Packing checklist

It's only three days, but it will feel like a lifetime if you haven't packed the right stuff.

Carrying a heavy load

Only pack what you can carry. Car parks and camp sites are usually about two million miles apart. You don't want to spend half a day lugging things across this distance. And anyway, you can pick up a lot of the stuff you need from the site shops - although it will cost you more.

Taking valuables to festivals

Don't bring anything of value to a festival - that means leaving all your favourite jewellery and your new ipod at home. Many festivals have property lock-ups if you buy something you don't want nicked or you fear your unsteady hands may accidentally drop your camera into the loos after too much pop.

Festival day trippers 

If you're just popping down for the day, you still need to be prepared. Look to bring:

• Money - Most sites have cash machines (with huge queues) but take enough cash to at least cover the essentials;
• Water bottle - Refill it at the water points as and when the need arises;
• Sun block - See TheSite.org's sun safety info;
• Raincoat - Or wearable bin liner, whatever takes your fancy;
• Sensible shoes - Flip flops or high heels may be your style, but it won't be much use in six inches of mud. Solid trainers or boots are a must, if not wellies;
• Warm jacket or sweatshirt - It may be summer, but it is Britain;
• Phone - Reception willing, you'll be able to find your friends;
• Camera - Just don't lose it.

Camping fever

Overnighters need to be doubly prepared. As well as the above stuff, they should also remember:

• Tent - Unless you're a bit of an exhibitionist, even if you're not planning on sleeping it's nice to have the option;
• Torch - Night-time toilet trips made much easier;
• Sleeping bag - Not a posh one, you'll weep if it's nicked;
• Knife/Can opener etc;
• Bog Roll - Lots;
• Matches/Lighter/sticks to rub together - Fire = warmth;
• Enough clothes for three days - Wet clothes aren't nice. In a word: chaffing;
• Soap, deodorant, etc - Just because it's a festival doesn't mean you should stink;
• Towel - So you can get dry;
• Condoms - See TheSite.org's safe sex info;
• Booze, fags etc - Whatever your poison may be, but remember there will be police, probably with their trusty sniffer dogs (UK laws still exist within the perimeter fence) and you usually aren't allowed glass bottles.

Festival luxury!

We know of a couple who took both a futon mattress, posh linen, a fruit bowl and an espresso pot with them to Glastonbury one year. All very nice, but hardly essential. Those with extravagant camping tastes may go for:

• Mattress - Remember what we said about carrying stuff?;
• Camp stove - Cooking in the wild;
• Pillow - Some might call this an essential but they're just soft;
• Portable hair drier and straighteners - Why are you at a festival? Go home.