If you’re going to a music festival this summer, now is the time to start thinking about what you’re going to pack. Packing for a festival requires care and precision - so you have everything you need for a fun and safe weekend, without overloading yourself with too many items.

Not sure where to start? With a mix of common sense and good research, you’ll be able to pack all the essentials you’ll require for a comfortable festival experience – plus a few extras.

Your essential festival kit

The most important thing to pack in your essential festival kit is a place to sleep. If you’re taking a tent, make sure you know how to set it up before getting to the festival as it will save you time. You’ll also need a sleeping bag and an air mat. Many festival-goers consider air mats to be non-essential, but having one will ensure that you have a better night’s sleep, as well as protecting you from damp or muddy ground.

Next, spend time considering your clothing. If you’re going to a festival in the UK, the likelihood is that the forecast will be uncertain so make sure you pack for rain and sun. For girls, shorts or a short skirt are handy – they’ll keep you cool in warm weather and if temperatures drop, they can easily be paired with a pair of tights or leggings. Boys should opt for shorts or cropped trousers. Generally, jeans are best avoided as they can get damp and heavy if the ground is muddy. And for footwear, waterproof wellington boots are essential though it’s advisable to pack a pair of sandals too in case of a hot spell.

You also need to think about food and drink. A large bottle or canister for water is vital – without water, you’ll be vulnerable to fainting which can be very dangerous in large festival crowds. There’s often good food available at festivals, but queues can be long and stalls might not always be open when you’re at your most hungry. So pack a range of foods that won’t spoil easily over the weekend: think fruit, crisps, dried meat, muesli bars and chocolate. Instant noodles are also worth packing as there will usually be somewhere you can get boiling water on the festival site.

And finally, consider your personal hygiene. You’re unlikely to have a chance to shower, so leave expensive hair products at home. Instead, pack some dry shampoo or talcum powder to treat oily hair, or use a scarf to disguise any dirt. Sunscreen is also essential, especially if the weather forecast is good. Festivals can be very grimy affairs too, so you’ll be grateful for antibacterial gel and baby wipes. And don’t forget about your ears – it’s damaging to be around loud music for such sustained periods of time so have earplugs on hand at all time. As well as protecting your ear drums, they’ll also help you sleep in your tent when your neighbours are still partying.

Accessories to get the party started

Of course, packing for a festival isn’t just about ensuring your comfort – it’s also about making sure you have everything you need for a memorable event. Flags, fancy dress and face paint are popular with revellers and can help you stand out so your friends won’t lose you in the crowds. If you’re expecting a lot of late night revelry, accessories that glow are endless fun. Glow sticks, bracelets and even glow necklaces look great in the dark, while UV earrings are more subtly entertaining.