Part 2: What do I need to take with me?
What type of tent should I buy?
The tent you choose for a music festival can make or break your experience, and with festival season fast approaching, it's time to get prepared. When choosing a tent, remember that it’s not just a place to sleep; it's your home base, your oasis amidst the exhilarating chaos of the festival grounds.
The ideal tent for a music festival is lightweight, easy to set up, and durable. A two or three-person tent like the Vango Soul 300 or the Quechua 3 person blackout pop up provides ample space for one person with festival gear, or a cosy fit for a couple. These tents are robust, weather-resistant, and offer excellent ventilation, a critical factor during those hot summer festival days.
Look for tents with a small porch area for muddy boots and extra storage. A feature to consider is the colour of your tent. Lighter colours reflect heat, keeping the interior cool, while unique patterns or colours make it easier to spot in a sea of similar tents.
Remember, a music festival is a temporary commune with nature and fellow music lovers. Leave no trace, respect your surroundings, and ensure your festival home is as responsible as it is comfortable. Choose wisely, and your tent will be the perfect retreat after a day of unforgettable performances.
What about sleeping bags etc.?
When it comes to bedding down at a music festival, your choice of sleeping bag can significantly impact your comfort, rest, and overall festival experience. Amidst the pulsating rhythms and vibrant energy of the festival, it's crucial to have a warm, cozy cocoon to retreat to for restorative sleep.
Given that most music festivals occur in the summer, a sleeping bag rated for 3-season use, such as the Outwell Campion Lux or the Vango Olympus Pro 200, is a wise choice. These sleeping bags are designed to keep you comfortable in temperatures ranging from -5 to 20 Celsius, providing a versatile option for unpredictable festival weather.
Look for a sleeping bag that is lightweight and compact for easy transportation, but also spacious enough to allow for comfortable sleep. A sleeping bag with synthetic insulation is often a good choice as it maintains its heat retention properties even when damp, a potential lifesaver during an unexpected downpour.
Comfort and practicality are key considerations when choosing a sleeping bag for a festival. Remember, your sleeping bag is your portable bed for the duration of the festival – a restful sleep can make all the difference to your festival experience. Choose wisely, and you'll be primed for enjoying every moment of the music and atmosphere.
What other camping gear should I take?
As an reveller setting sights on a music festival, the right camping gear can transform your experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
A camping chair, like the Vango Fiesta Chair, offers a portable seating solution for those moments of relaxation between performances. A camping stove isn't necessary at most festivals due to ample food vendors, but do bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
A headlamp, such as the Silverpoint Hunter XL, is invaluable for navigating the festival grounds after dark. Don't forget a portable phone charger to keep you connected, and a good-quality rain poncho - because even in summer, you never know when a downpour might hit.
Equipped with the right gear, your festival experience will be one of comfort, preparedness, and, most importantly, unforgettable fun.
Visit our festival packing list page for more details
What is the most suitable footwear?
As an outdoor enthusiast gearing up for a UK music festival, your choice of footwear can have a significant impact on your comfort and enjoyment. The unpredictable British weather calls for footwear that's both versatile and functional, ensuring you're prepared for every possible scenario.
First and foremost, wellies or waterproof rubber boots are essential for any UK music festival. Brands like Hunter and Joules are known for their durable, stylish options that will keep your feet dry during those inevitable bouts of rain and muddy moments. Choose a pair with a comfortable, snug fit to avoid blisters and ensure stability while navigating the festival grounds.
In addition to wellies, a comfortable pair of trainers or walking shoes is vital for long days spent on your feet. Look for options with good arch support, cushioning, and breathability, such as the Merrell Claypool Sport Mid GTX or the Columbia Redmond Mid Waterproof boots. These shoes will provide both comfort and protection during drier spells, while still offering some degree of water resistance.
Lastly, consider packing a pair of lightweight, breathable sandals like the crocs or Birkenstocks for downtime around the campsite or during exceptionally sunny days. With the right footwear in tow, you'll be ready to dance the night away in style and comfort, regardless of what the British weather has in store.
How do I get my gear into the campsites?
Essentially you have two choices, on your back or on a trolley. If it is on your back you need to think carefully about the size of your tent and how much booze you plan to talk. Alternatively accept that you will have to make a trip back to your car to pick up what you couldn’t carry. The car parks are huge and you could find yourself walking close to two miles depending on where you want to camp.
If you take a trolley make sure it is sturdy enough to handle rocky ground and, if heading towards Pedestrian Gate C, make sure it doesn’t end up with the other abandoned trolleys on the hill of death. You should rule out poorly made and weak framed shopping type trolleys. Suitcases with wheels rarely survive the rough ground, and if its slightly muddy, you’ll end up carrying it anyway. Your best bet is a sturdy backpack.
Are there camping shops on site?
In previous years you could pre order and tent and sleeping bag to collect on site. This is no longer offered by any of the traders but you can purchase camping supplies from a handful of shops around the site.
What is it like for solo campers?
There are lots of forums and Facebook groups for solo festival goers to meet people to camp with. Many also arrange pre-festival meets in cities such as Manchester and London.
Many people just enjoy the festival alone, meet people along the way or enjoy the escape from everyday reality. There is no one way to ‘do’ Glastonbury so you should miss out because you are heading there solo.
Am I too old for Glastonbury?
We recorded a podcast on the subject
When should I arrive?
As early as you can. The festival starts to fill up quickly on the Wednesday morning and my lunch popular fields such as Pennards Hill will be close to capacity.
Is it worth arriving on the Wednesday or Thursday?
The main stages don’t have any music but lots of the smaller stages have smaller acts and acoustic sets going on. The Woodsies stage poster promises late night entertainment from Wednesday which was not the case in previous years when it was known as the John Peel Stage.
Can I stay offsite?
Glastonbury Music Festival, the pinnacle of summer's musical offerings, provides an array of hospitality camping options, offering festival-goers a chance to enjoy the music, art, and culture with a touch of comfort and luxury.
The Worthy View pre-erected campsite, positioned on a hill overlooking the festival, offers a range of furnished and unfurnished bell tents, scout tents, and tipis. These come with cozy bedding and access to private toilets, showers, and a dedicated car park. The site is a short walk from the festival grounds, making it a convenient choice for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle at the end of the day.
Camp Kerala, a more luxurious option, provides spacious, beautifully furnished Shikar tents, each with its en-suite facilities, plush bedding, and electricity. Guests can also enjoy fine dining, a spa, a 24-hour concierge service, and shuttle transportation to the festival site.
For those seeking the ultimate VIP experience, there's the Pop-Up Hotel. This option offers a range of lavish accommodations, from bell tents to Airstream trailers, complete with private bathrooms, luxury linens, and access to a restaurant, bar, spa, and swimming pool.
Part 3 How do I get there?
