Music festivals might be a chance to throw off the shackles, put work to one side, and let your hair down, but as any good boy scout knows, you still need to be prepared to make the most of it.

Here are 10 items to pack which will make sure you squeeze all the fun out of this weekend.

1. A tent

Let's get this one out of the way. We all like the romantic notion of sleeping out under the stars, but unless you want to wake up with a Henham Park muntjac nibbling on your sleeve, you will need a tent. Also handy for keeping your belongings in.

2. Rain jacket

The forecast for this weekend is hot and rainy. We're not talking biblical, so you won't need the waders, but a decent showerproof jacket should see you through the worst.

3. Sun tan lotion

Because of English weather being what it is, in the pocket of your rain jacket you'll need suntan lotion.

4. Clean socks

Rain plus an outdoor event equals mud. One pair of socks a day may not cut it - bring more.

5. Tickets

Goes without saying, but if you don't have a ticket, you aren't getting in. Also make sure you have your travel tickets, as the last thing you want after a heavy weekend is to be forking out even more cash for a train or bus you have already paid for.

6. Tin opener and bottle opener

We've all cringed while watching people open a bottle with their teeth. Take a bottle opener instead. There's much less chance of suffering a horrible injury.

7. Camera

Keep it light and pocket-sized, but a camera will come in handy for capturing those magic festival moments. Just don't spend the whole time watching the Black Keys through a two inch viewfinder when they are right there in front of you, in the flesh.

8. Torch

You wake up in the night for 'a comfort break'. Do you want to fall in a festival toilet or Henham Park lake? No. Take a torch and let there be light.

9. Tissues, toilet paper and wet wipes

The aforementioned comfort breaks will be a lot less of an adventure, but having your own toilet paper could end up being a godsend. Hardy festival-goers will know the 'wet wipe shower' only too well, but they can come in handy for general use as well.

10. Cash/cash card

Good vibes and big tunes will only sustain you so far this weekend - at some point you will need to eat and/or drink. Take cash, or get some on site.