Packing list guide

Festival packing list

Music, mud, sun, and sleep — gear that survives the main stage.

Quick answer

Festival packing needs ticket and ID in waterproof pouch, earplugs, portable charger, clear bag if venue requires, layered clothing for day-night temperature swings, camp chair or mat, refillable bottle, and wet wipes — check banned items list before packing.

Every festival publishes a different banned list — glass, aerosols, professional cameras, even certain bag sizes. Read it before packing. Festivals are part concert, part camping trip, part marathon — feet and ears need protection.

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Festival packing checklist

Tickets & access

  • Ticket wristband or app offline
  • Photo ID
  • Cash and card in zip pouch
  • Clear bag if required by venue
  • Car park pass if driving

Camping festivals

  • Festival tent and pegs
  • Sleeping bag appropriate for night temps
  • Inflatable mat or camp bed
  • Headtorch
  • Earplugs for sleeping
  • Portable charger

Clothing & weather

  • Wellies or waterproof boots
  • Rain poncho
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
  • Warm layer for midnight sets
  • Extra socks
  • Glitter or costume if desired

Health & hygiene

  • Hand sanitiser
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper backup
  • Pain relief
  • Reusable water bottle (empty through search)
  • Prescription meds

Packing tips

  1. Mark tent guy lines with glow sticks — tripping hazards at night.
  2. Agree meeting point with friends if signal dies.
  3. Download lineup offline.
  4. Pack earplugs for music and sleeping — both matter.

What not to pack

  • Glass bottles or prohibited alcohol containers.
  • Professional camera gear if banned.
  • Valuables you cannot lose in mud.
  • New boots — blisters before headliner.

Frequently asked questions

What bags do festivals allow?
Many require clear plastic bags for arena entry; camping areas may allow larger rucksacks — read the specific event FAQ.
How do I keep phone charged?
High-capacity power bank plus charging locker rental if offered. Airplane mode saves battery when signal is useless anyway.
Wellies or trainers?
Mud means wellies win at camping festivals; trainers suffice for dry urban day festivals.

Related packing lists

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