Family Festival Essentials

At the beginning of August we went to our very first family festival, The Great Wonderfest. You can read my review here. 

We had such an amazing time and it’s definitely given me a taste for family festivals! If you have any favourites let us know in the comments below!

As a family we do love to travel and have fun-filled family days out. This year we’re ditching the all inclusive family holiday abroad in favour of UK based holidays. We’ll soon be going on our very first camping trip and we can’t wait! Until then, I thought I’d put together a little list of some family festival essentials. I hope you find it useful!

Folding table and chairs – Whether you’re camping or glamping, a folding table is an essential. If you can get one that includes chairs that fold up inside the table to save space, even better. You can use it to keep your food and snacks on, cook on and obviously to eat from. It also means that you’re not stuck sitting inside your tent all weekend on your airbeds. A folding table with chairs will mean that you can sit outside, giving you some extra space. 

Folding table – I know this is the same as above, but if you can squeeze another, slightly smaller table into your car then do so! You can use it to keep drinks bottles on or your stove if you have one. Folding tables always come in handy!

Washing up bowl and utensils – I have a collapsible washing up bowl that’s perfect for camping and family festivals. If you’re going to be eating breakfast in your tent with your own cereal brought from home etc, then you’ll also need to bring your own bowls and cutlery. I have a cheap, plastic set that we can re-use time and time again. It’s also lightweight which is perfect for camping. When you’re done, simply pop the used bowls and cutlery into your bowl as it makes carrying your dirty dishes to a sink easier. Also, handy tips – a spare bowl is often good idea. Whilst glamping on the Isle of Wight for The Great Wonderfest, a hot dog disagreed with one of our girls. A spare bowl would have been great for her to be sick in!

Medicine and a first aid kit – That last sentence brings me on nicely to this product. Medicine and a fully stocked first aid kit with tweezers is always a must!

Sleeping bags, self-inflating mattress and layers – It can be cold at night time so layers and a warm sleeping bag are a must!

Flip flops – Perfect for standing in the shower cubicle in and ensuring little ones don’t slip.

Refillable bottles – Always good to have as it’ll save you money from having to buy drinks all the time. 

Biodegradable wet wipes – This is the only time that I’ll ever recommend wet wipes. Make sure you have biodegradable ones, preferably in recyclable packaging. They’re great for grubby, sticky little hands and for taking make up off at the end of the day.

Torches and lanterns – Torches always come in useful, especially if someone needs to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.  A lantern is also useful to light up your tent at night time if you’re not quite ready to go to sleep. 

Wellies, wet weather gear and umbrellas – Even if the weather forecast is looking, I’d still pack a pair of wellies. You never know when the weather will turn and if you’re festival is in a field (highly likely), the sheer amount of foot traffic may well leave the field pretty muddy.

Tote/Reusable bags – Having a stash of bags to hand is always useful. Use them to put your dirty clothes in so that when you get home you can simply empty it into your washing machine without having to go through your entire suitcase!

Toiletries, flannels suncream and sun hats – I’d always suggest opting for a shampoo bar and a bar of soap. They take up less space in your suitcase and are better for the environment. Don’t forget your toothbrushes and toothpaste too! A flannel is always handy to wash faces and a cup of water to brush teeth

Ear plugs and eye mask – Kind of goes without saying, but festivals can be noisy so these items are great to ensure a good nights sleep.

Ear defenders – Sometimes all that loud music can be a bit much for your children, ear defenders can be a good option.

Hot water bottles and blankets – Hot water bottles are a great way of warming up your sleeping bag or camp bed at night time, as are blanket. Blankets are also great for bringing with you in case your children get cold if you’re sitting down and listening to a band

Picnic blanket – Always handy

Games to entertain children – A football or tennis racket and ball is usually enough entertainment!

Backpacks – Handy for carrying snacks and drinks around

Money belt – To keep your money and bank cards safe

Plenty of spare clothes – Festivals can be muddy. Ensuring you have enough clothes for everyone is pretty important. 

Towels – If you’re lucky enough to have showers at your chosen festival, towels are a must!

Toilet roll – Keep one in your backpack just in case the portaloo runs out!

Snacks – Save money and bring plenty of snacks for your children with you

Charging phone cases and charging cables – Some festivals have electricity. Portable phone chargers are also a good idea

Antibacterial hand gel – For use after the toilet, before eating and cooking etc

Cooking equipment and a coolbox – A portable bbq or grill, or gas stove etc. It’s much cheaper to bring your own food and cook it yourself than having to buy food everyday. Even if it means popping to a local supermarket for some sausages and bread rolls! If your budget allows and you have electricity, an electric coolbox is the way to go, just don’t forget your ice packs!

Fluffy socks and warm pyjamas – Nights can be cold!

Bin bags – For your rubbish. Easier to do this than walk miles everyday to find a bin for your rubbish.