Live music, getting drunk in fields, mud diving, interesting characters, over flowing portaloos, oh yes festival season is in full swing and for most it's the highlight of their whole year. There's nothing quite like the atmosphere at a festival, when the sun sets, the band you've waited to see starts up and the crowd roars. For a few short days you can forget it all and become engulfed by this magical festival feeling before getting back to reality.

Festivals are now more popular then ever with new smaller sites setting up in local places, and with the new festivals come new festival goers. Daunted by the whole camping, not showering, drunken lifestyle - panicked people turn to the internet for guidance on what to expect and what to bring. With this year's most sort after festival steadily approaching (that's Reading Festival just incase you didn't know), I thought I'd share my festival hints and tips with any first time festival goers. Preparing for an occasion like this is like a military operation, come prepared and you'll have an amazing time, come unprepared and the whole thing will fall apart. With these few tricks and some essential packing I believe that you'll have a weekend to remember.

Purchase a trolly - trust me you will end with massive red welts on your hands from carrying things. Usually the car park/bus depo is quite walk away from the campsite and if you are just relying on your hands to get your belongings from A to B then you should think again. If you are clever you will also be bringing a travellers backpack - on which you can hang many an object from its straps and zips like a human bucking bronco. Carrying your belongings can really dampen the start of your festival and put you in a foul mood. Wellies - rain or shine these are your best friends. Walking over uneven terrain in shoes or (god forbid) heels will cause serious damage. I find if you are wearing wellies 24/7 then you get the right amount of grip and stability in any condition. Baby wipes - this will be your daily shower. Not the most luxurious wash you've ever had but it gets you clean nonetheless. Trust me you feel ten times better after using these.

Toilet roll - it's actually amazing how many people don't bring toilet roll, yes it is supplied in the portaloos, but it runs out so quickly. People go into survival mode and instantly snatch whole rolls of paper if they are left in the loo. It's festival gold-dust. A little point for the ladies - if you are going to use a sheepee/whiz then please do it in the toilet. I can understand it's easier than hovering over a cess pit of a portaloo, but nobody wants to see you lined up with the rest of the male population against a fence - it makes you look weird. Airbed - a bit of a luxury yes, but totally worth it. You can pick one up in Asda for a tenner.