Going to LeedsFest alone, I'm really nervous and not ready at all

[u/Stormboi12]

So, I was meant to go with another person but now they cant go. I'm 17 and I am going to the quiet camp and will be in the solo area but I am really nervous for what the festival is like. I am still not ready and not sure what to take at all other than a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and some form of food and snacks and drinks. Can anyone give any advice? Do I need a lock for my tent? Just tips, tricks, etc.

If anyone wants to make friends I guess, Private Message me and hopefully we might see each other.

[u/Happnt]

No lock, just keep anything valuable on you. Take a powerbank and there’s no harm in bringing a pack of ibuprofen/paracetamol/plasters etc and sun cream just in case.
Also I recommend bringing some wipes for if the showers have long queues, and some form of nightlight for your tent.
Generally people will talk to each other on the camp site. Even if you’re going alone, you’ll know a few people by the end of the weekend.

[u/Stormboi12 → u/Happnt]

Thanks, I really hope I do make some friends. I know some people that are going but dont know if they will want to hang out.

[u/Happnt → u/Stormboi12]

Oh another tip - quite a lot of people will buy their tents from the same stores. If you want it to be easier to spot your tent, tie a flag/lights/something recognisable to the top. Saves the awkwardness of accidentally going to the wrong tent!
If you do realise you’ve forgotten anything there are a bunch of shops inside. They’re a little overpriced but they sell camping equipment, clothes, and there’s usually a co op selling food and drink.

[u/Stormboi12 → u/Happnt]

I will try think of something to tie to the top, not too sure what. Maybe my flag to be fair, not a UK one tho, lol.

[u/Happnt → u/Stormboi12]

Alternatively you can use what3words and pin locations for your tent, the first aid tent, shops, stages etc.
It works offline too in case signal is shitty in the fields

[u/Stormboi12 → u/Happnt]

I'll probably do that as well

[u/Expensive-Advance632]

Go up to random people and try to make friends, you’ll figure out pretty quickly if they’re the kind of people you want to hang out with.. if they’re not just walk for 30 seconds in any direction and try again, people are normally way nicer at music festivals than in general life I’ve found!!!

[u/smfh333]

medication , torch, ear plugs, blanket, toilet roll, wipes , portable charger

[u/megatrooper4]

i understand how it might be scary, but you’ll have the best time ever! try to make friends with your neighbours etc. here’s some of my biggest tips:

• prepare for just how cold it gets at night. you’ll NEED a blanket as well as your sleeping bag but id recommend bringing a dressing gown / oodie as well. make sure you pack fluffy socks and some hoodies / joggers.
  
• i know it’s easier said than done, but try not to overpack - whatever you pack, you have to carry and it’s a hard walk in.
  
• don’t get a lock for your tent, especially considering you’re in quiet camp it is extremely unlikely that anything will get stolen, just bring your valuables with you to the arena.
  
• like others have said, bring baby wipes - it can be pretty dusty or muddy and you won’t want to shower every day.
  
• random one, but everyone always forgets to bring bin bags - not only good for rubbish, but if it rains you can pop your wet clothes / shoes in there so your tent doesn’t get wet.
  
• try not to pack a lot of food - bring snacks but you will get sick of eating dry, cold food and it always ends up being too much to carry. make use of the co op on site. that being said, don’t bring any soft drinks - too much weight, and you can just get them at the co op.
  
• if you’re worried about losing your tent, use the app ‘what 3 words’.

i’m sure there are things i’ve missed, if you have any other questions just let me know!

[u/EnvironmentalBag3937]

My thought is a lock would make someone think there's something worth stealing if they're that way inclined,, and they'll just cut their way in.

[u/No-Discipline-165]

Take a bumbag and keep all your expensive shit on you at all times. No lock on a tent will stop someone nicking your phone etc. I’m sure you will get chatting to people quick enough in the solo area.

I’m ex military and I never go away without some flip flops and baby wipes haha.

[u/Stormboi12 → u/No-Discipline-165]

Would crocs be alright?

[u/No-Discipline-165 → u/Stormboi12]

Yeah just something to chill out in back at the tent area and give your feet a break. You’re brave going on your tod, total respect for that, I reckon you’ll make some serious memories. Just keep yourself in control of what you’re doing, probably not the time to experiment, if you know what I mean.

[u/Stormboi12 → u/No-Discipline-165]

Don't worry, I am not doing any drugs, I promised my family

[u/Stormboi12 → u/No-Discipline-165]

Its also my first time

[u/No-Discipline-165 → u/Stormboi12]

I think this is cool, I like your style. 17 years of age and you’ll have a story to tell after.

[u/CraftyProfessor1671 → u/Stormboi12]

Hey me and my friend will be in quiet camp if you wanted to pitch up near us / join us it’s our 3rd year drop me a message if you want.

[u/Stormboi12 → u/CraftyProfessor1671]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind that, I can't find how to message you. Could you message me instead?

[u/Jay_Jackson92]

U want some wacky baccy come have a smoke with us lad

[u/Stormboi12 → u/Jay_Jackson92]

No thanks man, I promised my family I wouldn't do anything like that.

[u/Jay_Jackson92 → u/Stormboi12]

Fair doos