UK festivals are unique. You can start the day in suncream and end it in a waterproof poncho, walk kilometres between stages, and deal with security checks that can be strict about what you carry. The best festival accessories in the UK are the ones that combine style with function: they keep your essentials secure, help you handle unpredictable weather, improve comfort during long sets, and still look good in photos.
This guide is built from festival packing guidance and UK event rules, with practical recommendations you can use immediately.
What “Best Festival Accessories” Means in the UK
In the UK, “best” usually means:
- Weather-proof and layer-friendly, because conditions change quickly.
- Easy to carry and security-friendly, because queues get worse the more you bring and bags may be restricted in arenas.
- Comfort-first, because multi-day festivals demand recovery and sleep systems even more than outfits.
1. A4-Sized Festival Bag or Secure Bumbag
A UK-specific reality: some major festivals restrict bag size in the arena.
- Reading Festival’s official “Essentials” guidance states that if you bring a bag into the arena it should be no bigger than A4, and there is one A4 bag per person allowed.
- Time Out’s write-up of Reading & Leeds 2025 also highlights that in the arena your bag must be smaller than A4.
What to buy:
- A compact crossbody bag or bumbag with secure zips
- A style that sits close to the body (better for crowds and pickpocket resistance)
- A simple internal layout (phone, power bank, card/cash, earplugs)
Why it’s “best” for the UK:
- It fits arena rules more often than backpacks.
- It reduces queue time because searches are faster when bags are small.
2. Waterproof and Packable Outer Layer
UK festival packing guides consistently emphasize preparing for unpredictable weather. Condé Nast Traveller explicitly calls out the challenge of packing for the UK’s rain-or-shine conditions.
What to buy:
- A packable waterproof jacket or poncho
- A light mid-layer for evenings (fleece or hoodie)
- Dry bags or bin bags to protect spare clothes and devices
Why it matters:
- You can still enjoy sets when weather turns.
- Your phone, charger, and spare layers stay usable.
3. Headlamp or Small Camp Light
If you’re camping, lighting is not optional. UK festival camping checklists repeatedly include torch/headlamp as a key item.
What to buy:
- A headlamp for hands-free use at night
- A small lantern for inside the tent
Why it’s “best”:
- You will use it constantly (tent setup, toilets, charging, finding items).
- It reduces stress and saves time at camp.
4. Portable Power Bank and Cable Kit
Power is one of the most repeated “do not forget” essentials in UK festival advice. Radio X’s Glastonbury packing guidance explicitly lists a portable phone charger as a must.
What to buy:
- A high-capacity power bank for camp
- A smaller bank for the arena
- A short cable kit (USB-C / Lightning depending on your phone)
Why it’s “best”:
- You need battery for tickets, maps, meet-up messages, photos, and emergencies.
5. Earplugs Designed for Music
While basic foam earplugs reduce volume, many frequent ravers prefer “music” earplugs (high-fidelity) that reduce harshness while keeping clarity. Even general festival checklists emphasize earplugs, including for better sleep.
What to buy:
- High-fidelity earplugs for sets
- A spare pair for sleeping if you’re camping
Why it’s “best”:
- Protects hearing during long exposure.
- Improves comfort and recovery across multiple days.
6. Hydration Accessories
Hydration is a constant theme in festival packing lists, especially for multi-day events and hot weather spikes. Many “what to pack” lists include water containers and hydration planning as core essentials.
What to buy:
- Refillable bottle (arena-friendly)
- Hydration-compatible bag for long days (where rules allow)
- Electrolytes for multi-day stamina
Why it’s “best”:
- Keeps you going longer and reduces the crash effect from heat, walking, and dancing.
7. Cooling Accessories: Folding Fan or Portable Air Fan
Crowded tents, packed stages, and indoor dance spaces can get uncomfortably hot. While not always included in mainstream camping lists, it has become a common “smart extra” item in festival communities and rave gear culture because it improves comfort immediately.
- Durable folding fan (reinforced spine)
- Compact rechargeable air fan
Why it’s “best”:
- Helps you stay comfortable without leaving the crowd.
- Doubles as a practical prop for photos and group content.
8. Festival Face Accessories (Gems, Glitter, Statement Eyewear)
UK festivals are style-heavy, but accessories need to survive sweat, movement, and long days. Face gems and statement eyewear deliver high impact with minimal bulk, which suits UK security and packing constraints.
What to buy:
- Sweat-resistant face gems
- Durable festival eyewear (including UV protection for daytime)
- Minimal but strong “statement” jewellery
Why it’s “best”:
- High visual impact without carrying extra clothing.
- Works across day and night sets.
9. Camping Essentials That UK Festivals Reward
If you’re camping, comfort becomes a competitive advantage. Halfords’ festival camping checklist includes chair, pillow, eye mask, earplugs, headlamp, duct tape, bin bags, toilet roll, and a basic first aid kit.
What to buy:
- Sleeping mat + warm sleeping bag
- Camping chair (even a compact one)
- Wet wipes / hygiene kit
- Duct tape and basic repairs
Why it’s “best”:
- Better recovery means better energy for the music.
- Small comforts prevent the weekend from becoming a grind.
Where to Buy Festival Accessories in the UK
You can assemble this entire setup from multiple outdoor retailers and rave shops, but most people prefer a single place that covers both festival function and rave aesthetics. That’s where Liakara fits well: you can build your festival kit (bags, eyewear, face accessories, fans, camping-friendly extras) from one store while keeping a consistent look.
If you’re building a UK festival kit, also keep event rules in mind:
- Some arenas limit bags to A4 size (Reading/Leeds).
- Some festivals actively encourage travelling light to speed up entry.
Final Thoughts
The best festival accessories in the UK are the ones that match UK realities: unpredictable weather, long walking distances, crowded arenas, and security checks that may limit what you can carry. If you get the basics right - A4-friendly bag, waterproof layer, power, lighting, ear protection, hydration, and a few high-impact style pieces-you’ll have a better weekend and fewer problems.
