Arriving at a festival only to realize you’ve forgotten an essential item is a common frustration—almost like turning up at the airport without your passport. This summer, as the much-anticipated 2000Trees Festival returns to Upcote Farm in Cheltenham this July, we’ve put together a last-minute checklist to make sure your festival experience is smooth, comfortable, and memorable.
Here are five crucial items to pack ahead of the festival season:
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Suncream
While it may sound basic, suncream is non-negotiable. With bright, sunny weather likely and plenty of T-shirt days ahead, protecting your skin (and your kids’) from harmful UV rays is a priority. Avoid the weekend of itchy, painful sunburn by slathering on suncream regularly.
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Camping Trolley
A camping trolley is a game-changer when it comes to ferrying your gear across the festival site. Whether it’s lugging tired children, carrying bottles of water, or transporting chairs, a sturdy trolley makes life easier. Families might want to opt for one with a sun-shielding roof—it can double as a cosy shady nook decorated with fairy lights or curtains when the little ones need a nap.
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Gazebo
Many festival-goers underestimate the value of a gazebo until the weather turns. Whether you need shelter from the sun, rain, or wind, or want a covered spot to prepare breakfast, a gazebo offers invaluable protection and extra camping space. Avoid tripping over guy ropes and encroaching on neighbours’ pitches by staking out your own little shelter.
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Camping Cooker
For families especially, a compact camping cooker with two hobs is indispensable. It lets you boil water for tea or instant meals while preparing simple dishes like bacon sandwiches or noodles. Festival food can be costly, and having the option to cook some basics yourself keeps hunger and expenses in check.
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Food Supplies
Building on the cooker, bringing plenty of food is key. An icebox helps keep perishables fresh on day one, but dried and canned foods are essential for the rest of the festival. Pack lightweight, easy-to-prepare staples like dried pasta, porridge, noodles, and soups—ideally meals that just need hot water. Also consider seasoning essentials like soy sauce, salt, and sugar to elevate your festival fare beyond the ordinary.
Organised by James Scarlett, the 2000Trees Festival has been crowned Best Festival in 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Running from July 8-12, 2026, this event celebrates 19 years of music and community, with its 20th anniversary coming up in 2027. While four-day tickets are sold out, day passes and three-day tickets remain available.
Prepare well, pack right, and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable summer festival in the scenic Cotswolds!