Have finally talked DH into buying a tent, but need some help knowing which one and what kit

[flier]

I haven't camped since I was a kid, so we need to buy everything. We are 2 adults and 2 DCs.

We plan on going a away for 5 nights absolute max (DH thinking 2!) to begin with, DHs only stipulation is that he can sleep comfortably, so recommendations on sleeping mats would be good.

The Vango Icarus seems to be very well regarded, so thought we may start there - any thoughts? I know nothing about groundsheets, fly sheets etc etc, so what do I need to know?

To add to this, we're going to our first music festival, just DH and I - would the Icarus 600 be too big to take?

and what else will I need to buy for our family camping?

I think the Icarus is a great family tent to start camping in. Vango is a well regarded make and personally I like the tunnel tent design (easy to pitch too). Looking at the details it looks like there is a dividing curtain in the bedroom so you can all sleep in together or have a bit of privacy with two sleeping areas.

It's simple to pitch and has a sewn in ground sheet. You can probably get a footprint groundsheet which goes underneath to protect the one that is attached to the tent.

As for what else to get, something to sleep on (airbed, self inflating mats or camp beds), something to sleep in or under (sleeping bags or duvet), some sort of lighting, something to cook on and with and eat on and with. Maybe some chairs and a table, a cool box.

You can just keep going with camping kit. It is a dangerous business depends if you have room to transport loads of stuff or if you prefer the more minimalistic approach to things.

We have a vango, good make, never had any problems.
Argos do some great camping stuff if you are on a budget. We have a great folding table and chairs set, which is perfect for eating/ drinking wine whilst kids are in bed!!!
We also go to alot of festivals, but generally try to take a much smaller tent to these, as it's just not worth the hassle of trying to find a space big enough/wasting valuable drinking time putting up/taking down a big tent- just one tip, make sure you have a porch for muddy/wet/sandy clothes.
Which festival are you going to???

Ooo and never forget a mallet and take a torch out with you of an evening to make your walk back to the tent easier!

Thanks for replies. Festival is a small familt friendly one near Beauly in the scottish highlands, Tartan Heart aka Belladrum