Duo Catering’s Top Tips – feeding the fun, not the faff
Festival season is here, and for many, it’s the highlight of the British summer. With live music, friends, fields full of laughter, and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else, UK festivals are pure magic. But if you’re not properly prepared, the dream can quickly turn into a weekend of discomfort, sunburn, and missing out.
To make sure you get the most out of your festival experience, we’ve put together the ultimate festival survival kit. Whether you’re heading to Glastonbury, Reading, Boomtown, or a local favourite, this guide will help you stay safe, comfortable and well-fed from start to finish.
1. Sun Cream: Protection is Key
The British weather might be unpredictable, but the sun still does its damage – even on cloudy days. Apply a broad-spectrum sun cream with at least SPF 30 and top it up every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or dancing in direct sunlight. Don’t forget those often-missed spots like ears, neck and the back of your hands.
Festival tip: Pack a travel-sized sun cream in your day bag so you can top up on the go.
2. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay Hydrated
Dancing, drinking, and walking around a busy festival site in the summer heat can leave you dehydrated fast. A reusable water bottle is one of the best items you can pack. Most festivals now provide free water refill stations, and a good bottle will save you money and reduce plastic waste.
Look for: A lightweight, insulated bottle to keep your water cool throughout the day.
3. Eat Properly (Yes, Like With Us)
Skipping meals or relying on snacks like cereal bars and dry crackers won’t get you through a full festival day. Fortunately, many UK festivals now feature high-quality street food and catering vendors. At Duo Catering, we offer hearty, freshly prepared food, such as burgers, hot dogs, Greek food, and even churros, that is always made with care and ready to go and ideal for festival-goers who need proper fuel.
Avoid risky DIY food like undercooked meat or anything left in the sun all day. Trust us, a warm sausage roll from your tent isn’t worth the stomach ache.
Top tip: Find us early and bookmark our location. That way, when hunger hits, you’ll know exactly where to get fed.
4. Tissues, Baby Wipes and Toilet Roll
It’s no secret that festival toilets are rarely stocked with the essentials. Bring your own toilet roll, a pack of tissues, and some biodegradable baby wipes. They’ll come in handy for freshening up, cleaning your hands, and handling life’s little messes.
Eco tip: Choose eco-friendly wipes that break down naturally and avoid clogging up festival waste systems.
5. Hygiene Essentials: Stay Fresh
Festivals can be dirty, it’s part of the charm, but staying hygienic is still important. Pack a small bottle of hand sanitiser, biodegradable soap, toothpaste, and a cloth or flannel. A quick face wash and a freshen-up in the morning can help you feel human again after a night in the tent.
Also consider: A compact mirror, toothbrush, deodorant, and dry shampoo for quick touch-ups.
6. Torch or Headlamp: Navigate the Night
Once the sun sets, navigating through the tents, toilets and crowds becomes a challenge. A torch or headlamp is essential for avoiding guy ropes, tripping hazards, and wrong turns. You’ll also want one for those late-night loo trips or digging through your bag in the dark.
Avoid using your phone torch too often, as it drains your battery just when you might need it most.
7. A Small Day Bag: Keep Your Essentials Close
A small day bag or bum bag is ideal for carrying your festival essentials: phone, power bank, water, cash or card, sun cream, lip balm and hand sanitiser. Keep it lightweight, zipped up, and easy to wear during long days on your feet.
Security tip: Keep valuables on your person and never leave important items unattended in your tent.
Bonus Tip: Know Where to Eat
When you arrive at the festival, take some time to scope out the food areas. Trust us, you don’t want to be caught in an hour-long queue for a cold chip butty just before your favourite act comes on.
Duo Catering will be on-site at many major UK festivals this summer, serving fresh, satisfying meals that keep you going all day. Whether you fancy something tasty for lunch or a late-night bite to soak up the drinks, we’re here for you.
Final Thoughts
Planning ahead with a smart festival packing list will make all the difference. With a few simple essentials, you can enjoy the music, the atmosphere and the memories without worrying about sunburn, hunger or hygiene.
Make the most of your summer and visit Duo Catering for great festival catering , fast service, and a friendly face in the crowd. We’ll be there with proper food that powers your festival weekend.