plenty of pegs as you can never have enough and ensure you pick your pitch site carefully.
This is not a fashion parade, so don’t pack anything you wouldn’t want to get ruined and, while fancy dress might seem like a good idea, the novelty soon wears off. Bring clothes that are comfortable, warm, lightweight and ideally have lots of pockets for phones, camera’s, tobacco, etc. Bring wellies if you can carry them or alternatively bring old trainers. Flip flops are lightweight and easily tucked away, but are only useful if the weather is good. Bring more socks than you think you need to keep your feet dry. A single lightweight waterproof is a good idea as it will keep you dry, but will allow your body to breathe. A warm jumper will be needed at night and can also be used as a makeshift pillow. Bring a hat of some sort along to keep off the sun or the rain.
Once you have made it to the site, resist the urge to pitch on the first bit of green you see. Pick a site on higher ground to avoid flooding if the rain does come. Stay clear of the toilet areas as they are busy and will smell after the first day. Don’t pitch too close to the paths to avoid drunken revellers tripping on the guide ropes. Trust us, it happens.
Remember what your tent looks like and personalise it either with a flag or something else to avoid you getting in the wrong tent or someone else getting into yours. It will also be easier to spot amongst the sea of festival tents - you’d be amazed how many rows of the same bargain tent are seen at every festival. Ensure you have a good sleeping bag and take a blow up pillow which is lightweight and takes up very little space in the bag. Make friends with your neighbours to ensure an extra pair of eyes are watching your stuff while you’re out and about and they may also be able to help out with anything you may have forgotten.
No one wants to be the guy who gets tagged on Facebook as “Krusty the Clown”, so pay attention... Now, although you won’t have your entire wardrobe on hand, you can at least make sure to stay clean and fresh. It will make you feel better and will increases your chances of getting invited back to that special someone‘s tent. Toilet roll is a must and, depending how long you plan on staying, one roll should be enough. If not, it might be best to consult a doctor! Buy a cheap toothbrush that can be discarded at the end and bring chewing gum to keep breath minty fresh. Bring a small lightweight towel and buy an all in one shampoo and shower gel to save space. Bring plenty of deodorant as you will sweat and you don’t want to be labelled as the B.O. monster! Wet wipes are a great way to keep your hands and face clean and take up very little space. Remember to bring sun cream, so you’re not left red faced. Sunglasses are also a must for staying cool and hiding morning hangovers.
Should the weather turn nasty, bin bags are a lifesaver and can be used for any number of things - so bring plenty. You can use them as waterproofs, over your shoes as makeshift wellies, as mats to sit on to keep you dry, as a liner for your bag and to store your clothes in them to keep them dry. Always store your toilet roll in a black sack to keep it dry, as a soggy loo roll is really the last thing you want.
Toilets at festivals are really a giant game of Deal or No Deal, where you open boxes (or cubicles) at random and hope that you picked the right one. Our advice is just to be brave and prepared for the worst. Make sure you take every opportunity to go before entering the site. We’d recommend getting in early on the first day and to make sure you always take pocket full of toilet paper when roaming the site. Then it’s just a case of holding your nose and not looking down. Obviously, remember to lock the door so you’re not unveiled on your throne to the world waiting outside. Try your best to leave it how you found it.
When night falls the site becomes a different place and a small keychain torch can help guide you past the trip wires and pot holes to get you pack to your tent safely. Having a bottle of water back at the tent is a must, as dehydration will undoubtedly strike and it will save venturing out in the morning. Cereal bars and crisps are good to bring with you as they will come in handy when you get an attack of the munchies. Also, pack some earplugs in case those around you aren’t quite ready for bed at the same time as you are!
All in all your festival experience should be one to remember. So, be friendly, be conscious of other peoples needs and be safe. Every festival is different so go with an open mind and take every day as it comes. Remember to eat well. There is often a plethora of different food stalls to choose from. Also, of course you may want to indulge in a drink or two, but ensure you are in control and can still walk.
