Latest news with #festivals
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
All our favourite camping buys tried and tested for festivals and family holidays – starting from just 15p
Plus, one of the UK's best campsites has safari lodges, pet pigs and secret waterfalls CAMP OUT All our favourite camping buys tried and tested for festivals and family holidays – starting from just 15p FESTIVAL and camping season is here and with that, so is the frantic rush to find items that make it that little bit easier. Whether crawling around in a cramped festival tent or away with the family in a holiday park, as much as we may love camping there are some things about it that can be a nightmare. Advertisement 15 Camping and festival season have returned Credit: AP Here are The Sun's travel team's top recs for camping this summer. Collapsible items With a limited amount of storage space in caravans and tents, making sure your kitchen equipment is as space-saving as possible is an essential. Look for collapsible items to stack and save space. This Outwell kettle, £39.99, is also collapsible to just 4.5cm despite holding 1.5litres when expanded. Advertisement Ikea does a great collapsible washing up bowl for just £5. The Pepprig bowl collapses flat and features a hole to hang from pegs. And when it comes to cooking up a storm, a stacking nest of pans is essential. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel Advertisement Camping pans The BeGrit Camping Pans is a four-piece stackable stainless steel set that includes a frying pan, two pots, plate and spoon in a storage bag. From £17.99 on Amazon or for a more sophisticated set that covers all bases for a family, Decathlon sell the Quechua Stainless Steel Non-Stick Camping Cookset for £49.99. UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard With a whopping 25 items suitable for a family of four you get a big pot and frying pan and within is stored a sieve drainer, plates, cups and cutlery. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel Advertisement 15p Plates You don't want to waste weight - or risk breakages - by using standard crockery in a caravan. Invest in some melamine plates, cups and bowls but for me, I want to make things easy when it comes to washing up. A nice big pack of disposable, biodegradable and compostable plates costs around £7 for 50 from Amazon and are perfect for most meals and avoid the need to use lots of water or make several trips to the block to wash up. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel Advertisement 15 A nice big pack of disposable, biodegradable and compostable plates costs around £7 for 50 from Amazon Credit: Amazon ReadyBed For £27.50 from Argos, ReadyBed is an air mattress and sleeping bag rolled into one, which saves on space and weight when you're packing – pivotal when you've got kids or you're lugging heaps of gear across a festival site. What I personally love is that there's no risk of rolling off the airbed as you're fully zipped in. It's got a built-in pillow and the sleeping bag element/cover can be removed and chucked in the washing machine. Advertisement Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor 15 ReadyBed has a built-in pillow and the sleeping bag element/cover can be removed and chucked in the washing machine Credit: Argos Magic mirror This bit of kit is my most cherished camping item. It's a foldable mirror made up of four glass squares that unravel into a full-length travel mirror. Advertisement Costing £45, it comes with a tie at the top so that it can be looped around a tent pole. The best feature is how compact it is, folding into a flat square – just be wary as a lot of festivals don't allow glass. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor 15 Magic Mirror is a foldable mirror made up of four glass squares Credit: Magic Mirror Advertisement Vango Micro Steel Chair You can probably find cheaper camping chairs out there, but this £24.99 chair is great for packing light (it weighs just 1.5kg) and if you're tight for space. Unlike some traditional camping chairs, you'll have to construct it, a bit like a tent, but that takes about 30 seconds. The steel frame of the chair relies on a tent-pole like structure which means it's easily collapsible and can be shoved in a teeny bag along with the canvas-material chair. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor Advertisement 15 This camping chair takes less than a minute to construct Credit: Outdoor World Vango Square Water Carrier Water carriers are so cheap but so useful, especially at a festival where the toilet facilities may not be anything more than a hole in the ground. This one for £7.99, folds into practically nothing and comes with a nifty tap feature that will give you running water at the twist of a nozzle. Fill it up every day from the campsites water station and use it to wash your hands, brush your teeth, drink from etc. Advertisement Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor 15 A water carrier is super useful for when the toilets and taps are far from your tent Credit: Outdoor World Loop earplugs As much as I enjoy a festival or two, I do need my beauty sleep otherwise I can be pretty unpleasant to be around. So when it comes to going to bed, I won't go without my Loop earplugs. Advertisement These handy little gadgets block out almost everything, muffling all background noise and thumping bass. They might be the most I've ever spent on earplugs, but they're well worth it. Loop earplugs cost from £19.95. Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter Advertisement 15 These handy little gadgets block out almost everything Credit: Loop earplugs FreshWipes We all know that as the days go on at festivals, one thing that gets worse (aside from the hangover) is people's hygiene - and I don't like to be one of those people. So what I bring is FreshWipes, the OceanFresh scent does the trick and is biodegradable too. FreshWipes cost £5.99 per pack. Advertisement Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter 15 FreshWipes keep you fresh and are biodegradable too Credit: Fresh Wipes Face and body cooling spray With the hot and sticky weather we have been experiencing lately, being able to cool down is not the easiest unless you drench yourself in water. Whilst chugging water can help to keep you hydrated, sometime it just feels like your skin is about to burn off. Advertisement This is where a face and body cooling spray comes in. For years I have sworn by Superdrug's own brand 'Face & Body Cooling Spray 200ml' costing just £5. And this bottle will last you the whole summer. I use it over makeup on my face for a cooldown spritz and down my arms too - it really helps to take the edge off of the heat. Advertisement I also recently discovered their Vitamin E Mist, which comes in a small 50ml bottle for £2.50. If struggling on space, definitely grab one of these and it is even in Superdrug's '3 for 2' offer, so you can pick up some other travel minis too. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter 15 One cooling spray bottle will last you the whole summer Credit: Superdrug Advertisement Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator Now this one may be weird to people - essentially a bottle for sun cream, despite sun cream already coming in a bottle. But if you are like me, the price of sun cream irks you each year the season gets warmer and sunnier. And if you are anything like me, the bog standard sunscreen is no good. With oily skin, a hate for tackiness and a dislike for the smell, I make sure the sunscreen I get suits me. Advertisement And to cut costs, I will often purchase the biggest bottle available. However, with this, it is hard to carry around the sun cream. This is where the Solar Buddies Applicator comes in. The small and compact applicator can be filled with any sunscreen of your choosing and costs just £6.38 from Boots. Advertisement Despite the product specifically being designed for use by children, it is suitable for anyone who wants to carry a smaller bottle of sunscreen around with them without the risk of the bottle lid pinging off in your bag. It is also 100ml so suitable for hand luggage! Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter 15 Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator is 100ml so suitable for hand luggage Credit: Boots Advertisement Luna Daily The Everywhere Spray-to-Wipe Fragrance Free 30ml Whilst this little product is rather steep in price for £8, I don't go away without it. As an 'everywhere spray', Luna Daily is perfect for festival camping when you feeling grabby after using a questionably-clean portaloo or after crawling around in and out of your tent. The spray-to-wipe product can be used anywhere - including 'down there' - helping you to feel a bit cleaner whilst in a not-so-clean environment. It is completely fragrance free and includes thermal water, prebiotic lactic acid and inulin and Vitamins C, E and F to protect your skin - essentially no nasties. Advertisement One bottle is the equivalent of 100 wipes and it can be kept in the fridge for added cooling effects. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter 15 This spray-to-wipe product can be used anywhere - including 'down there' Credit: Boots SPF 30 Lip Balm on a carabineer As an avid hiker and camper during my teenage years, you would not find me without a lip balk attached to a belt loop on my hip. Advertisement Just a basic SPF 30 lip balm with moisturising coconut in helped against the harsh elements of sun and wind whilst adventuring. The carabineer attached just adds convenience as you can attach it yourself as I did, the zip or side of a bag or even keys or a water bottle. They can be picked up at most outdoors shops like Trespass or Go Outdoors for a couple of quid. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter Advertisement 15 The carabineer attached to this lip balm adds convenience Credit: Trespass Ikea lamp There are so many different camping lamps out there - from wind-up ones to battery operated. And they also can widely range in price. Ikea has just released a lamp which I cannot wait to get my hands on. Advertisement The small table lamp which is battery-operated and donut-shaped looks stylish whilst also being practical. It has a rope loop on it to hand in your tent, but also due to its flat bottom it can sit on a table easily - meaning you can move it between your campsite dinner setup to the roof of your tent, giving you light wherever you go. If wanting something smaller, the classic lightbulb shaped lamps on caribineers are also great and can be picked up for under a fiver. