Van Miles

Before going to my first festival in my 50s, I spent hours wondering what I needed to pack, what to expect and whether I’d even enjoy it.

Looking back, I needn’t have worried. We had an amazing weekend, but there are definitely a few things I wish I’d known beforehand. If you’re heading to your first festival, especially if you’re camping, these are the tips I’d pass on.

1. Be prepared to walk… a lot!

The biggest surprise was just how much walking we did. Between the campsite, arena, food stalls and different stages, we were clocking up around 10 miles a day without even trying.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness will definitely help you enjoy the weekend more. If you’re not used to walking long distances, it might be worth building up your steps beforehand. Most importantly, wear comfortable footwear – your feet will thank you!

2. Invest in a decent festival trolley

If you’re camping, this is probably one of the best purchases you can make. The walk from the car park to the campsite can be much longer than you expect, especially when you’re carrying a tent, sleeping bags, chairs and food.

A sturdy trolley makes setting up much easier and saves a lot of energy before the festival has even started.

3. Arrive the day before the music starts

If your ticket allows it, arrive a day early. You can take your time setting up, choose a better camping spot and wake up ready to enjoy the first day without rushing or missing any of the acts.

4. Take more than one power bank

One power bank simply wasn’t enough. Between taking photos and videos, checking set times and messaging friends, your phone battery disappears surprisingly quickly.

Taking two fully charged power banks meant we never had to worry about running out of charge.

5. Buy good-quality body wipes

Showers aren’t always available and, even when they are, queues can be long. A pack of good-quality body wipes quickly became one of the most useful things we packed. They make freshening up so much easier.

6. Think about your toilet setup

If you’re camping, you’ll probably be relying on portable toilets throughout the weekend. They weren’t as bad as I’d expected, but by the end of the day they could be hit and miss.

Always carry tissues and hand sanitiser, as supplies can run out.

If you’re in a campervan without a toilet, or you’d simply like a bit more privacy, a pop-up toilet tent with a portable camping toilet is worth considering. It gives you somewhere to go during the night or first thing in the morning without having to walk across the campsite.

7. Pack for every type of weather

Even if the forecast looks perfect, take a waterproof jacket and something warm for the evenings. Festival weather can change quickly, and it’s much easier to take an extra layer off than wish you’d packed one.

8. Bring a reusable water bottle

Most festivals have free water refill stations, so staying hydrated is easy and saves spending money on bottled water all weekend.

9. Don’t over-plan

It’s tempting to try and see every artist, but leave some space in your day. Some of the best moments happen when you stumble across a stage or performer you weren’t expecting.

10. Take a break if you need one

If you’re staying in a campervan, don’t feel you have to spend all day in the arena. We headed back to the van for a few hours on Sunday afternoon to relax before returning for the evening.

That little break made a huge difference, and we enjoyed the rest of the night much more.

11. You don’t need to own a campervan

One thing I noticed was that there are lots of different ways to enjoy a festival.

You could book a nearby Airbnb or hotel and get a taxi to and from the festival. Some people even cycled in each day, which looked like a great way to avoid traffic and parking queues.

If you’ve always fancied trying van life, hiring a campervan for a long weekend is another option.

I also spotted someone who had hired a small empty van, put an inflatable mattress in the back and used camping equipment outside for cooking. It looked like a really affordable way to have a comfortable base without owning a campervan.

Another great idea is to go with friends who already have a campervan. They can stay on the campervan pitch while you pitch your tent alongside them, giving you somewhere familiar to relax together.

12. Eat and drink before the busiest times

Food queues can get really busy between popular acts. Eating a little earlier meant shorter queues and more time enjoying the festival.

13. Explore more than the main stage

Some of our favourite moments weren’t the headline acts. We discovered smaller stages, quieter venues and unexpected entertainment simply by wandering around.

Don’t be afraid to explore.

14. Enjoy the atmosphere

The music is only part of what makes a festival special. The food, the people, the laughter and the relaxed atmosphere all become part of the experience.

Sometimes the best memories happen between the performances.

15. Don’t let your age put you off

I went to my first festival in my 50s and honestly wish I’d done it years earlier.

Festivals aren’t just for younger people. They’re for anyone who enjoys live music, trying something different and making memories.

If you’ve been wondering whether you’re too old, my advice is simple—book the ticket.

Whether you camp, hire a campervan, stay in an Airbnb or tag along with friends, there’s a way to make it work. You might just find yourself planning your next festival before you’ve even left the first one.