Q. You just got your hands on a hot festival ticket promising fun, debauchery and mayhem. All is good until you get there and realize that you have no cash, just an ATM card – in a place that has NO ATMs. Whoops! What do you do?
A. Plan better for next time.
So here’s a checklist of absolute necessities you must take with you to any festival that spans more than a day.
Some are bleeding obvious, but you would be surprised how these things are left behind in a rush to get out that door – believe me, I know.
- Ticket – need I say more?
- Photo I.D. – if you don’t have it there could be hassles
- Cash – don’t just rely on your plastic, as there may be no ATMs and EFTPOS. Even if there are, massive queues will definitely exist for both.
- Waterproof Tent / Sleeping bag – or some sort of shelter and warm bedding. Nothing worse than getting into a soggy tent, or no tent at all!
- Any Medication you’re on, such as Asthma pumps, etc.
- For the girls, Sanitary pads/tampons just in case
Secondary/optional stuff to take with you varies and is subjective to each of us. But here are some suggestions.
- Sunscreen – can never have enough of this
- Condoms – to ensure you don’t catch anything more than a cold
- Camera – your phone’s battery won’t last long, so if you want to take photos, bring one of these
- Food – I recommend bringing your own as much as possible – not just because it’s cheaper, but it’s healthier (no food poisoning) and there are no queues to eat it!
- Water – it’s great to have your own in camp. Treks in mid sleep to find it are avoided.
- Alcohol – for obvious reasons
- Cigarettes – some festivals do not sell them at all, so for all of you smokers, stock up. Or better still, quit.
- Toiletries – cleanliness is next to godliness (that includes you too guys)
- Wet Wipes – as above
- Torch – even though you will be blind, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t see
- Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer – cannot stress this one enough – bloody lifesaver. You’ll be thanking me the moment you come out of the loo and there’s no soap
- Spare clothes – both summer and winter because you never know
- Poncho / Umbrella – for the ever changeable weather
Everything else is a bonus (like cocktail shakers, first aid stuff, party balloons, gazebos, lounges, stereos, etc.).
Some festivals do like to lend a helping hand.
For example Meredith Music Festival 2011 had the right idea by having Helpers Huts scattered around the whole campsite staffed with volunteers 24/7 who provided free condoms, water, directions and radio contact with management and emergency services. That’s pretty cool!
Festivals are a fantastic way to spend a long weekend, full of music, upbeat people and fun times. So enjoy them and don’t forget the basics. Everything else you can work around with creativeness and friendly begging.
Long Live the Festival!
Mia Gaitanidis
Kelly Teng is the content manager for Barsandnightclubs.com.au, as well as a festival lover, workaholic, film buff, and gamer. She loves dance music, a good cocktail, and writing. What a cool story, bro. She should tell it again.
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