16 Jun 2021 | 3 mins

Now you’ve probably heard it all, researched left, right and centre in your early festival days about what to bring (if you’re a seasoned veteran like I am). Trust me, my lower back is paying from all those days standing, bopping and then making a bee line to the toilet every 20 minutes (I may sound like a right boomer rn, but you truly don't know the pain suffered waiting in the toilet line after moshing your heart out).

From all the one to three day festivals I have endured in my 22-years, I can safely say that I believe I’ve nailed the absolute necessities needed to survive, thrive and jive. So if you're new to the scene, with COVID slowly disappearing into the mist and festival line-ups are heating up, why not get prepared for your epic festi weekends?

Please bring a jacket…. please

Now it’s one of those things that I always think “aw yeah, I’ll be fine without one." I normally associate my mum yelling at me to bring a jumper everywhere as a negative so I do everything in my rebellious power to not bring one. But then the sun goes down, your mates are telling you “just drink more and you’ll be warm” and you’ve become a whinging, freezing mess. Truuuust, get in early and cloak your jacket; the line for the cloak room is not that long. Some of my mates have left festivals early because they were too cold. Don’t be that friend. Bring a jacket.

Baby wipes

The amount of times I’ve spilt drinks on myself is limitless. Plus, have you seen those portaloos at the end of the day? No more squat and shake method due to no toilet paper. Get clean with some baby wipes, ladies and gents (but please dispose responsibly). Just get one of those small travel packs and you’re golden.

Flimsy sized portable charger

While some festivals offer phone-charging stations, I reckon just bring your own to save time and money. Get a small one, stick it in ya bag along with a cord and get all the piccies your heart desires! Or just have enough battery to make it through the inevitable texting of your mates after the last act to get your gang out ASAP rocky - "meet at front left of main stage?"

Hand sanitiser

We all still love a dirty music festival - the mosh pit, the sweatiness, the yelling and spitting on top of the music all contributes to the atmosphere and good vibes. But maybe just think about how those portaloos ain’t got a sink, or that Turkish gozleme you’re about to devour - take some hand sanitiser for yourself and your mates. This has nothing to do with COVID, just be hygienic ya filthy animals.

Sunscreen

Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, please remember slip slop slap. Y'all remember no hat, no play? Well, it applies here! Just not with hats. Or play. But you get the jist. SPF 30 to 50 sunscreens are generally only effective for two hours after you put it on, so reapplying is key. You're literally standing in the sun for maybe 10-12 hours a day. Pop a little bottle in your bag to protect yourself and your skin!

Sandwich bag

This is quite rogue but is definitely one of the only things that protects my stuff in a random downpour. Picture this: you're waiting to see your favourite band, torrential rain ruins your hair, ruins your outfit, ruins your PHONE. Pop your valuables in a sandwich bag and you'll have added security that all your tech + precious items are safe. I asked around the Year13 office and they vouch for this too - don't be like Josh who had a cracked screen and let water get in it at a fesi.

A hat... but make it stylish

The 👏 point 👏 remains 👏 - no hat, no play! Whether you’ve gone for the classic tee and short combo or something a bit more glam, a hat definitely is needed. Again, protect yourself but I can guarantee you can match a hat to compliment your outfit!

A refillable water bottle

Depending on the festival, you’ll most likely be able to bring in an empty water bottle and you’ll thank yourself for it later. Sometimes, there are tents that give out water pouches also so keep an eye out for these. After getting on the beers or voddy lime sodas for too long + the summer heat, you’ll need a bit of hydration. There are generally a couple water stations to refill your bottle at. Although your mates might tell you otherwise, you’re not weak for opposing drinking alcohol for hours on end, you’re freaking smart and hydrated. Now I know what you're thinking - "they're too chunky."

Wrong! Get one of those lit rubber ones that can fold down within itself. Whoever invented this marvellous product can take my money.

Lens cloth

This one is more for our peeps who cannot survive a festival without glasses (I cannot see more than 3 feet in front of me). The amount of dust, dirt and arms getting shoved into your face does result in some dirty lenses. Bring a lens cloth - they don’t take up much room in your bag at all and this applies to our mates who wear some stylish sunnies.

Now you're ready to survive, thrive and jive at your next music fesi. See you in the pit 🤝