camping Archives - Munchies and Munchkins

Festival Food Tips & Ideas

May 10, 2018 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments

The first time I went to a festival (Blissfields back in 2011) I think I half filled the car with food and cooking equipment. I seriously overpacked and had no clue on how to do it the easy way. Since then I have been to quite a few festivals and have upped my festival food game each time. Now it is important to remember that festivals these days have incredible food on offer so if cooking by the side of your tent doesn’t appeal well there are lots and lots of options, both healthy and indulgent so you will do just fine. I, however quite like being able to cook meals outdoors and enjoy them tent side whilst also having the occasional meal or snack from a stall and financially it helps me keep to a reasonable budget too.

I have put together a selection of tips and ideas, both from myself and fellow food bloggers to help you plan your festival food for the season ahead. Some will seem obvious but hopefully you will get one or two new ideas along the way.

Freeze everything. Butter, Bacon, Sausages and Milk as well as juices and any bottled drinks freeze well and will keep your cool bag cool without having to add extra bulk with cool packs. I should add that cocktail pouches are especially handy and squish in those little gaps.

Prepare and cook two filling meals before you go, one ready for your first night after setting up camp and one frozen for later in your trip. Bolognese, stews and curries are the best options for this.

Pre grate your cheese, dice your veggies and portion them up. It is so much easier to make a meal without all of your kitchen equipment when you have everything chopped or diced and ready to cook.

Tin foil is your friend. Washing up facilities on festival sites aren’t always close to hand so sometimes I will line my pans with foil when cooking greasy food like bacon and sausages, yes this isn’t especially environmentally friendly but it’s not something I do at home and foil can be recycled so I don’t feel too bad about it.

Dried fruit and nuts make more sense than a huge basket of fruit. Over ripe fruit in a tent can be a little grim, apples are fairly hardy but bananas will stink up quite quickly.

Take a good, sturdy water bottle for each person, every festival has multiple filling up spots. No need to buy bottled water on site.

Take a bag of tortilla chips, a tub of salsa and some grated cheese and make campfire nachos. So simple but delicious!

For a few days eat cereal bars instead of actual cereal, less milk needed and a lot less mess. Or just opt for bacon!

Make a traybake such as brownies or lemon drizzle cake before you go and cut into squares ready for when you need that sugary energy burst. Those types of cakes tend to stay moist for longer.

Take tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Hot drinks taste better sat outside a tent on a bright, warm morning. It is a fact. Also you kids will be up as soon as the sun rises so ..be prepared with ALL the caffeine.

In terms of equipment you need at the very minimum:

bbq or camping stove
1 small saucepan
1 frying pan
tongs/spatula for turning
cups, bowls and plates ( 1 per person )
cutlery including 1 sharp knife and a tin opener
foil
2 tea towels
washing up liquid

Take time to read the festivals rules and guidelines, some will have dedicated cooking areas, which makes sense when lots of festival camping sites look like this:

Helen from Fuss Free Flavours says:

Make sure every member of the family has a mini packet of wet wipes and some cheap unscented nappy bags in their pocket – so useful for small amounts of messy trash, or for wrapping half eaten food in for later.

Jane from The Hedgecombers says:

Festival food is renowned for being expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget aim to eat out just once a day.
If you have some way of cooking food in your tent there are all kinds of easy one pot camping meals you can make, otherwise just aim to get the calories in with easy no-cook foods. Protein bars, pre made pasta salads and sandwiches. It’s also worth popping some just-add-water foods too (think pot noodles, cup a soup, hot choc sachets) in your kit too. Stall holders will happily fill them up with hot water for a little donation and a big smile.

10 Reasons To Buy Your Camp Bestival Ticket Right Now

January 28, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 3 Comments

More of the Camp Bestival line up was announced today making families all over the UK super excited!

Here is the full announcement:

And here are my ten reasons why you need to buy a ticket right NOW:

1. Mr Tumble:

This was the look on my daughters face when she saw him perform last summer..need I say more?

2. Kaiser Chiefs:

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Rubayyyy…aahhhhhh ahhhh ohhhhh

3. Payment options:

At the moment there is still the option to pay by payment plan which is a bonus if you are useless at saving like me.

4. Boutique Camping:

Boutique camping is AWESOME and the various companies sell out quite quickly so if you have your heart set on a certain glamping option it’s best to be quick.

5. Dick n Dom:

Your children will love them as they are so much fun but they also have appeal for the adults and they are pretty lovely to everyone albeit slightly tipsy when you see them wandering around the festival site in the evening.

6. Level 42:

This festival really isn’t all about the kids. It’s a family festival which has something for all generations and even better if you are an 80’s child like me!

7. The Feast Collective:

This really shouldn’t be so far down my list as the food is one of my absolute favourite parts of Camp Bestival. I spend hours trawling around the various stands and munching on all that’s on offer.

