What to pack for the big festival tomorrow

9:24am Thursday 31st July 2008

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WHAT could be better this summer than enjoying the great outdoors? Luckily.

one of the country’s best-loved festivals is being held right on our doorsteps this weekend.

The 13th annual Big Chill, held in the beautiful grounds of Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, kicks off tomorrow night.

Staying true to its roots, the festival promotes a huge range of emerging and experimental talent, from music and theatre to art and digital media. This year you can see the Orb, the Grid, the Mighty Boosh and Beth Orton.

Thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of outdoor music festivals, it seems anyone who’s anyone is spending the night beneath canvas these days.

And it’s not just the young and foolish. Families are among the growing number of people heading off with a tent and groundsheet to set up home in a field for a while.

According to latest figures, there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of camping events in the UK since 2005.

The results, from the survey carried out by outdoor store Millets, found that 38 per cent more families, with children aged between 10 and 14 are now camping for their summer break and of these 13 per cent are opting for outdoor music festivals rather than traditional breaks in Devon or the Lakes.

Witih the great outdoors in mind, we decided to take a look at must have camping and festival buys this summer.

● For tickets see bigchill.net or phone 08444 771 000.

What we're lovin'

1. The Big Chill

2. Grabbing bargains at the sales

3. Worcester Festival coming up from Saturday August 2 – three weeks of music, art and theatre.

4. The sun shining (occasionally)

5. Another bank holiday on the way

What we’re hating

1. Children on school holidays while we’re stuck at work

2. Going camping and finding we’ve forgotten the important items – such as the tent pegs

3. Having to work on bank holiday

4. The Powick Bridge being closed

5. Waiting for pay day