Quick Answer
Confirm dates, location, and what your ticket includes on the official festival site, and buy from the official seller. Sort travel and accommodation early. Pack comfortable footwear, weather layers, a refillable water bottle, a portable charger, sun protection, ID, and your ticket saved offline.
A music festival is a marathon, not a concert. This evergreen guide covers how to prepare so you can enjoy the whole thing. Specific festival dates, line-ups, and prices change every year — always check the official festival site for the current details before you plan or buy.
Before you buy
Confirm the dates, location, and what your ticket includes (single day vs. weekend, camping vs. none). Understand the ticket tiers and any payment plans, and buy from the official seller. Factor in the true cost: ticket, travel, accommodation or camping, food, and spending money.
Getting there and staying
Sort travel and accommodation early — nearby options sell out. If camping, check what is provided and what you must bring. If commuting, confirm the last transport times, which often clash with headline sets.
What to pack
- Comfortable, broken-in footwear and weather-appropriate layers (festivals mean sun, rain, and cold nights).
- A refillable water bottle and a portable charger.
- Sun protection, a small first-aid kit, and any medication in its original packaging.
- Cash and card, ID, and a printed or offline copy of your ticket and map.
- For camping: tent, sleeping bag, torch, wet wipes, and bin bags.
At the festival
Plan your must-see sets but leave room to wander — discovery is half the point. Note clashes in advance, agree a meeting spot with your group in case phones die, and pace yourself: eat, hydrate, and rest. Know where medical and welfare tents are.
Staying safe and considerate
Look after your group, watch your drinks and belongings, and follow the festival’s guidance. Take your rubbish with you and respect the site and other attendees. The best festival-goers leave the place as they found it.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to a festival?
Comfortable footwear, weather layers, a refillable water bottle, portable charger, sun protection, cash and ID, and your ticket saved offline — plus camping gear if you are staying overnight.
How much does a festival cost beyond the ticket?
Budget for travel, accommodation or camping, food and drink, and spending money — often as much again as the ticket itself.
Where do I find the line-up and times?
Always the official festival website or app, which publish the current line-up, schedule, and any clashes.