The gates are about to open, the show lorries are lined up, and there is a full day of engines, entertainment and family action ahead. So, what should I bring to a lorry festival? The smart answer is: enough to stay comfortable from the first display to the final attraction, without carrying half the house around the showground.
A Truckfest day can mean polished custom lorries, working classics, big-name displays, trade stands, food stalls, rides and loud live action all in one place. That is exactly what makes it such a brilliant day out. It also means a little preparation goes a long way – particularly when the British weather decides it wants a starring role.
Start with your tickets, travel plan and event details
Your ticket confirmation is the first thing to sort. Save it to your mobile phone before you leave and, if you prefer a back-up, keep a printed copy in your bag. Make sure your mobile phone is charged before setting off, especially if everyone in the family has their own ticket stored on one device.
Check the event information before travelling. Arrival times, parking arrangements, camping access, entry points and the day’s arena schedule can vary by venue. A quick look before departure can save you from circling a busy showground or missing an attraction you really wanted to see.
If you are travelling with friends, agree a meeting point as soon as you arrive. Large festivals are built for big crowds and big entertainment, so choosing an obvious landmark is much easier than relying on patchy signal later in the day. It is particularly useful if teenagers want some independence or family members split off to browse different stands.
What should I bring to a lorry festival for the weather?
Outdoor events reward people who pack for more than one forecast. A bright morning can turn breezy by lunchtime, while a light shower can make a grassy field rather different underfoot. Bring a lightweight waterproof or poncho that folds into a rucksack, rather than gambling on the clouds behaving.
Footwear matters more than many visitors expect. Trainers with a solid sole are ideal for a dry day, while waterproof boots are a better bet if rain is likely or the ground has been wet. Leave delicate shoes at home. You will be walking between vehicle displays, arenas, food areas and family attractions, and you want to be looking at the lorries, not at your feet.
On warmer days, a cap or sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream are essential. Open showgrounds offer plenty of spectacle, but not always plenty of shade. A small reusable water bottle is useful too, provided you follow the event’s current site guidance on what can be brought in.
For a full day out, layers win every time. A T-shirt may be perfect while the sun is out, but a hoodie or fleece earns its place when the temperature drops later on. If you are staying for evening entertainment or camping, pack something warmer than you think you will need.
Pack for comfort, not for clutter
A small rucksack is usually all you need. Keep it light enough to carry easily, but give yourself room for the essentials. The best festival bag holds the things that make a long, action-packed day more enjoyable:
- A reusable water bottle and any snacks you need for the journey or dietary requirements.
- Sun cream, a hat, a lightweight waterproof and an extra layer.
- A power bank and charging cable for tickets, photos and keeping in touch.
- Hand sanitiser, tissues and any personal medication.
- A small amount of cash alongside a bank card, just in case.
- Ear defenders for young children or anyone sensitive to loud engines and arena action.
There is a trade-off here. A huge bag becomes a nuisance when you are moving through busy display areas, but being prepared means you can stay longer and enjoy more. Pack only what you will realistically use, then leave space for event programmes, merchandise or that must-have model lorry picked up on the way out.
A folding camping chair can be worth considering for visitors who may need regular rests, but always check the venue rules first. Some event spaces have designated seating, restricted areas or safety considerations that make chairs impractical. If mobility is a concern, review the accessibility information before booking and plan your day around the attractions that matter most.
Bringing children? Make the day easier from the start
For younger visitors, the main essentials are straightforward: comfortable clothes, weather protection, drinks, snacks and hearing protection. But the real secret is pacing. A lorry festival can be full-on in the best possible way, with monster-sized machines, noisy engines, rides and crowds competing for attention.
Give children a clear plan for the day. Pick one or two headline attractions they are most excited about, then leave room for wandering through the lorry displays and stopping at family entertainment. Trying to see every single thing at speed is a fast route to tired legs and missed moments.
Write a parent or carer’s mobile phone number down and keep it somewhere accessible for younger children. Older children should know the agreed meeting point, what staff uniforms look like where relevant, and that they should ask event staff for help if they become separated from your group.
A pushchair may be useful for little ones, although it depends on the venue, weather and how much ground you expect to cover. If you bring one, choose something sturdy enough for uneven surfaces. A lightweight buggy is easier to manoeuvre than a bulky pram when the site is busy.
Bring the right kit for the action
A fully charged mobile phone is a must. You will want photographs of the show lorries, videos of arena highlights and a way to check timings as the day unfolds. A power bank is one of the most useful small items you can bring, especially when your mobile phone is also holding tickets, maps and family messages.
If you are serious about photography, bring a camera you are comfortable carrying all day, plus a spare battery or memory card. Keep expectations sensible, though. You are at a live festival, not on a closed photo shoot. Enjoy the atmosphere as well as chasing the perfect shot, and stay clear of barriers, vehicle routes and restricted areas.
Ear defenders are not just for toddlers. Engine demonstrations, stunt action and monster lorry displays can be thrillingly loud. Anyone who prefers a quieter experience will be happier with a pair to hand. They take up hardly any space and can make a major difference to a family day out.
If you are camping, think beyond the daytime show
Camping turns a great day into a full festival break, but it needs its own packing plan. Along with your usual tent, sleeping bags and pillows, bring a torch or head torch, warm night-time layers, a waterproof groundsheet and enough charging options for your stay. Campsites can be lively, so earplugs may also be welcome if you are a light sleeper.
Keep your camping equipment practical and weather-ready. British fields can be dry and dusty one weekend, then soft and muddy the next. Pack pegs suited to the ground, keep a spare pair of shoes for the evening, and store clothing in waterproof bags or packing cubes inside the tent.
Food and drink arrangements, cooking equipment and permitted items can differ between events and venues. Always follow the latest camping terms and site rules rather than assuming last year’s set-up will be the same. The simplest approach is to bring what keeps your group comfortable, then let the festival provide the big atmosphere.
Leave these things at home
Avoid bringing anything that makes the day harder for you or unsafe for others. Glass containers, oversized bags, drones, illegal substances and items that could be considered dangerous are not suitable for a busy public event. Security checks and prohibited-item policies are there to keep the festival safe and enjoyable for everyone.
It is also wise to leave valuables you do not need at home or locked securely in your vehicle. Bring the essentials, keep your bag zipped, and enjoy the freedom of travelling light between the chrome, the crowds and the live action.
The best thing to bring to a lorry festival is a plan loose enough to leave room for surprises. Pack for the weather, protect your feet and ears, keep your phone powered, then get ready for a day where there is always another incredible lorry, arena moment or family favourite around the corner.