What to Pack for a Music Festival

My first experience of a music festival was very recent, and I had no idea of what to pack for a music festival.

Here’s my list of necessities to take:

• Fun outfits and accessories – see the online party shop Tybor-Style for inspiration.
• Face sparkles – it’s best to choose biodegradable/earth friendly options.
• Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Clothes for hot, sunny weather.
• Layers for cooler weather and evenings.
• Rain jacket and/or plastic ponchos.
• Refillable water bottles – note that many festivals ban glass, so a stainless steel water bottle is best.
• Adult beverages if the event is BYO. Note again that glass bottles may be an issue, so opt for cans instead.
• Baby wipes for washing yourself with. Ideally also take a face cloth, bowl, and soap as that’s more refreshing than baby wipes.
• Hand wipes or hand sanitiser.
• A bag to carry with you – mine’s big enough to fit my jandals (when I want to dance in bare feet), a poncho, my water bottle, and some basic first aid items, plus my purse. I felt reasonably safe leaving my bag nearby (but in eyeshot) so I didn’t have to wear it the whole time, so I could dance freely
• Cash – many festivals in New Zealand are in remote locations where there’s no cell signal, so electronic payments are either impossible or erratic.
• First aid kit. At the very least, take plasters, a disinfectant cream, and aspirin.
• Insect repellent and insect bite relief cream.
• Toilet paper. Just in case. Keep a small amount in your bag or pocket.
• Head torch. It’s best not to rely on the torch app on your phone, in case your phone goes flat. Also, a head torch is a much better idea in a portaloo.
• Battery bank, so you can charge your phone without a power outlet.
• Camping gear – see my article on what to take camping.