Were you lucky enough to get some Glastonbury tickets this year? Are you fully prepared for a festival adventure?

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a festival first-timer, setting up your living space and navigating the sprawling Glasto fields can feel daunting. But don’t sweat it. We’ve got your back with 12 tips and tricks to make sure you have the long weekend of your life. Plus, there’s a bonus ‘Glastonbury home party’ section near the bottom – you can show it to your jealous mates that didn’t get tickets this time.

Okay, let’s get packing…

1. Pack light. Pack smart.

Leave the kitchen sink at home and go for lightweight, multi-purpose gear. A compact tent, foldable camping chair, phone and portable charger are all essentials. Add towels, toiletries, spare clothes, and you’ve only got your footwear to worry about. Talking of which…

2. Don’t be a stick in the mud.

Please don’t forget your wellies. In fact, pack them now. Then double-check that you’ve packed them. Because let's face it, Glastonbury can get muddy with a capital ‘M’. So pack those wellies and cram some spare socks inside them. You'll thank us later when you're dancing in a downpour to Dua Lipa.

3. Dress fancy.

Glastonbury doesn’t happen every day, so don't be afraid to go all-out with your outfit choices. From glitter and sequins to tiaras and floral crowns, let your personality shine through. Remember those Bee Gees jackets? We’re no fashion gurus, but we predict Shania Twain cowgirl hats are going to be the thing this year.

4. Location, location, location.

As soon as you make it into the event, unleash your inner geologist and look for higher ground to avoid flooding. Also, be sure to pitch your tent away from main walkways to avoid the chance of it getting trampled on or squashed by a wayward reveller. Oh, and don't forget to bring a flag or distinctive marker to help you locate your tent in a sea of coloured canvas.

“If it’s dry, Big Ground is the place to camp if you want to be close to the main action. It’s so near to the Pyramid Stage you can hear the music from your tent. And when the headline act has finished, it’s actually pretty quiet.” Jenny F

5. Secure your belongings.

Invest in a good quality padlock for your tent and bags. A tent will never be super-secure though, so consider leaving your valuables and expensive gadgets at home. You can also safely store stuff at one of the 14 property lock-ups around the festival site. The locations are marked on festival maps by a black keyhole logo.

6. Brave the loos.

Glastonbury toilets have a bad rep, but we think that’s a little unfair. The festival has a dedicated loo crew who work hard to clean them around the clock. So, if you can get to a toilet just after it’s been cleaned – happy days. You should also try to visit the toilets furthest from the main stages for shorter queues. Some of the makeshift bars dotted around the festival have their own loos too, so look out for them. Then arm yourself with hand sanitiser and wet wipes, and do what you need to do.

7. Have a plan. But be flexible.

With so many acts to choose from, it's a good idea to plan a schedule in advance. But don’t cram in too much – and remember that walking between stages can take some time. Look for a stage that has three or four of your favourite artists playing in succession, then claim a good spot early. And if your carefully laid plans don’t pan out, just go with the flow. Unexpected twists, turns and adventures are what makes Glastonbury so special.

8. Explore beyond the main stages.

There’s more to life than Coldplay. Headliners draw the biggest crowds, but some amazing acts can be found off the beaten path. Take a chance on smaller stages, hidden venues, and impromptu performances. And it’s not just about the music. Glastonbury is also about community and creativity. Take part in workshops, art installations, and activities to fully immerse yourself in the Glasto vibe.

9. Capture some memories.

It’s great to live in the moment, but don’t forget to take a few photos or videos to capture the highlights of your festival experience. Pack an instant camera or take a mobile phone (protected by a festival-proof phone case) and get snapping.

“If you want to take panoramic shots of the festival, head up to Hitchin Hill. It gives you a great view of the Pyramid Stage and the surrounding area. Hitchin Hill isn’t so great for camping though – it’s on too much of a slope for my tent-pitching skills.” Ben H

10. Stay hydrated.

With all the dancing and partying you’ll be doing, it's easy to forget to drink enough water. Bring a refillable water bottle and top it up at the free water stations dotted around the festival site.

11. Pace yourself.

Glastonbury is a marathon, not a sprint! Pace yourself throughout the weekend to avoid burnout. Take regular breaks, refuel with proper food (Haribos for breakfast don’t count), and try to get some proper sleep at some point. If festival overwhelm kicks in, take a breather in one of the chill-out areas.

“The Healing Field is the most famous place to go to chill-out at Glastonbury. You’ll find everything from healers to yoga workshops there. The Peace Garden is another great place to relax, with seating amongst the flower beds.” Elliot S

12. Respect the environment.

‘Leave no trace’ is the golden rule of festivals. Dispose of your rubbish responsibly, recycle where possible, and don’t be one of those people that leave your tent for others to deal with. You’re better than that.

With these 12 top tips you’re now ready to conquer the fields of Worthy Farm. But wait! What if you weren’t lucky enough to get tickets?

How to host your own Glastonbury get-together

Even if you didn’t get tickets to the hottest festival of the year, we've got you covered with this mini Glasto-at-home guide.

First up, set the scene. Deck out your outdoor space with fairy lights, bunting, home-made flags and maybe even a tent or two.

Now, onto the tunes. You can watch the action live on TV, or create your own killer playlist featuring your favourite Glasto acts of 2024. Shania is surely a must. The Idles are essential. Coldplay is an obvious one. SZA knows how to party. Fatboy Slim has choons. Or if you want to save time, dive into Spotify’s Glastonbury 2024 playlist…

Playlist sorted? Get yourself a good portable Bluetooth speaker - waterproof ones ARE available - crank up the volume, kick off your shoes, and dance like nobody's watching (because, well, they're not).

And here's the best part. If the heavens decide to open up, no worries! Simply head indoors and keep the party going. No soggy tents or muddy fields to deal with – just good times. And let’s give a big shout out to the lack of queues – no huge lines for the loo or food stalls at home, surely.

So gather your tribe, get them to ‘Come on Over’ (another Shania reference) in their finest festival gear or funky face paint, and do Glasto-at-home!