Reading festival hints and tips

[1newname]

Hi, 16 year old ds is going to Reading festival 🥴. I've never been to a festival so need a check list of what he needs to bring! Obviously tend, sleeping bag but any other suggestions? Do people take snacks? Other essentials?? Thanks

Hi, yes take snacks and a refillable water bottle. Food on site at festivals is usually expensive, though there should be a pop up Coop or similar. A couple of charged power banks are useful, so are wet wipes. A couple of disposable ponchos in case it rains. A toilet roll might be appreciated a couple of days in. He'll have a ball, but if anything like my DD, will. Come home and sleep for a full day!, I'll post again as I remember other items!

Power banks
water bottle
use what3words to locate tent
chair

Don't use any of the portaloos which could be tipped over and leave before the last night.

Wet wipes . Power bank. Travel Johns , ponchos, toilet roll, anti bac , bum bag to keep all money in. Never let it out of sight , he will have a ball but please be aware that it's often their first time taking drugs so make sure they know how they use them safely, don't say don't do them because they won't take any notice of it. They need safety advice

Ear plugs for when he actually wants to sleep
Lucozade tablets and paracetamol
Bin bag for dirty/wet/muddy clothes and keeping things dry if it rains
Hand gel
Plasters for if his shoes rub! There’s a lot of walking/being on your feet and shoes rub even more when it’s hot and/or wet

Definately a bum bag or sling bag to carry phone and money, and ideally a bottle of water.

Blister plasters - my DS wore Docs he's lived in for a year but being on his sweaty feet all day caused blisters.

A head torch is great - my DS said especially for braving the toilets at night.

I wouldn't accept that he will take drugs - at 16 I don't think it's inevitable, and god kniws what he could end up taking at a festival. A 'local' drug dealer needs to keep a reputation of supplying a quality product, but at a featival, and being so young, they could end up getting anything, ideally asprin, but could also be dodgy stuff.

Not that any drugs aren't dodgy and don't cause misery to disadvantaged communities in particular.