50 Fashionable and useful festival essentials

After two years of cancelled weekends and tentative pilot events, festival season is finally back in full swing for 2023. Whether you’re into music or comedy, wellness or food, there is likely to be a whole host of day and camping events that can accommodate your interests, reacquainting us all with the great outdoors.  

After so long off, it might be tricky to remember what to pack, or how one toes the line between a stylish festival outfit that is still practical in the advent of classically British weather. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, our shopping list may provide some inspiration. See you in the fields!

Keep warm when the sun goes down with a musical-themed sweatshirt 

A colourful camping backpack will fit all your essentials and leave your hands free 

Hand sanitiser is now a way of life; select a version that connects conveniently to your handbag 

Wellington boots are essential for festivals, given the good old reliable British weather 

Soft welly liners will also help to avoid any welly-rub against your skin 

Biodegradable Body Glitter is perfect for eco-friendly fun 

Whatever the weather forecast, a decent raincoat is a must. Finnistere’s breathable, sustainable version fits the bill for many festival seasons to come (£110) 

Even biodegradable baby wipes can do harm to the planet. Swap out your daily clean for a flannel and eco-soap wash; still convenient, but less waste (£14.50) 

Hair looking a little greasy a few days in? Tie it back in a scarf 

The crossbody bag is the perfect size for your arena essentials

Clad in fashion-forward checks, Outwell’s sleeping bag will keep you cosy at night (£70) 

A great clothing choice is the summer dress that are the perfect length for wellies; just add tights and a jacket if the weather isn’t on your side

Make heart-eyes at your favourite band with a pair of heart sunglasses

A pack-down poncho adds a punch to any outfit

Keep sun and wind away with a waterproof fisherman hat

Lugging lots of camping gear? Pack it onto a handy fold-down trolley for easier transportation

Tretorn’s vegan wellies are much lighter than a traditional design, a happy companion for a lightly muddy event (£55) 

For those who don’t want to lug electrical versions to a festival, the bamboo truthbrush is a great eco alternative 

70s style shorts from And Other Stories can be styled in a multitude of ways

Foamie’s dry shampoo adds a delicious raspberry scent to blonde and light hair (£8.99) 

To recover from a night of partying, add a Berocca into your breakfast routine

Embrace festival history with a vintage-style Woodstock tee 

Loop’s cleverly designed earbuds reduce dangerous decibel levels while still allowing you to enjoy the music

Close-fitting, quality leggings from Dharma Bums are perfect for sleeping and running around a festival in

Keep your phone topped up with a Cath Kidston powerbank charger (£29.99) 

For those who like to travel prepared, the Mystery Ranch crossbody bag has plenty of room without getting in the way of your dancing (£67) 

A mini first aid kit is a useful item to keep to hand (£12.99) 

Add a pop of colour with this bold Levi's hoodie

A Trespass folding stool is a great antidote to tired legs

A crochet dress gives off Coachella-cool without flashing too much flesh

Minimise festival waste with a collapsible Stojo bottle

A soft scarf can double up as a pillow in a pinch

Ditch the bag and go adventuring in Superdry’s cargo pants; there’s enough room in the pockets for your ticket, phone and wallet

Even in British climates, suncream is a must. Evy’s mousse formula is non-sticky and easy to apply

A thermal tee provides a solid wardrobe base when space is at the premium

Share nuud’s family pack of eco-deodorants around the whole group for a sweet-smelling moshpit

Add a touch of luxury to your campsite with Fatboy’s lounging sofa

You can never take too many socks to a festival; stock up with sturdy multipack 

The bright pink denim jacket delivers party and practicality all in one

When you need to take a breather on damp ground, the waterproof picnic blanket will keep you dry 

A fun Regatta-patterned tent will be easier to spot amidst the crowd

Embrace your 1960s hippy with a tasselled fringe jacket

Keep valuables spread around in case of disaster; this Estella Bartlett purse is the perfect size for a debit card and some cash

A sequin dress is perfect for festivals, and will have a great life afterwards as a night-out party dress 

Don’t get caught out on a late-night trip to the portaloo; a headband torch will spare you any awkward missteps

If the toilets are indeed proving a little too much, a small dab of lemon and eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief will provide a nice-smelling distraction

A anti-chafing sports bra is comfy enough for a full weekend, but stylish enough to be worn as a top in a heatwave

Bodyglide’s anti-chafe balm will also help to ward off any uncomfortably sticky skin

For the bigger festivals, waterproof walking boots may well be a sensible alternative to wellies

In case any valuables go missing, mark them beforehand with a UV pen for easier identification and retrieval

Read more: Down to Business: Out and Wild Festival

Read more: How to microadventure with kids

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