This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Shopping Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue Shopping

Oatopia’s 2023 Complete Festival Guide

Festival season is in full swing! From music and comedy to the arts and theatre, we love the atmosphere at UK summer festivals. 

Before you pack your bags and head to a field for a weekend of fun make sure to check our list of festival essentials to make sure you're not forgetting the important bits as well as the fun extras! 


Camping Supplies

Most Summer festivals last for more than one day, warranting one or more overnight stays in a field. Be sure to pack the camping essentials listed below, to make for the optimal festival camping experience. 

  • First and foremost a sturdy tent - It seems an obvious one to state but investing in a good quality tent that will shield against any unexpected weather is essential. Pop up tents may be cheap and easy but be warned if it rains you and all your belongings could get soaked! 
  • A sleeping bag - Bring a good quality sleeping bag with you to keep you warm during the festival nights. 
  • A roll mat or inflatable mattress - Most festival grounds are often uneven and can therefore be uncomfortable to sleep on. Bringing a roll mat with you or an inflatable mattress will make your night sleep much more comfortable! 
  • A pillow - you could use your bags and clothes as a pillow but we advise taking a travel pillow at the very least. 
  • Towels/Wash cloths - Most festival campsites have banned or discouraged the use of disposable wipes including biodegradable ones! Bringing a washcloth/towel and soap to keep you feeling fresh throughout the festival days and nights!
  • A head torch - For finding your way back to your tent at night and toilet trips. We also advise some battery powered fairy lights to put up in your tent.
  • A bin bag - bring your own bin bag for your campsite rubbish. 
  • A bag for dirty washing - This will save you searching for a clean t-shirt and underwear on your third day!
  • Ear plugs - you never know who you will be camping next to but chances are someone else camping nearby will snore! Take along some ear plugs just in case you have noisy neighbours.
  • Eye mask - keep out the daylight and ensure a deep sleep with a good quality black out eye mask.

Food Supplies 

These days there is usually lots of food to try at festivals, but it's always good to have some snacks for back up. We recommend:

  • Dried Fruit
  • Oatopia flapjacks 
  • Nut mixes 

Bringing a reusable water bottle is essential and helps prevent high levels of waste on the campsite, and can keep your water colder for longer (depending on the type of water bottle you bring). The same is advised for coffee cups; reusable is always preferred. 


Toiletries and Personal Items

It is important to pack strategically for festivals, to avoid carrying around heavy bags and realising you only brought one pair of socks! We have put together a list of festival toiletries and clothing essentials below. 

  • Hand sanitiser - Festival sites are not the most hygienic and you can often that toilets/washrooms lack hand soap. Brining along hand sanitiser or wet wipes can help you feel fresh throughout the festival. 
  • Waterproof clothing - The UK weather is unpredictable and so it is always best to be prepared for rain.
  • A warm jumper - Despite it being Summer in the UK and despite having a heatwave or two already this year, Summer nights can get chilly. Make sure you pack a jumper to keep you warm at nights - one should be enough. 
  • Socks and Underwear - Always bring extra! 
  • Wellies/comfortable waterproof shoes 
  • T-shirts/Jeans/Leggings/Nightwear 
  • SPF - Yes, we still live in the UK and a sunny day can be rare! However, you are still exposed to harmful UV rays by being out in the open air - even on cloudy days. Therefore, it's important to make sure you are re-applying SPF to protect your skin. 

Now that you have packed all of your essentials, you are ready to make a return to Summer festivals!