The main message does have to be don't take anything you would be gutted if you didn't take home. We use a wide wheeled trolley which is fine in mud and ruts. his means we can take an old standing height tent and cool box which makes all the difference. Some cheap chairs or 3 leg stools are nice to have if you can carry them and at a couple of quid each it doesn't matter if someone pinches them (not happened to us yet). I'll second the head torch thing as they're worth their weight in gold.
Make friends with your neighbours and they will look out for you. Keep any valuables on you at all times and don't carry too much cash. It may cost a couple of quid to use the cash machine, but verses loosing hundreds it's worth it.
If you're getting a bit old and grumpy, try family camping or VIP if you can afford it.
------------- Current tents in use: 5m Bell, Obelink Palamos 6, Vango Tornado 300 Vango Force 10 Mk3, Hypercamp Eldorado & Orange Raclet
Quote: Originally posted by Sceptical Camper on 24/11/2011
A brief postscript after re-reading this thread.
People reading the advice earlier in the thread might get the impression that camping at festivals is unpleasant and dangerous. It isn't - it can be fantastic fun! But, as the posts point out, it is very different to 'holiday' camping on a conventional campsite and there are things to guard against.
Quote: Originally posted by janespa on 24/11/2011I would seriously consider staying elsewhere and driving in
That is one option. But it's just not the same. If you camp, you really feel like part of the festival, one among a community. If you drive (or walk) in you are just a day visitor.
I took earplugs so I could drown out the noise of music and partying. They could do what they liked out there I slept like a log.
I took my 10 year old son to the Deershed Festival this year and we both had a wonderful time.
* Only take with you what you can risk losing * Pack light or use a trolley to transport all your gear * Take plenty of wet wipes * Wellies are a festival essential as is a rain poncho (no matter what time of year!) * Keep valuables with you at all times (and only take essentials like money!) * Earplugs and eye mask will help you get SOME sleep * Remeber it's only for 1 or 2 nights so you can always catch up on sleep at home * ENJOY YOURSELF!!
Yes, you will be camped very close to your neighbours and it will be noisy late into the night/early hours so don't go expecting it to be like a normal campsite.
I went with an open mind, received some very helpful advice from fellow forum members (search for previous "festival" threads) and had a fantastic time. We're going again next year (with some lessons learnt from this year's experience!)
Download is actually up to 5 nights. IME rock fans are a rather nice lot. We are all there for a common cause...the music. Of course you'll always get the odd idiot but most of us want to enjoy it, esp Sabbath reforming. it's all about the rock. ENJOY! \m/
we are there for five nights thats why i was asking so that i know what essentials to risk taking i am just gutted that i cant get in the vip area so i could have the car at the side of the tent for extra security and to charge the lamps for the tent but hey ho.....really looking forward to it and thanks for the advice everyone
thanks for all the advice cant wait for the experiance of festival camping but before that cant wait for some decent weather to come so i can try out the new tent
We used to go to the big festivals (Reading etc) before kids, but now go to smaller family-friendly festivals.
We haven't come across any problems at the smaller festivals, and they generally have a great atmosphere.
You've had some great tips already, but one I was told (for larger festivals) was to bury your cans of beer under your ground-sheet! Also take plenty of layers (of clothes and bedding) in case it's cold at night.
We take our own food to festivals . Packet stuff like pasta and cous cous , soups , trail mix ( nuts dried fruit and seeds )and muesli bars keep you going , Beanfeast ( or supermarket home brand ) are palatable . What isn't is the price of foods on sale there !
Don't buy the bottled water , take a hydration pack and fill it up at the drinking water points instead !
Don't camp anywhere near the toilets , I was amazed people had camped next to them 'for convenience' until the tanker arrived to pump them out
Baby wipes , not too many changes of clothes , a fleece/ hoody for cooler evenings/early mornings , a headtorch is useful ,and sun cream .
Do not lock your tent ; people tend to break into those to see what you have that needs locking away .
Have a brilliant time , wish I was going this year , it's looking like a good line up
Quote: Originally posted by griff10553 on 22/11/2011
Sounds like you should stay at home and be safe !!!
Griff
I will be braving a festival this year with wee fella in toe! Although after reading all that it's rather daunting!!
------------- weekend camping in Scotland anyone?
Faskally Meet, Near Pitlochry see forum Meeting up-Scotland
June - Glenmore camping, Aviemore :) gonna go kayaking!
hiya Bensmum,
what festival are you going to?we have got a couple booked this year with(5&3yr old)
As for camping in Scotland, i will be starting in April and going as often as i can.we are in fife so will be in the Stirling/Perth/Edinburgh areas.keep a look on on the forum as most people post where and when they are camping for weekends ect.
ps my 5yr old girl just loves BOYS at the moment.lol
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: festival camping help