8. The Dingly Den:

Many an hour can be spent in the magical forest. There is so much for the kids to do and can be a welcome respite on a hot day. We particularly loved wandering around in the evening when it was all lit up with fairy lights.

9. The Fireworks:

The firework show at Camp Bestival is truly spectacular and it’s worth the ticket price for that alone! You have to see it to believe it and the atmosphere is electric.

10. Getting creative with your kids:

Letting your children go wild with finger paint without having to worry about cleaning up is so much fun.

And there are about a million other reasons why you should go. It’s truly an incredible experience for big kids of all ages.

The Big Feastival 2014 Photo Diary

September 1, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

While I get back to normal after a weekend of camping chaos with a baby and toddler here is a little snippet of our time at The Big Feastival:

Look out for our full review later on this week.

A huge thank you to AEG and Wyldwood cider who made it possible for us to be at the event and made it so much more fun for us while we were there! X

Festival Cooking

July 23, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

We are off on our first festival holiday as a foursome next week and although we are excited its a little daunting too. Having to pack everything we need for everyone. Then having to think about food too..

There is a pretty amazing food line up at this years Camp Bestival so we will definitely be partaking of those delights some of the time but I’m on maternity leave so I do actually have to be a little thrifty for the most part.

Which means we will be cooking a lot of our meals in the festival fields.

Now Camp Bestival has a great set up in all of their standard, glamping and campervan fields with designated cooking areas and washing up areas but not every campsite or festival will have that.

A pop up or collapsible wash bowl is really handy:

Cooking in the outdoors especially with children and tents around can be dangerous so I’m loving the idea of this Flameless cookbox from e-outdoor.co.uk

It uses a water activated heat pack and is even safe to use INSIDE your tent. Brilliant huh?

Our first two years at Camp Bestival we used a traditional camping stove and made meals such as frittata and omelettes along with the usual camping staples of bacon, beans and sausages.

We normally take a flask to fill up with boiling water in the morning and use throughout the day if we want a cup of tea.

And we always take a small milk pan to make hot chocolates to have just before bed:

I will be writing a post this weekend about all the meals we plan to cook at Camp Bestival and also the ways in which we will be cooking it so look out for that.

What are your campsite specials? Are there any meals you always make when at festivals?

*This post is in collaboration with e-outdoor.

Festival Fashion – Part 2

July 21, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Today’s Festival Fashion post focuses on the kids.

Starting with the children’s essentials to take to a British Festival. We have been sent some gorgeous bits from JoJo Maman Bebe.

First up ..wellies:

These kids wellyboots ( as Izzy calls them) are funky as well as functional.

Next sun hats because you know we will get showers followed by blazing sun yes?

These sun hats are really light and cool and look so adorable on the girls.

We have a really handy all in one mac which folds into a handy zip up pouch so we can just throw it into our rucksacks when we head into the festival fields for the day:

And because sometimes it’s no longer raining but it’s still super muddy and wet..these dungarees are perfect as they won’t make your child too hot but protects them from getting a soggy bottom:

I think once you have these for your festival kiddies and some sunglasses you have some of the absolute must haves for your festival suitcase..and don’t forget the sunscreen of course.

* We were sent these items for the purpose of a review.

Camp Bestival Packing List – Part 1

July 16, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments

It’s just over two weeks until Camp Bestival 2014 – we cannot wait!

Its time for me to start preparing and packing.. Yes it does take me that long and sometimes when I’ve something to look forward to packing is all part of the excitement.

So here is the first part of my packing list. In no real order of importance but all things I think are essential to your enjoyment and comfort at Camp Bestival.

1. Accommodation:

Be it a tent, a teepee, a campervan or a podpad thingy. If it’s a tent get it out now, air it and check for holes or damage. If you are glamping make sure you ask questions as to what is included so as to avoid unnecessary packing

2. Temperature control:

By this I mean be prepared for anything and everything. You will need light, cool layers for the (hopefully) gloriously, sunshiney days. You will also definitely need warm clothes for the evenings. For watching the shows and relaxing outside you need warm jumpers, snuggly hats etc. For bedtime you want fleecy pjs if you have them,thick socks and a good quality sleeping bag or thick blankets. For toddlers and older children a warm onesie is ideal with lots of thin blankets that can be thrown off or added as and when. For babies a winter sleeping bag is best with a onesie and perhaps a light extra top layer.

3. Something to sleep on:

As much as I love the idea of back to nature camping I don’t love the reality of sleeping on a hard floor for 4 nights. If you are camping for adults an air bed is necessary luxury. For toddlers why not use a readybed we used one last year for Izzy and will be doing so again this year. For babies a pop up travel centre is ideal and easy to transport. Also useful to take into the festival fields if it’s sunny.

