Ticket to Glastonbury? How lucky you are! Be it a first-time experience or you are a seasoned mud warrior; packing feels so daunting. You don’t want to be carrying an entire life through Worthy Farm, yet want to have everything a person would require for five days filled with music, mayhem, and, well, sometimes uncertain British weather.

Here is that tried-and-tested Glasto packing list that keeps it real, no fluff, just stuff you are going to use.

Is This First? Don’t Miss Out on the Basics

Before we shift our focus onto the tents and toiletries, here are the must-haves you absolutely CANNOT leave without:

  • Ticket + ID: This one should be the obvious one; still, give it one more check before leaving home. Without a ticket, there is no way inside, and certainly, nobody wants to be that unlucky person.
  • Wristband (once you get it at the gate): If you dare take this off, you will never be able to get back in again.
  • Phone & portable charger : These are necessary for assembling with friends, capturing videos of unexpected sets, and sporadically confirming which day it is.
  • Money / bank card: Almost everywhere accepts card payments now, but carry a little cash anyway. ATMs on site will charge a withdrawal fee and will most likely have a line.

A Competition for Tents – 5 Days Your Home

Glastonbury is not for a casual attendance. For almost a week, one will live on a field. Therefore, make sure your campsite is both comfortable and practical:

  • Tent – Don´t go all out with a six-man palace; get something waterproof and quick to put up. Pop-up tents are fine if it is fair weather only, but if a storm hits, well, good luck.
  • Sleeping bag – It gets cold at night, even in July. Without a proper sleeping bag, you will end up shivering in the dead of night at 3 AM.
  • Roll Mat/Air Mattress – If you care about your spine, don´t sleep on the hard ground. Inflatable mats are a bliss, if you can carry them.
  • Pillow – Not necessary, but something worth having. If your luggage is tight for space, stuffing a hoodie in a pillowcase can do the trick.
  • Camping chair – This one is not a must, but your back will thank you for it during chill times at the campsite.

Pro tip: pitch your tent at home first. Glasto is not the place to learn.

Dress for Everything (and I Mean Everything)

From blazing sunshine to knee-deep mud in seconds with a poncho somewhere in between-it’s just typical British weather. So be a bravo and prepare for all.

Footwear

Wellies – Best used if ever the forecast threatens rain. Mud is a traditional Glastonbury attraction.
Comfy trainers/walking shoes – For dry days no fresher white trainers are suggested because they won’t be white for long.
Flip-flops/slides – For showers, if you are brave enough.

Clothes

  • Layers – T-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies. The name of the game is flexibility.
  • Waterproof jacket/Poncho – Pack this one whatever the forecast.
  • Socks and underwear – More than you think you need. Wet socks are the enemy.
  • Hat + Sunglasses – In fact, for sun protection and cool swag.
  • One or two fun outfits – Sequins? Feather boas? Neon wigs? Anything goes at Glasto!
  • Pjs / Warm sleepwear – Again: cold nights.

Unless you want it to be, it certainly is not a fashion show, but you’ll seriously feel better if you stay warm while looking a little bit fabulous.

Toilet Kit: Stay (Sort of) Fresh

Look, one is not going to feel clean; it is just part of the ride. Here’s what to do to keep tolerable: One minute the sun will be shining brightly, the next one you´ll be wading through the mud while donning a poncho. British weather is… dramatic. So be ready for all possibilities:

  • Toilet roll – Pick up two rolls, if possible. One goes in a ziplock bag.
  • Wet wipes – Absolute lifesavers; shower with one if you have to.
  • Hand sanitiser – Trust me, you will thank me for this after using a long-drop toilet.
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste – It really feels like a reset button to brush your teeth.
  • Deodorant – As a courtesy to yourself and others around you.
  • Dry shampoo – Unless you plan to go for that oily hair look.
  • Menstrual products – Just in case, even if you are not expecting the monthly visitor. Better safe than sorry.
  • Sunscreen – Being sunburnt and hangover is just brutal.
  • Painkillers/plasters – For headaches, hangovers, and blisters.

Optional: face wipes, moisturizer, earplugs (for sleeping), and a mirror if you are into face glitter or makeup.

Food, Drink, and Staying Fueled

Glasto has killer food shoot-from-vegan burritos-to-wood-fired-pizza-but-expensive, and the queues are not for the faint-hearted.

What food to carry:

  • Snacks- Cereal bars, nuts, crisps, dried fruit, or instant noodles.
  • Instant coffee sachets or teabags-Whether you need the caffeine fix in the morning.
  • The breakfast bits- Cereal bars or brioche to start your day without standing in the queue for eggs at 8am.

Drinks:

  • Reusable water bottle – Refill anywhere. Hydrate!
  • Few cans – Alcohol is allowed in, but keep it cool. You’ll have to lug them about!
  • Hip flask – Another bit of cheek for the late-night sessions.
  • For groups, consider bringing a small camping stove or kettle as that makes a huge difference, especially in the mornings.

Miscellaneous Things That Will Earn You a Festival Legend Title

The Glasto packing list unsung heroes:

  • Torch or headlamp – Nightmare without it at 3 am trying to find your tent.
  • Duct tape –Mends tents, boots, chairs, dignity…
  • Bin bags – For rubbish, muddy clothes, or a quick fix for rain cover.
  • Ziplock bags – For keeping your things dry, phones, or even loo rolls.
  • Power bank(s) – You’re going to be on your phone a lot.
  • Reusable cutlery/cup – Some food stalls encourage it, and it’s the eco-friendly option.
  • Lighter – Even if you don’t smoke, someone will thank you for it.
  • Notebook or pen – Useful for jotting down the names of bands you’ve just discovered (or the number of your new Glasto best mate)!

Final Thoughts

Packing for Glastonbury is a whole military operation. And honestly: You will survive if you forget something. People are friendly; there will always be someone to lend you a hand or sell you what you need, and once there, the magic of the place will cast its spell on you.

The real things that count here are good company, a positive attitude, and the willingness to embark on adventures.

You’re about to spend five days dancing in fields, discovering new sounds of music, making beautiful strangers, and forming memories that will be shared for years to come. So, a little mud in the sleeping bag or one or two missed showers are fine by me!

So smart packing, light travel, and…attenuate every bit of fun. See you on the field!