As the summer festival season heats up, it’s time to prepare for unforgettable experiences under the open sky taking in the vibrant atmosphere among a buzzing crowd. However, amidst the excitement, it’s important to address the environmental impact of festivals, particularly in terms of tent wastage.

In this blog, we’ll be discussing the impact of tent waste, as well as guiding you through the best festival tents, while keeping the environment in mind. We’ll explore different tent functionalities, recommend top picks and discuss how renting tents can improve sustainability. 

Tents and Festivals: Current Practice

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) estimates that around 250,000 tents are abandoned at music festivals across the UK each year. On average, a tent weighs 3.5kg and is predominantly made of plastic – the equivalent of roughly 8750 straws or 250 pint-size cups, according to AIF. This is clearly a huge amount of waste! We certainly have some improvements to make. We believe it’s crucial to embrace more sustainable approaches to reduce this impact and create a positive change. But, how can we start the movement? 

Here at KitUp, we have a huge array of tents for hire. From tents to hire near Boardmasters, to pop-up tents to rent for Leeds Festival, there’s a tent for every occasion. Then, once the fun is over, simply pack up your tent, hand it back to the owner and head back home for some rest and relaxation (let’s face it, you’ll need it after a festival full of entertainment!)

Which tent is best for a festival?

When it comes to choosing the best tent for a festival in the UK, several factors come into play. The ideal tent will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the number of people sharing the tent, desired comfort level, ease of setup, durability and weather resistance. 

Spacious family tents are great for groups, while lightweight and compact tents work well for solo festival goers, or those attending as a duo. Additionally, tents with good ventilation and waterproof features are essential for unpredictable festival weather. By assessing your requirements and considering the recommendations in our guide, you’ll be well-equipped to select the perfect festival tent for an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Spacious Festival Tents for Hire

For festival-goers attending with their families or larger groups, spacious family tents are an excellent choice. These tents offer multiple rooms or separate sleeping compartments, providing privacy and ample space for everyone. Look for tents with a high peak height to allow for comfortable movement inside. Many family tents also feature built-in storage pockets and additional features to enhance your camping experience to make it as comfortable as possible.

If you’re heading to Boomtown this summer with a group of friends or family and need a tent to hire, this tent might be the ultimate choice for you. It comfortably sleeps 4-6 people and can even come with additional accessories on request. 

This one’s an ideal tent pick if you’re heading to Reading Festival or Boomtown Festival. It’s situated slightly further out but you could factor in collection while making your way to the event. Based in Basingstoke, this quick-pitch inflatable tent for hire is ideal for groups of 6 and provides a huge amount of room to safely secure your belongings for the duration of the event. 

Lightweight Festival Tents for Rent

If you’re planning to attend a festival as a solo traveller or prefer a more lightweight setup, backpacking tents are worth considering. These tents prioritise portability and ease of carrying, making them ideal for those who have a little distance to walk before setting up camp. If this sounds like your situation, we recommend looking for tents made from lightweight materials. Not only do they benefit from being easy on your back, but they won’t compromise on durability or weather resistance. These tents are typically easy to set up and pack down, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festival.

Need a tent to rent for Boomtown Festival? This 1-person backpacker tent is the perfect solution for a solo attendee, or if you’re going with a group but want your own space to rest your head as it’s available to hire from Alton, perfect to pick up en-route. With a simple set-up, you’ll be heading towards the stage in no time. 

Paying a visit to All Points East this summer? Check out this ultralight 2-person tent. Available to rent and collect from Hoxton, it’ll be the perfect fit and allow you to travel across London with ease.

Quick Pitch Pop-Up Festival Tents to Hire

For festival-goers seeking convenience and ease of setup, pop-up tents are a popular choice. These tents come with pre-attached poles that can be easily unfolded and set up in a matter of minutes. They are perfect for those who want to spend less time assembling their tent and more time enjoying the festival atmosphere. 

Heading to Boardmasters Festival this summer and need a tent to hire for a small group? Check out this 3 person pop-up tent in Cornwall. It fits perfectly in the car and can be hired from Cornwall.

All-Weather Festival Tents to Rent

Festival weather can be unpredictable, so investing in an all-weather tent is a smart choice. Look for tents specifically designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind and even extreme heat or cold. These tents often feature robust rainflys, sturdy poles, and durable fabrics to keep you protected and comfortable in any climate. Ventilation is also crucial in all-weather tents to prevent condensation buildup. While it might take a little longer to erect, it’ll certainly provide peace of mind for protected sleep during a festival. 

This 4 season’s tent is one of our favourite picks if you’re going to experience the fun of Boardmasters this summer. Available to collect from Devon, this 3-4 man tent can be hired so you know you’re supporting the environment, whilst also having a great time. 

How Renting a Tent for Festivals Can Improve Sustainability

In light of the significant tent wastage at festivals, we strongly advocate for renting tents as a more sustainable alternative. Renting not only reduces waste but also allows festival-goers to enjoy high-quality tents without the long-term commitment of storing a tent, or the cost it can incur to purchase new. 

How Much Does a Festival Tent Cost?

This question can be quite complex to answer as it completely depends on the type of tent, size, quality and functionality. If you’re looking for a cheap tent to purchase brand new, you could be looking at spending from £30. However, with this low price, comes compromises. You’ll likely be receiving a tent that has low or limited durability, meaning you might end up getting a damp tent throughout your festival stay, or very little comfort and space. If you’d prefer something more luxury, you can expect to spend £1000’s. However, renting a festival tent allows access to a wide range of higher-quality tents, at a fraction of the price. 

At KitUp, our online platform currently has tents to hire from £7 per day. Explore what our renters have on offer today and head to our online platform. 

To conclude, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of tent wastage as you prepare for your upcoming festival adventures. By choosing sustainable options like renting festival tents, we can collectively work towards minimising waste and preserving our planet. Whether you’re camping with family or venturing solo. Let’s embrace the festival spirit responsibly, explore new locations, and make lasting memories while keeping the environment in mind.

Ready to hire your perfect festival tent and make a positive environmental impact? Visit KitUp now to start your sustainable festival adventure in comfort!