Get Festival Ready: Sound, Style & Survival

Whether it’s your first Glastonbury or your fifteenth time navigating the indie vibes of End of the Road, getting festival ready is more than just packing your bucket hat and praying for sunshine. It's a rite of passage for music lovers – a heady mix of adrenaline, discovery, and the occasional logistical nightmare. Here's your no-fluff guide to rolling up ready – from curating your must-see acts to not getting trench foot.

🎶 The Music First: Plan Your Must-Sees (But Don’t Over-Plan)

Half the fun is stumbling across a new band at 2PM when you were really just looking for the falafel van. Still, every music lover has a few must-sees. Whether it’s Iron Maiden on a thunderous main stage or a low-key acoustic set in a tucked-away tent, get your shortlist sorted early.

• Use the official festival app (if they’ve got one) to create your own schedule.
• Build in gaps. You’ll need time to wander, recharge, and maybe run from stage to stage.
• Explore the undercard – some of the most legendary festival stories start with, “I’d never heard of them before…”

🧥 Clothing: Pack for All Four Seasons… in One Day

This is the UK. Expect sunburn and frostbite in the same 24-hour window.

Must-Pack Items:

• Wellies or solid boots: Even if it’s sunny all weekend, the 4AM toilet dash across dew-soaked grass will break your flip-flops and your soul.
• Layer up: Light waterproofs, fleece hoodies, and thermal socks are your best mates.
• Statement stuff: Yes, it’s a fashion show – if you want it to be. Go all-out glitter or keep it normcore, just make sure you’re comfy and warm when it counts.
• Represent: Maybe you just want to show the love to your favourite act. So represent your fav act with a branded tee or hoody  - we have loads here at Chalkys

🧴 The Essentials You’ll Forget (But Shouldn’t)

• SPF – Yes, even when it's cloudy. Don’t be the lobster by Saturday.
• Earplugs – Not just for sleeping. Protect your hearing during that front-row set.
• Power banks – Portable chargers will keep your phone alive when you’ve lost your mates (and signal).
• Wet wipes & hand sanitiser – Trust us. Just do it.

⛺ Sleeping Arrangements: From Hardcore Camping to Boutique Snoozing

Gone are the days when it was only a two-man tent and a roll mat. Now you’ve got options.

• Standard camping: Still the classic. Be ready for early morning sunshine and potential mudslides.
• Glamping: For those who want a proper bed, mirror, and maybe even a butler (seriously, some do that).
• Off-site B&Bs or hotels: Ideal if you’ve aged out of tent life or you’re heading to a city-based fest.

🧠 Top Tips from the Veterans

• Mark your tent – A flag, a weird inflatable, anything that makes it stand out.
• Learn to love dry shampoo – You’ll need it.
• Hydrate – With actual water and a reusable container, not just pints of overpriced lager.
• Be open – Some of the best memories come from the stuff that wasn’t on your plan.

Final Word

Going to a festival is like entering a parallel world – one full of unforgettable music, brilliant people, and the occasional dodgy Portaloo. Whether you’re chasing big-stage headliners or rare finds in hidden tents, being prepped means you can lose yourself in the sound without worrying about soggy socks or dead phone batteries.

Pack smart, stay curious, and see you in the field.

Why not check out our 2025 Festival guide for the lowdown on this year's big events 

Need tunes to get you in the mood?
Check out our Festival Ready collection and stock up on albums from acts tearing up the summer lineups. 🎧