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter Advertisement 15 This small table lamp which is battery-operated and donut-shaped looks stylish whilst also being practical Credit: IKEA Soft running bottles Whilst not the cheapest at £9.99 each from Decathlon, soft running bottles are great space savers. They can be rolled up to the size of a fist and are easy to shove in the remaining room in a pack camping back. For festivals, they are even better - as often to get into the main arena, your water bottle needs to be empty - and these can just fit in your pocket to be filled once in the area. Advertisement Even when full, they can still slide into a pocket, which means you won't be carrying around a clunky bottle. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter 15 Soft bottles can be can be rolled up to the size of a fistCredit: Decathlon These are the UK's best campsites with flawless 10/10 reviews, honesty shops & even resident deer. Advertisement Plus, one of the UK's best campsites has safari lodges, pet pigs and secret waterfalls.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
From a solar shower to nasal sprays: festival veterans on the things they can't live without
A summer of festivals lies ahead of us, and while hitting a muddy field with a tent, a pair of wellies and a sense of optimism is all about living in the moment, it's a brave soul who doesn't attempt at least a modicum of pre-planning. As anyone who's ever attended a weekend festival will know, there's a knack to deciding what to take (and what to leave behind), dressing to impress while travelling light, and keeping your spirits intact in all weathers. To make sure you're covered this festival season, we asked three veterans who've been to almost 100 festivals between them to share their top hacks, including what to wear, essentials to pack, and why fairy lights prove surprisingly useful when you've got kids in tow … 'I've learned the hard way that with my hay fever, a nasal spray is a must for me,' says Debbie Lord, 53, from Penzance, Cornwall 'Since my first event at 19, I've been to over 20 festivals: I love live music and discovering new bands, and it's a chance to shut yourself off from the outside world, meet new people and feel a little freer. There are a few things I've learned never to go to festivals without, including a collapsible bucket, solar shower and a bar of soap for washing. Starting each day clean without having to queue for the showers is a gamechanger. I always carry in a large, self-inflating roll mattress to ensure I get a good night's sleep – my friends think it's ridiculous, but it's almost as comfortable as a bed! Another essential is a pair of earplugs. Festivals can be lively until the early hours, so being able to drown out some of the noise to sleep is a must. And as a hay fever sufferer, I now go prepared. In the past, I've had to head to the on-site chemist for help when the dust was making me feel dreadful! The uncontrollable sneezing and streaming eyes were totally exhausting. I've found it best to use Beconase Hayfever nasal spray* for a few days before a festival and then every morning and night to help me enjoy everything uninterrupted. Finally, don't forget to take something shiny or glittery to wear. A bit of colourful sparkle adds to the feeling of joy and celebration.' 'To avoid crashes, pack plenty of snacks,' says artist Katherine Griffin, 44, from Brighton, East Sussex 'I've probably been to around 65 festivals in total: as well as going for fun, I often work at and make art for them. Over the years, my partner Solomon and I have picked up plenty of tips for taking children. Our daughter Ezrah, seven, has been to seven festivals, and Hazel, 18 months, has been to one – two if you count in utero! My top tip is to make sure you take a wagon, bike trailer or pushchair – crucially, one that has big, all-terrain wheels with tyres. Decorate it with fairy lights to help people see you coming at night, and don't forget your spare inner tubes and puncture repair kit. Festivals can be incredibly stimulating, so you can forget regulated meal times. The alternative is to make sure you're armed with plenty of snacks. To avoid crashes, we take plenty of slow-burning energy supplies, such as fruit, oatcakes and energy balls made with dates. We always take ear defenders for the kids, too – as a rule of thumb, if you struggle to hear yourself having a conversation then it's too loud for little ears, so that's the time to put them on. At the festival we took Hazel to last year, we'd put them on her as soon as she napped or fell asleep, so she was undisturbed. Finally, if you're hitting one of the bigger festivals, there will always be something going on, and something you'll miss out on, so choose one or two things you really want to see, then just give in to the magic. As long as you provide plenty of snacks and picnic breaks, your kids will love it as much as you do.' 