Festival Packing List: What to Bring for a Weekend Outside

Most festival mistakes happen at home, the night before you leave. Use this list and you will spend more time at the stage and less time looking for a phone charger.

The essentials

• Ticket, wristband details and photo ID
• Bank card and some cash
• Phone and a charged power bank
• Refillable water bottle, if the event allows it
• Earplugs, because your hearing should outlast the weekend

Clothes for any weather

• Light waterproof jacket
• Warm layer for after dark
• Comfortable shoes that are already worn in
• Hat and sunscreen
• Spare socks, always

If you are camping

• Tent, and practise putting it up once at home
• Sleeping bag and mat
• Head torch
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
• Bin bags for rubbish and wet clothes

The fun extras

Pack one thing that makes you easy to find after dark. A pair of light-up neon glasses is small, weighs little and gives your group something to look for in a crowd. Bring spare AAA batteries, as they are not included.

Check before you go

Every festival has its own rules on what you can bring, so read the official site before you pack. Keep the glasses on for the fun parts and take them off when walking across uneven ground in the dark, because shutter lenses restrict your view.