Festival
The essential items to ensure you have the time of your life at a day party
Whether you’re hitting up Red Bull Midsummer or heading out to your favourite local festival, these are the ultimate day party essentials to keep you comfortable, hydrated and charged all day long.
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Events like Red Bull Midsummer promise the ultimate escape. Whether you’re travelling for a weekend of music and fun, or checking out one of the seven cities that Red Bull Midsummer touches on June 20, it’s all about having a good time. Yes, that comes down to amazing acts like genre-defying UK producer Vegyn, South Asian trailblazer Jyoty and electronic-inspired TOKiMONSTA. But it also comes down to who you party with and what you pack.
The thing is, packing for the big day can be overwhelming. How many outfit changes do you need? What about weather options? Do you need a poncho and a hat? Should you pack spare socks? How about a camera?
To take the pain out of packing for a full day away, we’ve collated the game-changing essentials that help you relax and focus on the music. Just don’t forget to check the weather forecast before leaving the house…
01
Tickets
Let’s start with the most important part. It’s difficult to get into any festival without your trusty tickets. Remembering them is pretty much festival-going 101. Of course these days it’s pretty unusual to print tickets out, but if you’re prone to misplacing things, doubling up like this may be a good option alongside the digital version on your phone (more on this below). If you do print them, make sure you know where they are in an easy to reach pocket.
02
A form of ID
Alongside tickets, you’ll likely need a valid form of identification in your country to show that you really are the person who bought the tickets. If you’re looking to prove you’re old enough to use the bar, ID is also a must. If you forget literally everything else, you can still have a good time by remembering these two things.
03
Wallet or purse
A form of ID and a wallet are absolute musts at any festival
© Bleron Llugiqi / Red Bull Content Pool
Yes, everyone uses Apple Pay these days, but relying on phone signal at music festivals is a recipe for disappointment. Plus, there’s guaranteed to be that one merch stand, or that one food stall you really want to try that’s cash-only. You might never use it, but it’s good to have some actual money to hand.
Pack your wallet or purse and load it up with some folding money to avoid disappointment. Unfortunately, music festivals can be prime hunting territory for thieves, so either attach it with a chain, or keep it safe and sound in a front-facing pocket where you can see or feel it at all times.
04
A variety of snacks
A must-have at all times, whether you’re queuing for a festival, riding the bus, or kicking back in front of Netflix. Yes, there will be more delicious food than you could possibly sample at a festival, but the price tags can be off-putting. Plus, you’re likely to be burning a ton of calories trudging around all day. Keep your mood and tummy happy with some of your favourites to hand. Just don’t forget to share.
05
Cross-body bag
Cross-body bags: both practical and stylish
© Chad Wadsworth/Red Bull Content Pool
A lot of festivals have a bag policy, so absolutely do check that out before leaving the house. The last thing you want to do is get there and find out your rucksack is too big, and your plans are ruined. If bags are allowed, the smaller the better. Firstly, massive bags can get in everyone else’s way, possibly causing irritation or pushing into their personal space.
Secondly, a small rucksack might feel comfortable for an hour, but do you really want to wear it all day long? A bumbag/fanny pack or a cross-body bag aren’t just a practical solution, they’re also going to elevate your outfit.
06
Comfy shoes
Wear comfy shoes: blisters are nobody's friend
© Chad Wadsworth/Red Bull Content Pool
We don’t want to sound like your mum here, but if you’re out dancing all day and walking for miles, you’re going to need comfy shoes. Unfortunately, fashion comes second to practicality, although form can become fashionable. For example, just look at how wellies have become synonymous with Glastonbury.
You might not wear them down the high street, but in a muddy field they look the part. So think rain and puddle resistant, and think blister-proof. Only got an old pair of trainers to hand? Don’t worry. Above all, remember that although everyone likes to dress up for a day festival, most people are focused on food, music, and good times, not what you’ve got on your feet.
07
Tissues and loo roll
Dirt in your eyes, running make-up, or tears of joy. A good festival will see you endure all three, so be prepared. Wet wipes (and/or alcohol gel) are a must for hand cleaning before eating, and toilet tissue is self-explanatory given the state of festival loos.
08
Poncho and/or umbrella
Don't get caught in the rain
© Jeremy Deputat/Red Bull Content Pool
If you’re heading to a UK festival, for example, it’s almost guaranteed to rain before you’ve got past the ticket booth. Don’t let it ruin watching your favourite artist. If you don’t have room for a small lightweight waterproof (or think you might be too hot), a hooded poncho or a small umbrella (think of the people behind you) is a great option – although they can be expensive to buy on site.
If you’re headed to an autumn fest, or one in a cooler country, it’s worth investing in a hoodie, be that your favourite from home or one from the merchandise stall. Once the sun sets and the temperature dips, you’ll be glad you have it.
09
Sunglasses, hat and suncream
Some sunglasses protect more of the face than others
© Chad Wadsworth/Red Bull Content Pool
If you’re going to be in the sun all day, you’ll need all of the above, with a solid SPF/UV protection factor on the suncream. If in doubt, the higher the number, the better. Sunglasses serve a triple purpose of protecting your eyes, helping you better see the stage, and making you look cool. Finally, SPF lip balm is a great way of protecting your lips from the sun. Even if you’re somewhere fairly temperate and the summertime clouds are hanging overhead, make sure you reapply regularly. Sunburn is no joke.
10
Portable charger with multiple ports
You don't want to run out of battery when your fave artist is on stage
© Joe Gall/Red Bull Content Pool
Is there anything in life better than the portable power bank? When you’re at an all-day festival trying to squeeze out the last bit of phone juice so you can Facetime the performance to your friends back home, they can be lifesavers. The good news is, they can be fairly inexpensive these days so do shop around. And do remember to charge it the day before the fest.
Also, invest in a multi-port option because there’s always that friend (or two, or three) who forgets their own charger, right? One more word of advice, while battery packs are widely acceptable these days, do make sure your specific festival allows them as they can raise safety concerns.
11
Pocket mirror
Festivals are a time to let loose, but if you’ve put time and effort into festive make-up, you might want to make sure it’s staying fresh throughout the day. Enter the humble pocket mirror. Bonus point: it’ll still be there after your phone runs out of battery when you forget your multi-charger.
12
Ear Plugs
A bit of planning makes sure you can focus on the music
© Philipp Carl Riedl/Red Bull Content Pool
Self-explanatory. We said, “It’s self-explanatory!” Never mind.
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