Reading Festival first timer - your tips please

[Clementara21]

Just that really - DD is going to Reading this coming weekend - her first festival (and I've never been to a festival either). So we're seeking tips on what to take with her and how to get the best from her weekend. She's 17 btw.

If she isn't in a tiny tent travel johns or similar are good. They mean you dont have to leave the tent to visit the toilet in the middle of the night. If not, a head torch is good for portaloos in the dark!

Baby wipes for a quick clean up in a tent. Sunscreen and a hat as sunstroke v unpleasant. Go in the smaller music tents to explore if it is very hot at noon.
Wellies and low expectations of sunny weather.

I just came on to say TravelJohn! They were excellent, no silly o clock trips to dodgy toilet by torchlight. The last time I went to reading between Traveljohn and main arena toilets I managed to avoid the portaloos altogether! This was years ago and not the post GCSE-fest it is now, so maybe they've improved the portaloos a bit?

Dry shampoo spray is great. Baby wipes too. Hat for sun and covering how crap your hair gets come the end! Pack as light as you can get away with, it could be a long trek to the campsite. I had a small padlock for the tent, obviously won't prevent someone slashing at it to steal your stuff but may be a bit offputting for any opportunistic theives, also a bit of security at night if she's on her own in the tent. Sleep with valuables in the bottom of sleeping bag.

Cereal bars to keep for breakfast/snacks as they're lightweight. Maybe a bumbag too?

There’s a Tesco not far away
She won’t starve.

Just be wise. Stay together and have fun

If you can, hire a locker so you can charge your phone. If you are collecting, do so late Sunday night or very early Monday morning (7 am) as travelling around/in or out ofReading by car or train as the day goes on is awful. Hope she has fun!

Earplugs for sleeping. Take an old phone if you have one. Can't think of anything that's not been mentioned already. DD is going to Leeds.

Keep a changeof clothes ina black bag so if it rains or tent is flooded at least you have dry stuff to put on.
A pack of tissues to use in arena toilets
Check website for banned items. These will include aerosols ( so some dry shampoo sprays may be confiscated) , glass bottles, glass jars, camping gaz canisters.
Only bags A4size and under are allowed in arena.

www.readingfestival.com/information-category/the-essentials

Don't put the tent next to a path, fence or hedge unless you want to get tripped over or pissed on!

These are great and really helpful, thanks everyone. Anything else that hasn't been mentioned?

My DS bought a Festakits from Amazon. First time he had an Essentials one and he has also had a VIP and a men's one too. He says they have everything he has needed and also included things even he hadn't thought of

Hope she has a brilliant time.

Ds (also 17, just) is going too so I'm reading and making notes.

I've bought Ds a power pack to take so he can keep his phone charged. It's supposed to charge up to 6 full phone charges but I tested it out and it kept my phone powered up for 7 days.

Headache pills! And don't camp too near the portaloos, stench aside, they often get trashed on the last night

My 18 year old DD is going this weekend too!

I was told you needs socks... take as many you can. Keeps your feet warm at night, and if it rains...you have lovely dry socks to look forward too.

Dd is off too, she's been to other festivals with us so is abit more worldly. They are going to the supermarket in reading then getting an Uber to the festival site apparently

When ds camped, he regretted not bringing enough drinks and snacks with him as the cost of food is extortionate. Yes there is a Tesco but it is a fair walk. You don't want to have to do it too often.

@stucknoue Uber is NOT licensed to operate in Reading. I am aware that some drivers pick up fares but they are doing it illegally. I would not let my dcs get in an unlicensed taxi.

Don't bother with a padlock. Just don't leave anything hugely expensive in the tent. If your tent gets slashed then that's your festival over. If someone goes in and sees a few pairs of socks and a sleeping bag they tend to not bother. Take cash and keep it on your person, same with a phone. Leave everything else of value at home.

Take as little as possible. Wellies are not actually that good in mud, walking boots are better as they stay on your feet. Look at the forecast beforehand to decide which footwear to take.

Baby wipes, dry shampoo, suncream, anti bac gel are all her friend.

Take a toilet roll in a plastic bag. Stays dry and you can take a few sheets off each day to use when out and about. I had a shewee too.

Download and print band times from Clashfinder website before leaving. Saves money on paying for the official programme/lanyard.

Bin bags, wipes and hand sanitizer essential. Don't camp too close to toilets.

Take as much light, non perishable food as possible. Food is expensive. I used to take loads of brioche rolls as they last ages. Cereal bars are also good.

Waitrose and Tesco both within walking distance if she forgets anything.