With Latitude '16 coming up I've been pondering the things I need to see me through the weekend.

After last year I've already purchased a pull along granny trolley for transporting my gear to the campsite, a mallet (hard to put pegs in the ground without one!), and some fluorescent guy ropes.

The black guy ropes that come with most tents are the work of the devil, they lurk in the half light just waiting to trip you over. And with luck it'll stop anyone tripping and falling onto my tent.

Perhaps the next most important thing is a good waterproof. We had stupidly good weather last year but I can't think we'll be so lucky this time around (look at me with my glass half empty), so I'm after a good waterproof layer. The worst thing about camping in the rain is being unable to get dry once it starts. Once you're soggy, you stay that way until the sun comes out.

I like the idea of a poncho for ease of use, there is nothing harder than wrestling your way out of a wet pac-a-mac in a small tent!

Shower in a bottle
Last year I used the Pump It Up Dry Body Wash and it was pretty good. It's basically a shower in a bottle, not as good as a shower but a good alternative to wet wipes. And in these situations every little helps.

Hair prettiness
I love wearing flowers in my hair but often feel self conscious when I do, a festival is one place I won't feel silly doing so. I've dug out my old flowers last seen when dressed as a fairy!

Sunnies
I live in my sunnies if I'm outside, I have no tolerance for the bright sunshine (or rather my eyeballs don't), so these are an absolute must.

Teapigs
I have a supply of Teapigs Yerba Mate and Tung Ting Oolong tea temples, and I'm hoping Sophie will be nice share her boiling water with me (thank you please Sophie?).

Camping mug
I have an old one that I love but wouldn't this be just perfect for a festival weekend adventure?

Huge scarf
I have banned myself from buying any scarves this year, but if I did buy one, this would be it. Good for a pillow, a blanket, a picnic, and, y'know, wearing as a scarf.

Are you festivaling this year?

Latitude is calling my name.

I'm setting off shortly for a weekend of festivalisation with my best friend, leaving Andy home alone.

It's been a very long time since I slept under canvas, and the first time I've attended a large music festival. I'm super excited (although dreading the infamous toilet and shower situation), I have my bags packed, and am counting down the minutes until I can hop in the car and go.

I know from numerous camping adventures that you need to be prepared for all seasons. Layering is always the answer.

I've got a few easy-to-wear dresses that I can layer with vest tops and a cardigan, and a jumper that can go over all of them, weather depending.

I've packed skinny jeans to wear under the dresses when the evenings cool, and long socks to pop on with my wellies should things get soggy underfoot.

Shoe wise I have an old pair of Toms, some flip flops for the shower and a pair of flat sandals. All are old and I won't mind if they get trashed. Everything I am taking has a purpose (or dual purpose) and nothing is so precious that I'd be gutted if it got ruined or lost - mildly miffed maybe but certainly not bereft. It's just not worth taking the risk.

I've also packed a good old fashioned pac-a-mac. And a scarf. One that's lightweight but big. Good to use as a cover-up in the midday sun (fingers crossed) but also good for layering when it turns cooler in the evenings.


I have a cross the body bag that zips closed for phone, money etc and a smallish rucksack for suncream, tissues, lip balm, hand sanitiser, rain mac and all that gubbins.

Umbrellas aren't allowed on the site otherwise I'd take one of those too.

I'm praying for good weather (weather reports are currently looking very promising). However, it doesn't have to be hot and sunny, it just has to be dry and warm enough. My friend has never been camping, and camping in the cold and wet is no fun at all.

Naturally I'll be taking wet wipes and dry shampoo but I'm also taking along Pump It Up Dry Shower Body Wash. I read about this on Sarah's blog and immediately ordered it from Boots.


It's basically a foam that cleanses, kills bacteria and body odour, without water. I've given it a bit of a test and it's pretty good, I'm not saying that I'll be using it instead of having a shower, but to tide me over, for a bit of a freshen up, it's perfect.

Also Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment and insect repellant. Nuff said.

Make up will be minimal - BB cream, cream blush, mascara, and brow pencil that can double up as eye liner.

I like to travel light so my tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and mat are all super compact, and my towel is of the folds-up-to-the-size-of-a-postage-stamp variety, so I can carry everything from the car to the campsite with ease.

My tip if you don't want to take a bulky pillow - take a pillow case a fill it with clothes (t-shirts and jumpers are good). It's not exactly goose down comfort but it does save a lot of space.


So, here I am ready and raring to go. Tweet me any recommendations of who to see / what to do and say 'hi' if you're there and you see me.