With just over four weeks until the big Camp Bestival weekend, it's finally time to start planning. You might think that's a little excessive but the key to a happy, awesome, fun-filled festival avec children, is all in the planning.
Think less is more. If you can't carry it - leave it at home!
The Ultimate Family Festival Packing List
Camping
Tent - If your tent is new, give it a dry run at home to make sure you know how to put it up! My beautiful new addition to the family is the SoulPad 5000-ease. I am quite literally in love with it it. At 5m, it's huge and we certainly won't grow out of it. I can't recommend SouldPad enough, their customer service is excellent.
Air mattress - And a pump if you don't fancy the old fashioned DIY inflate.
Sleeping bag - A regular sleeping bag is all you need but since coming across the awesome MuscuBag (below), I really need one in my life! I haven't shown my girls because I know they will really, really need them in their lives. I'm actually not sure how I managed to make it to this point on my life without one!
Head torch and spare batteries - Two hands are better than one when you are attempting to navigate a dark campsite in the middle of the night.
Spare tent pegs and mallet
Cooking
Portable stove and gas - For alfresco diningMess tins - For the authentic camping vibe
Pan, cutlery, kitchen roll
Small skewers - For making my legendary Saussypops!
A cool box - Not an essential but handy if you have one.
Food
Snacks
Clothing
We are at the mercy of the good old British weather, so planning for sun, rain, sleet and snow is advisable. If it's scorchio, simply leave your woolies and waders in the car and retrieve them if needed.
Sensible shoes are also a must. You will be covering a lot more ground than you think and there's nothing worse than sore feet by the end of day one.
Lightweight waterproof jacket - Screw it up and stick it in your bag.
Warm jumper - For the cool evenings.
Jeans
Shorts
Vest / T-shirt - I'm all about the layering.
Flower headband - My signature festival piece!
Underwear
Socks
Sensible shoes - Dr Martens are perfecto!
Essential Extras
Toilet roll - Better to be safe than sorry!Hand sanitiser - An absolute essential.
Wet wipes - As much as you like to think that you'll be standing in line for a shower, it never happens. Take it out of the equation and be baby fresh instead.
Toothbrush / toothpaste
Bin bags - Perfect for throwing everything in at home time.
Picnic rug - One with a plastic backing to keep you dry on dewy grass
Glow sticks
Phone
Solar powered charger - The only sensible way to keep your phone juiced.
Nurofen
Pack of Loom Bands - to make gifts for all your new friends!
A roomy lightweight bag - For carrying the above around in all day!
Money
Your festival passes!
To Leave In The Car
A full change of clothes - I'm not one to tempt fate but it's better to be prepared should the heavens open.Wellies - As above
A couple of spare blankets - They are great in the evening if the temperature cakes a dip.
And that's it. Camp Bestival here we come!
Camp Bestival is at Lulworth Castle, Dorset from July 31st to August 3rd. Ticket and line up info at www.campbestival.net
