We know that Glastonbury is over but that was just the start of the 2010 British Summer Festival season. There are still loads more taking place over the next two months from Latitude on the July 15th to Big Chill in August 5th so we know only too well that all our music loving festival goers need a genuine checklist, and that’s just what Ashley Tulett, TNC subeditor, has done.

Heed his advice!

BASIC

Ticket – Because we all know someone that will forget them.

A tent – while some choose to sleep on the ground, its not much fun when it’s raining.

A sleeping bag – you know, to sleep in

Money – Because it makes the world go round, and can help to keep you well supplied with food and alcohol

A cash/debit/credit card – take only one, and make sure you have your bank on speedial in case you loose it

Some form of ID – because your facial hair isn’t always 100% convincing

A torch – so you can tackle the toilet run at 3 in the morning without tripping over guide ropes which could potentially put a stop to your festival experience.

Bus/Train ticket – some say its better to buy one on the day to ensure that you don’t get it stolen, but it makes better sense to get a return because its cheaper and nobody would want to steal a coach ticket to a random place across the UK

Roll mat – vital for keeping the cold out from underneath you, can be burnt if you don’t want to carry it home as they cost pennies.

A pillow – it’s the small comforts that really help, pillows are amazing and keeping your neck from aching.

Mobile phone – why not make that drunk text/call to your ex more fun by rubbing it in that you’re at a festival. Oh and I guess it helps you contact your parents in case of an emergency.

Wallet – Condom, Card, ID that’s all you need in their.

Keys – so you don’t have to wait outside till your parents come home hoplessly pining for your bed.

Batteries – to power things. Duh.

A camera – keep a record of all your antics as well as getting some shots of the bands.

A lighter – light fires, fags and stoves with this fantastic modern revolution.

Bucket – to carry fresh water to the camp, or alternatively vomit.

Rusksack – to keep your essentials nearby.

CLOTHES

Jeans/shorts – depending on what time of year the festival is.

T-Shirts, Hoodies, Wellies, Trainers

Twice the amount of socks you initially thought you would need, think blisters!

Underwear – but always take a spare pair. Just in case.

Hat – people love hats at festivals, and they keep your head warm

Sun glasses – makes you look 10 times more awesome, guaranteed, whatever the weather.

TOILETRIES

Deodorant – for that early morning attempt to mask the smell of last nights alcohol fuelled chaos.

Toothbrush and toothpaste – because nobody likes death breath.

Condoms – don’t be silly, wrap your willy. Or alternatively, blow them up into balloons.

Plasters – play doctors and nurses with your friends.

Painkillers – because nobody likes a headache at a festival.

Medication - asthma inhalers, the pill, antihistermines, diabetic shots, you get the idea. A trip to the first aid is a last resort, but make sure you tell your friends if you’re on meds.

Shampoo/Conditioner/showergel – festivals have shower facilities, don’t belive the romours, they are usually very clean and nice.

A towel – to dry yourself with after you shower, or to wipe the beer off you after a crazy night.

Sun Cream – nobody looks cool standing under an umbrella in the blazing sunshine.

Loo Roll – VITAL! Take your own supply when you go to the toilets.

Wet Wipes – Freshen up, keeps you clean and stops you smelling like a tramp in the day.

FOOD AND DRINK

ALCOHOL – most festivals will operate shuttle busses to the local supermarket, but for that explosive first night your going to need this.

Tinned Food – Hygenic and make sure you get ones with ring pull tops, your going to go hungry if you cant find a tin opener, and its just extra weight to carry one.

Solid fuel stove – crutial for cooking hot things

Mess tin – cook/eat your food with this.

Bottle Opener – make someones day.

MISCELLANEOUS

Black Sacks – to put rubbish and wet smelly clothes in.

Safety Pins/gaffa tape – to secure clothes, tent holes and overcomes various other problems in your campsite.

Yesterday I got the chance to sit down and talk with Oliver who is Brighton rep for this years Life Academy 2010 from Microsoft and besides this being one of the most innovative competitions of its type, it is going to be one o the creative.  There are only 5 days left for you to submit your video to the Life Academy website and this is what Oliver had to say yesterday:

Some of the video’s that have been submitted so far have ranged from a Scuba school to helping children in poverty in Australia and a student travel documentaries. There is no limit your own potential or creativity and there are few opportunities out there for you to get creative, be inspired, and see your dream come to reality.

There are three categories that you can submit your video’s to; The Adventure Explorer, Online Venture Explorer & The Creative Explorer.

Some of the video’s from the Adventure Explorer have included:

New Orleans Soccer League - Patrick O’Quigley

To give the children hope in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina by starting a soccer league for the children whose lives were ruined by the hurricane. The grant wil go towards facilities and marketing. See Patrick’s Video Here.

Dzelukope EP School in Ghana – help us please! - Victoria Newman

I’ve visited two schools in Ghana and both are struggling to develop their facilities. The first would like a computer room to share between four local schools and the other basically needs a building – what’s there is falling apart, it’s too cramped and severly underequipped. PS Forgot to say that we’ve already been involved in gap year projects in Africa, setting up orphanages etc. This would build on the work we’ve done. See Victoria’s Video Here.

Raising awareness of child welfare in Rajastan, India - Matthew Dow

After visiting India previously I am returning this summer and wish to create a blog to raise awareness for the conditions in which they have to endure. Without media attention it is difficult to change the conditions. The detrimental effect of these conditions can scare children for life. Unable to achieve due to the lack of opportunities the cycle become perpetual. See Matthew’s Video Here.

There is only 5 days left and as you can see from the video’s have have already been submitted there standard and passion is high, tomorrow will will be showing some entries from the Online Venture Explorer category. Don’t let time get the better of you and your ideas!

The CLOSING DATE for video submissions is the 27th May 2010!  Internet Explorer 8 Life Academy wants 18 – 25 year olds to pitch a socially responsible idea for one of three categories*. If entrants impress the high profile judging panel they will be rewarded with £10,000 to help make their idea into reality. This is one of the most exciting opportunities I have come across and am only slightly upset that I am not able to part-take in it.