Excitement is building for the inaugural Meraki Festival, which is just around the corner.

As St Albans families start preparing for the big weekend, the Herts Ad have prepared a handy list of necessities that should be top packing priorities.

We’ve also included a group of things that are banned from the site.

Don’t forget:

- Tickets This one might be quite obvious - and therefore all the more embarrassing left behind. They can be printed out or downloaded onto a smart phone or tablet. At the door, they will be swapped with wristbands that can be flashed for entrance from the campsite to the festival grounds.

- Car park pass

Drivers will be left in a sticky situation without somewhere to leave their wheels. The tickets must be left clearly visible in the car throughout the weekend.

- Practical clothes

It’s Britain, and no-one can predict a British summer. Be prepared for the fickle weather we have all grown to love, from boiling hot to showery rain and bitter nights. Suncream, hats, raincoats, warm jumpers, and wellies are essential.

- Sleeping essentials

Everyone gets cranky without enough sleep. A big enough tent, sleeping bag, pillows, and warm pyjamas will ensure that all festival goers have fun for the duration of the weekend.

Families with young children should consider extra warm blankets for the little ones during the night.

- Supplies

Although there will be a shop on site, thrifty campers may want to bring their own loo rolls, torches, wet wipes, and spare socks. There will be an array of food options available on site, including cocktail bars, but it also can’t hurt to bring snacks for those delicious midnight meals - Meraki organisers suggest cereal bars and bottled water as a start.

- Family essentials

It’s a well-known fact parents are often over-laden with baby equipment, but it is even more crucial on a camping trip. Buggies or slings, first aid kits, nappies, anti-bacterial hand gel, and potties for late-night emergencies will all ensure the youngsters enjoy the weekend.

Leave at home:

- Glass bottles

- Pre-bought alcohol (in the festival grounds, a maximum of 1ltr is allowed in tents)

- Pets (except guide dogs)

- Fire making equipment

- Generators

- Portable chemical toilets

- Amps

- Gazebos

- Chinese lanterns

- Drones

- Kites

- Bikes

- Drugs (including nitrate balloons and legal highs)