1. Camp Bestival family outfits: pick a simple theme

Choose one shared idea such as a colour, pattern, hat style or character theme.

Coordinated family outfits look great in photographs and can make it easier to recognise each other in busy festival areas.

However, there’s no need to dress everyone identically.

Matching t-shirts, colourful accessories or similar hats can create a fun family look without forcing children into uncomfortable costumes.

2. Camp Bestival outfits for kids: comfort first

Soft, breathable fabrics are usually the best choice for younger festivalgoers.

Children may spend much of the day running, exploring, sitting on the grass or enjoying outdoor activities.

Their clothing should allow them to move comfortably and be easy to change when necessary.

Babies under 12 months

For babies, comfort and temperature control matter far more than elaborate festival fashion.

• Lightweight cotton bodysuits
• Comfortable sleepsuits
• Suitable hats for the weather
• Extra clothing for unexpected changes
• Warm layers for cooler periods
• Appropriate protection from rain and sun

Young babies need particular protection from direct sunlight and overheating.

Keep babies shaded and follow NHS sun safety guidance .

Never cover a pushchair with a blanket or fabric that restricts airflow.

Toddlers aged 1–3

Toddlers can get through clothing remarkably quickly at an outdoor festival.

Between food, grass, mud and general exploring, spare outfits are often more useful than extra accessories.

• Soft t-shirts
• Shorts or leggings
• Comfortable trainers
• Waterproof trousers or puddle suit
• Wellies for wet conditions
• Spare socks and underwear
• Warm hoodie for evenings

Children aged 4–12

Older children often want more say in what they wear.

Let them choose colourful t-shirts, shorts, dresses or accessories, but make sure their outfit works for outdoor activities.

Teenagers

Teenagers may prefer to choose their own festival style.

That’s fine, but encourage them to pack practical alternatives alongside their favourite outfits.

Fashionable shoes might look great in photographs but become uncomfortable after hours of walking.

3. What should parents wear at Camp Bestival?

Parents face a slightly different challenge from adults attending a music festival without children.

You might spend part of the afternoon enjoying music, then find yourself sitting on the grass, carrying a tired child or helping someone change muddy clothes.

Choose clothes that allow you to move comfortably.

Festival fashion doesn’t need to be expensive

You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe.

Clothes you already own are often a better choice than unfamiliar outfits purchased specifically for the festival.

A colourful shirt, patterned shorts, vintage jacket or unusual hat can add personality without sacrificing comfort.

4. What to wear in hot summer weather

Camp Bestival takes place during the British summer, so warm and sunny conditions are possible.

Spending most of the day outdoors can feel very different from relaxing in the garden at home.

Choose breathable clothing

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing generally feels more comfortable when walking around the festival.

Cotton, linen blends and suitable moisture-wicking fabrics can all work well.

Sun protection essentials

• Wide-brimmed sunhat or cap
• Suitable high-factor sunscreen
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Lightweight long-sleeved clothing
• Refillable water bottles

5. Rain, muddy fields and waterproof clothing

Camp Bestival takes place on countryside grounds rather than entirely on paved surfaces.

Even relatively light rain can leave grass and heavily used walking routes muddy.

Waterproof clothing is therefore one of the most useful things to pack.

Rain and mud essentials

• Waterproof jacket with a hood
• Waterproof trousers for younger children
• Wellies or waterproof walking shoes
• Spare socks
• Waterproof bag for wet clothing
• Rain cover for your day bag
• Microfibre towel

Are ponchos worth bringing?

A compact poncho can be useful as an emergency backup.

However, a proper waterproof jacket generally offers better protection when you’re moving around, particularly in windy conditions.

6. Footwear and wellies: what works best?

Footwear deserves more attention than almost any other part of your festival wardrobe.

Camp Bestival involves moving between different outdoor areas, and you may spend many hours on your feet.

Trainers

Comfortable, well-fitting trainers are usually the most versatile choice in dry conditions.

Choose a pair you’ve already worn for extended walks.

Wellies

Wellies are useful when the ground becomes muddy.

However, some pairs offer limited cushioning and can become uncomfortable over long distances.

Sandals and flip-flops

Supportive sandals may work in suitable dry conditions.

