Get Festival Ready
In just 10 days time, Glastonbury Festival will be opening its gates to hoards of happy campers, marking the unofficial start to a summer of stomping around parks and fields in the discovery of the latest sounds, embracing all that Britsh summertime has to offer – come rain or shine.
As a Glastonbury newcomer, I’ve been ploughing forums and social media for packing essential know-how in prep for my first visit to Worthy Farm. From mud-friendly footwear and bass-reducing earplugs to the perfect party dress and practical day bag, here’s what I discovered.
The Everything Bag
A practical day bag with plenty of zippable pockets is an absolute must when traversing the sprawling festival site. Not only will it keep your belongings secure and organised, but it also means accessing essentials, like maps, snacks and suncream, is a breeze. Look for a bag that's splash-resistant, and comfortable to carry all day, perhaps with adjustable straps for easy wearing, like Uniqlo's cult drawstring crossbody and Arket's two-way packable backpack.
Layer Up!
Although the promise of summer is in the air June evenings can get chilly. Pack layers that you can easily wear under jackets, tie around your waist or drape over your shoulders. Think lightweight knits and crochets, cardigans and zip-up hoodies, in breathable fabrics that won't be too bulky during the day and provide warmth at night, so you stay comfy in and out of the dance.
Party Dresses
Festivals are all about getting your glad rags on – a time to dabble in sequins, crochet, mesh and vibrant prints – look for dresses that are lightweight, breathable, and easy to move in, like this newly launched Siedrés x Mango floral print dress, Base Range linen slip or Damson Madder breezy denim mini – fit with a practical front pouch for extra storage.
Coordination is Key
Keeping it coordinated is a safe bet for an interchangeable wardrobe. Matching sets balance cute and practical, allowing the mix and match of different pieces to create multiple looks throughout the festival. Choose stand-out pieces in bright colours, interesting designs and loud prints that will make any outfit, whether chucked on with a bikini top or paired with slouchy cargo trousers.
Weatherproof Jackets
While we’re remaining hopeful that the festival will be blessed with beaming sunshine, as it has been for the past couple of years, a raincoat is absolutely essential – opt for a classic waxed Barbour à la Kate Moss, a techy water-tight jacket from Uniqlo, North Face and Rains or silver or leopard print statement piece – all of which will actually keep you dry!
Practical Shoes
Shoes for all terrains are a necessity, the official Glastonbury packing list outlines “wellies or sturdy boots” as the best option – these Hunter wellies, chunky knee-highs and cowboy boots are all fitting for trekking up rolling hills and stomping around the grounds. You might also want to pack some sliders or Crocs for late-night dashes to the loo.
The Extras
Last but not least, don’t forget the small but crucial items that can make your festival experience much more comfortable. Earplugs are a must to protect your ears from loud music during the day and guarantee some shut-eye at night – a face mask is handy for this too. Starface pimple stickers will be useful in case of a breakout, while collapsible water bottles will keep you hydrated on the go.
