How to budget for UK summer festivals in 2026

Glastonbury isn't on this year, but there’s lots of other summer festivals happening in 2026. So whether you’re heading to Reading & Leeds, Download, Creamfields, the Isle of Wight festival or something a little more obscure, there’s plenty to look forward to.  

But between the tickets, travel, tents, food and outfits, summer festivals can also get pricey fast. A bit of planning now can save you a lot later and help you spend more on the parts you actually enjoy. 

Consumer expert Vix Leyton here at thinkmoney says the goal isn’t to “scrimp,” but to stretch the money you have “so the money you have is spent on having the best time.”Here’s a simple guide to budgeting for UK summer festivals in 2026. 

Start with your ticket budget 

Festival tickets are usually the biggest cost. This year, camping tickets at Reading and Leeds start from £325 for the full weekend, while two-day camping tickets at Creamfields start from £240 for the full weekend. At the Download festival, you’re looking at £345 for a three night camping ticket. That’s a big chunk to pay for anyone. Before you buy, it’s worth checking a couple of things to keep costs manageable.  

What payment plans are included  

Many festivals let you spread the cost over a few months; at Download, for example, you can pay in four instalments over four months, and it costs you the same as paying for the entire ticket all at once. It does mean, however, you shouldn’t leave booking your ticket to the very last minute. 

Payment plans make big events more manageable, especially if you’re saving at the same time; if these deals are available, they’re usually listed in the ticket section of the festival website.  

What’s included 

Some tickets include camping or shuttle buses. Others charge extra. Add it all to your budget so nothing catches you out later. If you know what’s included (and what isn’t), it’s a lot easier to build a budget.  

Plan your travel early 

After the ticket, travel is often the most expensive part of a festival trip. If you live out of town, how are you getting there? Even if you’re from the area, festivals are often in remote areas, so what’s your plan for getting there?  

Vix says booking “train or coach tickets in advance means you can work out the cheapest times to travel, and use railcards to save even more.” Railcards like the 16–25 or 26–30 can give you a third off. 

Ways to cut travel costs: 

• Book early – train and coach prices rise the longer you wait and popular routes can sell out.  

• Look for car shares – friends, festival forums or apps like BlaBlaCar can help you find someone heading the same way. 

• Check shuttle buses – some festivals run official buses from train stations, which can be cheaper than a taxi or even included as part of your ticket.  

• If using Uber, remember surge pricing is common at big events. Add this into your budget so it doesn’t sting on the day. 

Share the cost of camping gear 

You don’t need to buy everything yourself. Tents, portable gas stoves, camping chairs, and coolers all add up quickly.  

“Chat with friends about what you have as a group,” Vix suggests. “Split the costs on items with a larger price point, like tents as you will probably use them together again.”  

Money-saving ideas: 

• Share a tent, camping stove or portable charger. 

• Borrow from friends or family. 

• Check Facebook Marketplace, or look out for camping deals from Lidl and Aldi in spring and early summer. 

If it’s been a few years since you last camped, Vix recommends doing a “quick test run in the garden” so you don’t end up buying replacement items at festival prices.   

Bring your own food and drink 

Festival food stalls are part of the vibe, but they’re not cheap. Taking your own food for breakfast and lunch can save you a big chunk of money. 

Easy food ideas: 

• cereal bars 

• bread rolls 

• crisps 

• nuts 

• fruit 

• noodles or pasta pots (if you have a camp stove) 

Vix says to always check the festival rules on food and alcohol before you arrive. That way you don’t have to leave anything behind at the gate. And don’t forget a refillable bottle; most festivals offer free water points. 

Bringing your own food for (part of) the day, means you can indulge in the occasional treat from the food stalls guilt free.  

Budget for on-the-day spending 

This is your “fun money” and also where people tend to overspend. 

Think about: 

• drinks 

• snacks 

• merch 

• emergency supplies (suncream, rain poncho, blister plasters) 

You’ll need cash for all of that. You don’t want to scrimp too much here, as it is all part of the experience, but having a number in mind is good so you don’t end up overspending either.  

As Vix says: “There are loads of small things you can do to make sure you have the most money to play with to invest in the best memories.” 

A little planning now means you can enjoy the music, the friends, the sunshine (or mud), and the memories, and all without stressing about money while you’re there.