A summer of festivals lies ahead of us, and while hitting a muddy field with a tent, a pair of wellies and a sense of optimism is all about living in the moment, it’s a brave soul who doesn’t attempt at least a modicum of pre-planning.
As anyone who’s ever attended a weekend festival will know, there’s a knack to deciding what to take (and what to leave behind), dressing to impress while travelling light, and keeping your spirits intact in all weathers.
To make sure you’re covered this festival season, we asked three veterans who’ve been to almost 100 festivals between them to share their top hacks, including what to wear, essentials to pack, and why fairy lights prove surprisingly useful when you’ve got kids in tow …
The veteran
‘I’ve learned the hard way that with my hay fever, a nasal spray is a must for me,’ says Debbie Lord, 53, from Penzance, Cornwall
“Since my first event at 19, I’ve been to over 20 festivals: I love live music and discovering new bands, and it’s a chance to shut yourself off from the outside world, meet new people and feel a little freer.
There are a few things I’ve learned never to go to festivals without, including a collapsible bucket, solar shower and a bar of soap for washing. Starting each day clean without having to queue for the showers is a gamechanger.
I always carry in a large, self-inflating roll mattress to ensure I get a good night’s sleep – my friends think it’s ridiculous, but it’s almost as comfortable as a bed! Another essential is a pair of earplugs. Festivals can be lively until the early hours, so being able to drown out some of the noise to sleep is a must.
And as a hay fever sufferer, I now go prepared. In the past, I’ve had to head to the on-site chemist for help when the dust was making me feel dreadful! The uncontrollable sneezing and streaming eyes were totally exhausting. I’ve found it best to use Beconase Hayfever nasal spray* for a few days before a festival and then every morning and night to help me enjoy everything uninterrupted.
Finally, don’t forget to take something shiny or glittery to wear. A bit of colourful sparkle adds to the feeling of joy and celebration.”
The family
‘To avoid crashes, pack plenty of snacks,’ says artist Katherine Griffin, 44, from Brighton, East Sussex
“I’ve probably been to around 65 festivals in total: as well as going for fun, I often work at and make art for them. Over the years, my partner Solomon and I have picked up plenty of tips for taking children. Our daughter Ezrah, seven, has been to seven festivals, and Hazel, 18 months, has been to one – two if you count in utero!
My top tip is to make sure you take a wagon, bike trailer or pushchair – crucially, one that has big, all-terrain wheels with tyres. Decorate it with fairy lights to help people see you coming at night, and don’t forget your spare inner tubes and puncture repair kit.
Festivals can be incredibly stimulating, so you can forget regulated meal times. The alternative is to make sure you’re armed with plenty of snacks. To avoid crashes, we take plenty of slow-burning energy supplies, such as fruit, oatcakes and energy balls made with dates.
We always take ear defenders for the kids, too – as a rule of thumb, if you struggle to hear yourself having a conversation then it’s too loud for little ears, so that’s the time to put them on. At the festival we took Hazel to last year, we’d put them on her as soon as she napped or fell asleep, so she was undisturbed.
Finally, if you’re hitting one of the bigger festivals, there will always be something going on, and something you’ll miss out on, so choose one or two things you really want to see, then just give in to the magic. As long as you provide plenty of snacks and picnic breaks, your kids will love it as much as you do.”
The stylist
‘Boho chic will always have its place at festivals,’ says stylist Harriet Nicolson, 31, from London
“Over the years, I’ve been to over 10 festivals, so I’m well-versed in packing and dressing! I’d kick off your kit with a really decent pair of boots. I usually choose a statement cowboy boot that’s been well broken-in beforehand – metallic adds a festive pop.
Bring a waterproof that folds up and fits in your bum bag – it will also work as a lightweight layer over your outfit for the chillier moments in the shade – and, probably most importantly, a decent cross-body bag. I attach a small carabiner to the strap on mine, so I can secure my water bottle for hands-free dancing.
As for your look, while boho chic will always have its place at festivals (this season, expect to see fringing everywhere), we’re seeing a real shift towards Y2K style and sports-luxe vibes: think Adidas tracksuit bottoms paired with bikini tops, or sports shorts paired with cowboy boots.
While it might sound cumbersome, bringing a faux-fur coat for the freezing-cold evenings is also a winner. Choose a statement colour or pattern and you’ll be the envy of the festival.
Finally, go bold with accessories. I always take a couple of colourful, statement pairs of sunglasses and one all-rounder, as they’re a great way to elevate an outfit.”
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Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults 0.05% Nasal Spray contains beclometasone dipropionate. For the treatment of hayfever in adults aged 18 and over. Always read the leaflet.
*Beconase Hayfever contains beclometasone dipropionate. For the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis, including hayfever, in adults aged 18 and over. Always read the leaflet.
Disclaimer: Harriet Nicolson does not endorse Beconase products.