Music festivals like  All Together Now and Electric Picnic are among the most anticipated events in the summer. They promise incredible music, food, and super fun entertainment. 

However, any festival can become a logistical nightmare if you’re unprepared! Often, we find ourselves overwhelmed with trying to work out what to pack and how to balance necessity and comfort. Not to mention doing that without forgetting crucial items like tickets, tent equipment, and emergency supplies. Lucky for you, we’re not going to let that happen! 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with the ultimate festival packing checklist to truly maximise your enjoyment.

Important Festival Essentials:

Making sure you have all of the festival essentials is crucial. The following items are the most important items to pack before putting anything else in your bag.

Your Festival Ticket

You won’t get in without your ticket, so it’s best to make sure you have both a digital copy for easy access and a physical printout… just in case. Cell service can be unreliable at festivals, so having a hard copy might even save the day.

Identification

Most festivals in Ireland require you to show proper identification. There are accepted and rejected forms of ID. Acceptable IDs include passports, driver’s licenses, and the Garda Age Cards. Others like university IDs, medical cards, and similar IDs probably won’t be accepted, so make sure your ID is valid and accessible.

Cash & Debit/Credit Cards

These days, most vendors at festivals offer cashless options. Even then, it’s always wise to carry some cash in case some vendors are cash only, and there’s a long queue at the ATM.

Essentials For A Camping Festival

Camping at a festival offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the experience. While it can be rough and ready, festival camping is a great experience. If you don’t know what to take to festival camping, this list will definitely help.

Tent

A tent is a critical part of your festival gear. Opt for a durable tent suitable for all kinds of weather so you can keep dry and comfortable throughout the festival. Shelter is a must!

Torch or A Lamp

While you can always use that little flashlight on your phone, saving as much battery life as possible is a must. Investing in a separate torch or a lamp to help you navigate your campsite or the inside of your tent at night is a must.

Waterproof Sleeping Bag

Regardless of the weather, you’ll need to stay warm and dry at night. A waterproof sleeping bag will do a great job, helping you get a good night’s sleep by adding a layer of comfort and protection against any rain or dampness.

Roll Mat / Inflatable Mattress

A comfortable sleeping surface makes a world of difference, and a roll mat or inflatable mattress can do just that. You may find yourself sleeping on the ground at some point… but a roll mat really will save your back.

Camping Chair 

Relaxing between sets becomes so much easier with a camping chair. It’s a small luxury that provides a place to chill out and enjoy the festival atmosphere without having to sit on the ground. Pick one with a cup holder for extra convenience!

Extra Blankets

You never know when it’s going to get super chilly at night, even in summer. Extra blankets will protect you from the cold and keep you cosy throughout the night.

Clothing Essentials

Ireland’s climate is unpredictable. One day it might be sunny; the next it’s raining heavily! Packing the right clothing into your festival pack list is crucial for a comfy and enjoyable festival experience.

Windbreaker Jacket 

A lightweight windbreaker jacket is perfect for keeping the breeze off your back. It keeps you warm without being too bulky and won’t take up much space in your pack.

Wellies

Some say festivals and mud are two sides of the same coin. Packing wellies will prepare you for this kind of terrain, keeping your feet dry and the mess off your socks and trousers or legs.

Sunglasses and Hat

Sunglasses add three things essential for a great summer music festival: sun protection, style, and comfort. The same principles apply to a hat, so always ensure you’re ready for the sun!

Extra clothes 

Having some backup clothes is always a good idea. You never know what might happen at a festival, so pack generously where possible. Unexpected weather should also be anticipated - it’s Ireland we’re talking about after all!

A Small Bag 

A small bag like a bumbag is handy for carrying your personal items around the festival. Opt for one that’s lightweight yet spacious enough for your essentials.

Technology Essentials

Put the following items on your festival packing checklist so that you can stay connected and powered up throughout every set!

Battery Pack 

Festivals often have on-site charging points or phone lockers, but it’s always best to bring a battery pack just in case. With your own power source, you’ll never catch yourself with a dead phone.

Charger 

Having the correct charger is important for keeping your devices juiced up at all times, so definitely don’t forget this item.

Phone 

This goes without saying, but your phone is crucial for communication, navigation, and accessing festival-specific apps. Make sure it’s always charged and safe.

Optional: Disposable Camera 

It’s optional, but a disposable camera can bring a nostalgic touch to your festival memories with physical photos and that 90s look.

Toiletries

It might not be your number one priority, but keeping fresh can level up your festival experience. Do this with these essential toiletries.

Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are versatile essentials for quick clean-ups and maintaining cleanliness during busy days and nights. They are a must-have hygiene item for any festival. 

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Always bring a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your pearly whites feeling clean and fresh.

Dry Shampoo

Freshen up your hair between showers with a dry shampoo. This is a quick and easy way to keep your hair looking and feeling clean.

Deodorant

A deodorant is another must-have item that’ll keep you feeling fresh throughout a festival. Choose a long-lasting one that keeps you feeling comfy during the day.

Sun Cream

Protect your skin from the sun with SPF-rated sun cream, even on cloudy days. The weakest sun can still cause damage and even sunburn, so use sunscreen liberally.

Moisturiser

Keeping your skin hydrated is also as important as protecting it. You can do that with a good moisturiser, especially if the weather is warm.

Hand Gel

Hand sanitising gel is a great tool to maintain good hand hygiene, especially at festivals where access to soap and water might be limited.

Festival Food Essentials

You can’t enjoy a festival when you have no energy. That’s why you should pack some of these easy food options before setting out for your destination.

Breakfast Bars

A breakfast bar is a quick and nutritious way to start your day. They’re easy to pack and eat on the go and can be quite healthy to boot.

Sweets

Sweets are a good source of sugar, perfect for a quick energy boost. Bring some to keep you energised during the day.

Quick Noodles

Quick or instant noodles are a convenient option for a hot meal on the go. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying hunger quickly.

Cups & Cutlery

Bringing your own cups and cutlery ensures you’re always prepared to eat and drink. Avoid single-use waste and opt for reusable items to be more eco-friendly.

Be Prepared for This Upcoming Festival Season

By following this festival packing guide, you won’t just show up prepared; you’ll become an instant festival pro! You'll avoid the stress of scrambling for essentials and can focus on enjoying the music, food, and good vibes, setting yourself up to create unforgettable memories. 

Whether you’re attending All Together Now or exploring the EP Lineup 2024, don't wait—start packing early and use this festival packing list as your go-to checklist for festival season!

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