I've never been one for huge festivals, I personally think Glastonbury is best watched on the TV at home whilst sipping an ice cold drink, but I do love the small festivals. I was a huge fan on the Big Chill and when that closed down I hunted for something to fill that void. My friends then suggested we spend the weekend at Nozstock and it was amazing! The wonderful people of Noz turn a farm into a themed festival paradise. Last years theme was Guide to the Galexy so there were AT-AT walkers, Predator Heads and intergalactic themed cocktails for all. It was amazing! This years theme is Wonders of the Ancient World so we're donning our best togas and walking like an Egyptian around this wonderland of a festival.
As I start the long and complicated process of packing (i'm a planner, I like to be packed AT LEAST a month before I have to be), I started having a little think about my top five festival essentials;
As I start the long and complicated process of packing (i'm a planner, I like to be packed AT LEAST a month before I have to be), I started having a little think about my top five festival essentials;
- Water Carrier
I can almost hear the snort of derision from most on reading that. Water? Who needs water, its a festival! Alcohol all the way! Well, I hate to break it to you, but four days of just alcohol will make you feel sick, tiered and irritable. Basically, you will waste your money being a misery guts because you are dehydrated. Just a couple of glasses of water a day will make the biggest difference, trust me.
I always go for collapsible as its easier to carry, try this one for size:
5l water carrier
2. Hand Gel
This stuff is a miracle of the modern world. A little squeeze is instantly refreshing and can even make port-a-loos feel that little bit nicer. I keep one on me all day, you never know when the ones in the loos will run out or when you might need it. Primark do a great range which are really affordable and has some great scents. Keep an eye on it though, I find hand gel tends to be up there with lighters and biros, one minute you have ten, blink and suddenly they are all gone!
3. Bin Bags
Hear me out on this one. Last year I went to Nozstock (officially the best festival ever, but that's another story) where it rained for 24 hours solid. I know we live in England and rain in the summer is just the norm but this was something else. I woke up in a puddle, I then squelched out of my tent to the wet toilets, pulled on my damp clothes and spent the entire day soaking. My one savior was the humble bin bag, I fashioned myself a sort of bin bag layered maxi dress and warmed up and dried out a lot. Fashionable moment? Hell no. Being saved from a whole day of soggy knickers? Hell yes.
Lesson totally learnt though, this year every single thing I own will be wrapped in waterproof bags and the biggest roll of bin bags I can find will be coming along with me. Along with a rain proof coat (my Primark shower proof one looked adorable but kept the pounding rain off for about five mins), proper wellies and a towel.
For the more eco-conscious festival goer, you can of course buy the bio-degradable alternative easily from Amazon. After wearing my bin bags last year I did tie a knot in the end I ripped to fit over my head and still sort of use it for its original purpose, though to be honest I was relieved it had stopped raining and I could finally dry my sleeping bag in the sun that I was perhaps not as vigilant as I should have been. However, all the intact bin bags I had used to keep all my other belongings dry were carefully rolled up, put in the cupboard and reused in our house to put rubbish in over the coming month. Waste not want not!
4. Travel Phone Charger
After taking all the festival selfies and calling each other at 2am trying to shout over the music to see where everyone is, your phone will need charging. Some festivals have charging cupboards where you pay a set amount, lock your phone in a cabinet plugged into a charger, come back at the set time you've paid for and collect your phone again. This, while useful, can be really expensive. Instead I suggest either nipping to Primark or perusing Amazon for a portable charger. You plus these in at home, pre-load them with electricity then use this charge your phone whilst your snuggling down in your tent. These can often be used multiple times to fully charge your phone. Just don't forget to charge them up before you go! These are also great for when you're on holiday and for some reason the plug socket is on the complete opposite side of the room to the bed!
5. Eye Masks
Tents are great but they do let a lot of light in. In jumps the humble eye mask, like me you probably have a few kicking around from long haul flights! These are really useful for getting the essential shut eye you'll need ready to dance and party all day long. Claire's Accessories also have a great range of cute ones, personally i'm eyeing up the one with the burger pattern on.
And there we have it, my personal top five festival essentials. Obviously I pack more than this (travelling light is just a vague concept to me) and I would love to hear what you guys simply couldn't go to a festival without.
Which ever one you're going to, I hope you have an amazing time. I myself will be at Nozstock again this, I cannot wait!