'Boho chic will always have its place at festivals,' says stylist Harriet Nicolson, 31, from London 'Over the years, I've been to over 10 festivals, so I'm well-versed in packing and dressing! I'd kick off your kit with a really decent pair of boots. I usually choose a statement cowboy boot that's been well broken-in beforehand – metallic adds a festive pop. Bring a waterproof that folds up and fits in your bum bag – it will also work as a lightweight layer over your outfit for the chillier moments in the shade – and, probably most importantly, a decent cross-body bag. I attach a small carabiner to the strap on mine, so I can secure my water bottle for hands-free dancing. As for your look, while boho chic will always have its place at festivals (this season, expect to see fringing everywhere), we're seeing a real shift towards Y2K style and sports-luxe vibes: think Adidas tracksuit bottoms paired with bikini tops, or sports shorts paired with cowboy boots. While it might sound cumbersome, bringing a faux-fur coat for the freezing-cold evenings is also a winner. Choose a statement colour or pattern and you'll be the envy of the festival. Finally, go bold with accessories. I always take a couple of colourful, statement pairs of sunglasses and one all-rounder, as they're a great way to elevate an outfit.' Buy Beconase now on Amazon Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults 0.05% Nasal Spray contains beclometasone dipropionate. For the treatment of hayfever in adults aged 18 and over. Always read the leaflet. *Beconase Hayfever contains beclometasone dipropionate. For the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis, including hayfever, in adults aged 18 and over. Always read the leaflet. Disclaimer: Harriet Nicolson does not endorse Beconase products.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
From a solar shower to nasal sprays: festival veterans on the things they can't live without
A summer of festivals lies ahead of us, and while hitting a muddy field with a tent, a pair of wellies and a sense of optimism is all about living in the moment, it's a brave soul who doesn't attempt at least a modicum of pre-planning. As anyone who's ever attended a weekend festival will know, there's a knack to deciding what to take (and what to leave behind), dressing to impress while travelling light, and keeping your spirits intact in all weathers. To make sure you're covered this festival season, we asked three veterans who've been to almost 100 festivals between them to share their top hacks, including what to wear, essentials to pack, and why fairy lights prove surprisingly useful when you've got kids in tow … 'I've learned the hard way that with my hay fever, a nasal spray is a must for me,' says Debbie Lord, 53, from Penzance, Cornwall 'Since my first event at 19, I've been to over 20 festivals: I love live music and discovering new bands, and it's a chance to shut yourself off from the outside world, meet new people and feel a little freer. There are a few things I've learned never to go to festivals without, including a collapsible bucket, solar shower and a bar of soap for washing. Starting each day clean without having to queue for the showers is a gamechanger. I always carry in a large, self-inflating roll mattress to ensure I get a good night's sleep – my friends think it's ridiculous, but it's almost as comfortable as a bed! Another essential is a pair of earplugs. Festivals can be lively until the early hours, so being able to drown out some of the noise to sleep is a must. And as a hay fever sufferer, I now go prepared. In the past, I've had to head to the on-site chemist for help when the dust was making me feel dreadful! The uncontrollable sneezing and streaming eyes were totally exhausting. I've found it best to use Beconase Hayfever nasal spray* for a few days before a festival and then every morning and night to help me enjoy everything uninterrupted. default Finally, don't forget to take something shiny or glittery to wear. A bit of colourful sparkle adds to the feeling of joy and celebration.' 'To avoid crashes, pack plenty of snacks,' says artist Katherine Griffin, 44, from Brighton, East Sussex 'I've probably been to around 65 festivals in total: as well as going for fun, I often work at and make art for them. Over the years, my partner Solomon and I have picked up plenty of tips for taking children. Our daughter Ezrah, seven, has been to seven festivals, and Hazel, 18 months, has been to one – two if you count in utero! My top tip is to make sure you take a wagon, bike trailer or pushchair – crucially, one that has big, all-terrain wheels with tyres. Decorate it with fairy lights to help people see you coming at night, and don't forget your spare inner tubes and puncture repair kit. Festivals can be incredibly stimulating, so you can forget regulated meal times. The alternative is to make sure you're armed with plenty of snacks. To avoid crashes, we take plenty of slow-burning energy supplies, such as fruit, oatcakes and energy balls made with dates. We always take ear defenders for the kids, too – as a rule of thumb, if you struggle to hear yourself having a conversation then it's too loud for little ears, so that's the time to put them on. At the festival we took Hazel to last year, we'd put them on her as soon as she napped or fell asleep, so she was undisturbed. Finally, if you're hitting one of the bigger festivals, there will always be something going on, and something you'll miss out on, so choose one or two things you really want to see, then just give in to the magic. As long as you provide plenty of snacks and picnic breaks, your kids will love it as much as you do.' 