4. The Bubbles:

Bubbles are more important than you can imagine at CB. Every child has them. There are stalls selling amazing wands and bubbles everywhere you look. Take some wands and bubble mix with you. Helps you keep to a budget and stops your child saying please mam..bubbles every single minute.

5. Something to sit on:

As I write this I remember that my camping chairs are broken. Arrgghh. Not good. Sometimes you will want to lounge around on the floor but most of the time if you are over the age of 20 you will want a chair.

6. Wet Wipes:

You will need LOTS of wet wipes. To clean grubby hands, wipe sticky faces and scrub away face paint. For lazy baths and wiping down buggies.

7. Fancy Dress:

Even if it’s just for the little ones. It’s all part of the fun of the festival. No idea what I’m going to wear just yet.

8. Ear Protection:

If you are a light sleeper use ear plugs at night and for your little ones you need ear defenders if you plan to get close to the stage. We used Edz which we picked up for about £10 from amazon.

That’s it for tonight. More coming up tomorrow.

Tickets are available by visiting www.campbestival.net

Where The Wild Things Will Be..Camp Bestival 2014

June 3, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

I promised to share you with all the latest news and gossip from the team at Camp Bestival and what a lot of lovely news we have today.

Starting with something which I find really exciting. How many hours of the week do your children spend in front of a screen of some kind? Be it at school, in the lounge or in their bedrooms….and it’s not just children. As a blogger I am all too comfortable spending my days looking at my iPad or smartphone and I will admit that some days I have to actively make myself take time away.

We went to a local beauty spot over the bank holiday for a day of BBQ’s and games with some friends and family. There was so signal on phones and we left everything else at home. It was a whole day of relaxing and just enjoying being outside. Lying on grass, being chewed on my various flying insects and throwing a frisbee at each other. It felt so peaceful. I remember days like that from my childhood and it worries me that my children are of the generation who won’t see as many days like that. It’s my job to make sure they do.

Anyway this is supposed to be about Camp Bestival (not my parenting) and so I will tell you about one of my favourite new features of this years fest.

Project Wild Thing

Team CB have teamed up with Project Wild Thing: a new and unique, people-powered movement to help children and adults reconnect with nature. Sounds good yes?

These are some of the things you and your children can participate in:

* Learning how to build a campfire
* Making Dens
* Rolling down hills
* Campfire cooking

And so much more. I am so excited about it all. More so by the fact that Izzy can be so much more involved this year.

I can’t wait to be a wild thing.

That’s not it though. Even more was announced today ..

The Travelling Barn

Ale and Hoe downs? You don’t need to ask me twice 😉

Get your checked shirts and straw hats ready to join in with barn dancing squad Cut A Shine.

Caravanserai

Caravanserai is a convoy of English and French artists, gypsies and beatniks who have set up an encampment for weary travellers and wanderers to rest and recharge. You can enjoy delicious cocktails while completely chilling out during the day and party on during the night.

Pig’s Big Ball Room

Dedicated to the memory of John Peel and his Pig’s Big 78 selections, it’s programmed by the Shellac Collective and Greg’s Greats and is a mind-blowingly amazing dance arena.

It’s officially time to start counting down 59 days ago….

Look forward of seeing you all there.

Get your tickets now: Camp Bestival

The recipe challenge week 3. Campsite cooking

August 7, 2012 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Ok so for the third week of my recipe challenge I was at the absolutely amazing and fantastic Camp Bestival. I was undeterred from my challenge and although my recipe is far from unique and maybe just a slight variant on dishes I have cooked previously I think the fact that I cooked it on an old gas camping stove just outside my tent gains me extra points yes?

Omelette/frittata camping combo:

8/9 cooked boiled potatoes ( I took mine already cooked to the festival in a Tupperware box)
3 eggs
2 inch chunk of chorizo diced
1/2 large red onion
50g of cheese
Sichuan peppercorns & smoked sea salt ( entirely optional but also entirely yummy)
Large frying pan ( if camping line with foil to ease washing up. Yes lazy.)
Spray oil

I lined my pan with foil and sprayed some olive oil 1cal spray on top, I use this when camping as easier and less likely to leak. Cook the chorizo, onions and potatoes until soft and tender, in a small cup beat 3 eggs and pour over the cooked mixture and season. When the egg has almost set sprinkle over some chopped cheese ( I used mature cheddar) and a little more pepper and serve when completely set. Cut into slices and serve with rocket leaves.

Hope you enjoy and remember camping cooking doesn’t have to be just baked beans and bacon.

Festival Food Tips & Ideas

Like this:

10 Reasons To Buy Your Camp Bestival Ticket Right Now

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The Big Feastival 2014 Photo Diary

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Festival Cooking

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Festival Fashion – Part 2

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Camp Bestival Packing List – Part 1

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Where The Wild Things Will Be..Camp Bestival 2014

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The recipe challenge week 3. Campsite cooking

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