What To Pack For Your First Glastonbury Festival Weekend
It’s the Glastonbury Festival in a few weeks time, and the bets are still on as to whether it will be a scorcher or a mud bath. This can make it difficult to know what to pack, especially if it’s your first time, or you are doing the right thing and travelling with a coach hire.
Obviously, you don’t want to be lugging the kitchen sink to the middle of a field in Somerset, but on the other hand you need to have some protection from the elements. Here’s a quick survival guide to help you get ready to rock.
Check the weather forecast (but don’t rely on it)
At the time of writing it’s still too early to call what the weather will look like in Somerset between 25-29 June. According to the local news site, MetCheck are predicting a cool and showery start on Wednesday 25, with conditions remaining slightly chilly and changeable throughout the weekend.
However, other sources are predicting a rather more summery temperature range of 21-23°C, with just a 20 per cent chance of rain. The Met Office are mildly optimistic, but characteristically non-commital:
A spokesperson said: “However, although details are uncertain, late June and early July looks like becoming more changeable, with spells of rain or showers probable at times, some of which could be heavy and thundery. Temperatures are likely to be a little above average overall, with brief hot spells possible, these perhaps more likely early in the period.”
None of this is particularly helpful if you are trying to put a packing list together: the best approach is to pack for all scenarios, but how can you do this without giving yourself the hassle of excess baggage? Here’s how to pack smart.
Essential all-weather kit
Wellies or decent waterproof boots: even an hour of rain can soon lead to churned up ground, and flimsy footwear will make your life miserable
A rain poncho or lightweight raincoat: A waterproof coat is essential, but leave heavy wax jackets and bulky puffercoats at home—instead, go for a foldable lightweight layer that can be rolled up and stowed away easily in a pocket of your backpack.
Layers: it might be warm during the day, but if you’re camping there will be chilly moments. Bring a hoodie or jumper to layer over T shirts and vest tops.
Sun cream and hat: Even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still be spending a lot of time outdoors and exposed to UV light, so suncream is essential. If it turns out to be a scorcher, you’ll thank yourself for a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to help stay cool.
Other essentials for your packing kit
Toilet roll, baby wipes and hand sanitiser: On-site supplies quickly run low. No further explanations required
Ticket, ID and wallet: Obviously
Tent: Also obviously if you are camping
Phone and portable charger: Could be a lifeline, and you’ll definitely want photos
Reusable water bottle: There are refill stations dotted around the site, and staying well hydrated is essential to avoid headaches, tiredness and hangovers. Having your own reusable water bottle saves a lot of money and time that would be wasted standing in queues at catering stalls.
Snacks: It’s probably impractical to bring all the food you need with you, and there’s a huge range of food stalls at the site. However, there’s bound to be moments (such as the middle of the night or your favourite band) when you don’t want to queue for food. Take non-perishables that will give you an energy boost, such as cereal bars, trail mix, or flapjacks.
Don’t panic if you do forget something, because there’s probably a stall or pop up that sells it (at a premium to their captive audience, however).
Finally, arrange a meet up point with your mates as soon as you get there, because inevitably you will get lost at some point. Then all you have to do is soak in the vibes and pace yourself so that you are not flaked out before the headline act on the first day.