'Boho chic will always have its place at festivals,' says stylist Harriet Nicolson, 31, from London 'Over the years, I've been to over 10 festivals, so I'm well-versed in packing and dressing! I'd kick off your kit with a really decent pair of boots. I usually choose a statement cowboy boot that's been well broken-in beforehand – metallic adds a festive pop. Bring a waterproof that folds up and fits in your bum bag – it will also work as a lightweight layer over your outfit for the chillier moments in the shade – and, probably most importantly, a decent cross-body bag. I attach a small carabiner to the strap on mine, so I can secure my water bottle for hands-free dancing. As for your look, while boho chic will always have its place at festivals (this season, expect to see fringing everywhere), we're seeing a real shift towards Y2K style and sports-luxe vibes: think Adidas tracksuit bottoms paired with bikini tops, or sports shorts paired with cowboy boots. While it might sound cumbersome, bringing a faux-fur coat for the freezing-cold evenings is also a winner. Choose a statement colour or pattern and you'll be the envy of the festival. Finally, go bold with accessories. I always take a couple of colourful, statement pairs of sunglasses and one all-rounder, as they're a great way to elevate an outfit.' Buy Beconase now on Amazon Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults 0.05% Nasal Spray contains beclometasone dipropionate. For the treatment of hayfever in adults aged 18 and over. Always read the leaflet. *Beconase Hayfever contains beclometasone dipropionate. For the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis, including hayfever, in adults aged 18 and over. Always read the leaflet. Disclaimer: Harriet Nicolson does not endorse Beconase products.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
Going to a festival? Foods to take to power through and how to hydrate against hangovers
Snacks are essential if you are planning a full day or more at a festival, so make sure you are packing some that will help you power through. 'They are compact, keep well in hot and humid conditions for several days, and provide lots of energy and minerals,' says Daniela Krehl, a nutrition expert at the Bavarian Consumer Advice Centre, in Germany. Take dried fruit with you, she recommends. 'Dried figs and apricots are very rich in minerals.' Muesli bars often combine both energy and minerals and you can also make them yourself easily, helping you save money and cut out some of the sugar Festivals are fun but potentially exhausting. Foods such as dried fruit and muesli bars can help you power through. Photo: Reuters
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
5 festival camping tips to gaurentee a great night's sleep
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Sleeping in a tent is no easy feat and at a festival it can be even more of a struggle. While you may be able to find that you can power through a couple of nights of rough sleep, come day three, festival fatigue can take its toll, and trying to enjoy the music begins to feel like a challenge. It may feel impossible trying to get some decent shut-eye amongst the rowdy crowds and loud music, but it isn't. With a few smart choices, you can boost your chances of waking up refreshed and energised, so that you're ready to dance the day away. Here's our top five camping tips for a great night's sleep… Opting to leave a camping mat or air bed at home may make your festival load (ever so slightly) lighter, but a night on the floor is a recipe for disaster. Not only will it be incredibly uncomfortable, and leave your body in no fit state for dancing the following day, but it will ensure you stay warm too, by insulating you from the ground. For those on a budget, the Aotrom Thermo Platinum sleeping mat is a solid choice or, if you're planning to have several camp-outs this year, our top pick is the Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite RST. Two of the worst things about camping is getting woken up before you're ready, and feeling like you're in a furnace – but we have two solutions for this. First-up, if you're still in need of a tent Coleman has dropped three new blackout models. These are made from clever fabric that not only block out 99% of the light from your sleeping area, but also keep it cooler by 5°C. The second solution, take a comfortable sleep mask, and consider some earplugs, like the Loop Quiet 2 Plus, while you're at it. While layers are important, as the evenings will get chilly, wearing too many to bed can actually have the opposite effect – you begin to sweat, you'll then get damp and cold, and struggle to sleep. Instead, make sure you have layers to reach for, but get a decent sleeping bag first. We have rounded up plenty of lightweight options that'll keep you snug as a bug. This can be bit a double-edged sword, because the closer you are to the entertainment, the worse your sleep will most likely be. If you're someone who actually wants some decent shut-eye, you're best bet is to set up your tent a little further away. Yes, it may mean you have to walk a slightly more each day to get to where you need to be. But, if you value your sleep, it will be worth it. Also, don't forget to check the floor too; literally lie down and roll around on it – you'll quickly discover if you'll be sleeping with a load of twigs. You could just rest your head on a bundled-up hoodie, but for the ultimate comfort upgrade, a camping pillow is a worthy investment. Not only will it take up minimal space in your backpack, but it'll also offer proper neck support and help you get a far better night's sleep after a long day on your feet.