Flip-flops are better kept for the campsite rather than long days exploring.

7. Layers for cooler evenings

One of the easiest packing mistakes is planning outfits entirely around daytime temperatures.

Once the sun goes down, sitting outdoors can feel noticeably cooler.

The simple three-layer formula

• Base layer: T-shirt or vest
• Mid layer: Hoodie, jumper or fleece
• Outer layer: Waterproof jacket

For younger children, pack warm layers that are easy to put on when they become tired.

If you’re camping, keep dry nightwear separate from daytime clothing.

8. Practical festival accessories

Accessories can make a significant difference when spending most of the day outdoors.

Choose things you’ll genuinely use rather than carrying unnecessary equipment.

9. Camp Bestival 2027 fancy dress: Movie Magic

Fancy dress is one of Camp Bestival’s most colourful traditions.

For 2027, the organisers have officially announced Movie Magic as the festival theme.

The main fancy dress day is Saturday 31 July 2027.

Easy Movie Magic costume ideas

Make fancy dress festival-friendly

• Choose breathable fabrics
• Avoid heavy costumes
• Make toilet visits easy for children
• Wear comfortable footwear
• Avoid long trailing material
• Check rules for costume accessories
• Bring spare clothing

Matching t-shirts are another easy option for family photographs.

Face paint can add character without requiring an elaborate costume.

Choose skin-safe products suitable for the child’s age and avoid loose plastic glitter.

For more inspiration, see our Camp Bestival fancy dress guide .

10. Camp Bestival family packing checklist

Packing for a four-day family festival requires more planning than packing for a single afternoon.

These quantities are suggested starting points rather than strict rules.

Adults

• Four comfortable daytime outfits
• One additional spare outfit
• One or two warm layers
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable trainers
• Waterproof footwear
• Plenty of socks and underwear
• Nightwear
• Hat and sunglasses
• Fancy dress outfit if participating

Children

• At least one outfit per day
• Additional spare outfits
• Warm layers
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers if needed
• Trainers and wellies
• Extra socks and underwear
• Comfortable nightwear
• Sunhat
• Fancy dress clothing

Babies and toddlers

• Multiple changes of clothes
• Comfortable sleepsuits
• Suitable warm layers
• Weather-appropriate hats
• Spare socks
• Waterproof bags for dirty clothing
• Age-appropriate sun protection

11. Common festival clothing mistakes to avoid

Wearing brand-new shoes

New footwear can cause blisters when walking all day.

Packing only summer clothes

Evenings can feel cooler than expected. Bring layers.

Forgetting waterproofs

Wet grass and muddy walking routes can make a difference even after light rain.

Choosing complicated costumes

Costumes that take a long time to remove can be awkward for younger children.

Not bringing spare socks

Dry socks can make a surprisingly big difference to comfort.

Carrying too much

A heavily packed day bag can become tiring.

Forgetting practical clothes for parents

Parents need outfits that work for sitting, walking, carrying bags and helping children.

12. Outfit ideas by age and weather

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose suitable outfits for different family members.

More advice for first-time Camp Bestival families

If this is your first Camp Bestival, think about how your family will move around the site.

The festival includes music stages, entertainment and family activity areas.

Our Camp Bestival stages guide explains more about the different areas.

Plan for long days

Avoid carrying every possible item throughout the day.

A small organised day bag containing essential clothing and waterproofs is easier to manage.

Think about accommodation

Camping families will need suitable nightwear, dry clothes and warm layers.

If you’re staying in a hotel, you may have more opportunities to dry clothing and change outfits.

See our hotels near Lulworth Castle guide .

Check travel arrangements

If you’re travelling by train or coach, remember you’ll need to carry your luggage as well as festival clothing.

Our Camp Bestival travel guide covers getting to Lulworth Castle.

FAQs about Camp Bestival family outfits

Explore more Camp Bestival guides

Looking for more family festival advice? Explore our other independent guides.

• Camp Bestival Dorset 2027 Guide
• Camp Bestival Fancy Dress Guide
• Camp Bestival Stages and Festival Areas
• Camp Bestival Tickets
• Hotels Near Lulworth Castle