Festival season is all about live music, good company and making memories. But after spending an entire day on your feet, where you sleep can make a big difference to your experience.
Traditional camping has always been part of UK festival culture. There's something about pitching a tent with your mates, waking up to the sounds of the campsite and embracing a few days away from everyday comforts.
But it's not for everyone.
Carrying camping equipment across a festival site, struggling with tent poles and waking up on a deflated airbed aren't necessarily the highlights of a festival weekend.
That's where festival glamping comes in.
With accommodation options ranging from empty pre-pitched bell tents to fully furnished luxury tents, glamping doesn't necessarily mean spending a fortune.
So, is festival glamping worth the extra money in 2027? Let's compare the costs, comfort and convenience to help you decide.
What's the Difference Between Festival Camping and Glamping?
The main differences between traditional camping and festival glamping are convenience, comfort and how much equipment you need to bring.
With traditional camping, you're responsible for bringing your own tent, finding a suitable pitch, setting everything up and packing it away at the end of the weekend.
Glamping takes away some or all of that responsibility.
At its simplest, festival glamping means arriving to find your accommodation already pitched and ready. More expensive packages can include beds, mattresses, bedding and furnishings.
However, not all glamping packages are the same, so it's important to understand exactly what's included.
Festival Camping vs Glamping: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Camping | Festival Glamping |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Setup | Pitch your own tent | Pre-pitched and ready |
| Sleeping Arrangements | Bring your own | Depends on package |
| Equipment to Carry | Tent and camping essentials | Usually less equipment |
| Comfort | Depends on your setup | Options from basic to luxury |
| Space | Depends on tent size | Often spacious bell tents |
| Cost | Usually cheaper | Varies by accommodation |
| Packing Up | Dismantle and carry your tent | Leave the tent in place |
| Facilities | Depends on campsite | Depends on festival and package |
The biggest advantage of glamping isn't necessarily luxury. For many festival-goers, it's simply having less to organise.
Is Festival Glamping Worth the Extra Money?
Whether glamping is worth upgrading to depends on your budget, the length of the festival and how much you value a comfortable night's sleep.
If you already own camping equipment and don't mind pitching a tent, traditional camping is usually the most affordable choice.
However, there are several reasons why paying a little more for glamping might make sense.
1. Arrive Without the Hassle of Pitching a Tent
Anyone who's attended a large festival knows that arriving can involve a fair amount of walking.
Once you've made it through the entrance, you still need to find your camping area, choose a pitch and set everything up.
With pre-pitched glamping, your accommodation is already waiting.
You can check in, drop off your belongings and get straight into enjoying the festival.
2. Spend Less Time Packing and Carrying Equipment
Traditional festival camping requires a surprising amount of equipment.
Tents, poles, pegs, sleeping mats, bedding and other essentials can quickly become difficult to carry, particularly when travelling by public transport.
Choosing a pre-pitched tent removes the need to bring your own tent, while furnished packages can reduce your packing list even further.
You'll still need clothing and personal essentials, but there's considerably less camping equipment to worry about.
3. Enjoy a More Comfortable Night's Sleep
A good night's sleep can make a big difference, particularly when attending a festival for several days.
While traditional camping can be perfectly comfortable with the right equipment, glamping offers the option of upgrading your sleeping arrangements.
Depending on the package, you might have airbeds, mattresses, proper bed frames or bedding already provided.
This can be particularly appealing for anyone who wants to enjoy the festival without sacrificing too much comfort.
4. Share the Cost with Friends
Glamping might initially appear expensive, but it's worth comparing the price per person rather than just the total accommodation cost.
For example, a hypothetical £600 tent shared between four people works out at £150 each for the stay.
If you're attending a multi-day festival, the convenience of pre-pitched accommodation could make that additional cost worthwhile.
Always check the maximum occupancy and whether prices change depending on the number of guests.
What Types of Festival Glamping Can You Book?
One of the biggest misconceptions about glamping is that every option involves luxury beds and expensive accommodation.
In reality, there are several levels of comfort to choose from.
Empty Bell Tents (only at select festivals)
Best for: Budget-conscious festival-goers who already own sleeping equipment.
An empty bell tent gives you the convenience of arriving to a pre-pitched tent while allowing you to bring your own bedding and camping essentials.
It's a practical option for anyone who enjoys traditional camping but would rather skip the setup and packing away.
Basic and Classic Bell Tents
Best for: Festival-goers looking for a balance between affordability and comfort.
Basic and Classic packages offer a step up from an empty tent.
Depending on the accommodation package, these can include airbeds, bedding and useful furnishings.
They're particularly appealing if you want to reduce the amount of equipment you bring without paying for a fully furnished luxury tent.
Luxury Bell Tents
Best for: Couples, groups and anyone prioritising comfort.
Luxury bell tents offer a more furnished experience, with packages potentially including raised beds, mattresses, bedding and additional furnishings.
They can be a good option for longer festival weekends, especially if you'd prefer something closer to a conventional bed.
Touareg Tents
Best for: Groups looking for spacious festival accommodation.
Touareg tents offer an alternative to traditional bell tents, with larger layouts available for group accommodation.
Depending on the package, they can provide a comfortable shared space for friends attending a festival together.
Tip: Always check the individual accommodation listing before booking, as inclusions, capacities and furnishings can vary between events.
Which UK Festivals Offer Glamping in 2027?
If you're considering upgrading your festival accommodation, there are plenty of different types of events worth exploring.
The Canvas Co works with a range of UK music festivals, family events and endurance events, offering pre-pitched accommodation at selected locations.
Here are some events to consider when planning your 2027 calendar.
Music and Lifestyle Festivals
A country music festival that brings together live performances and a lively community atmosphere. Pre-pitched accommodation can make the weekend easier for visitors who want to spend more time enjoying the music.
For those who enjoy smaller festivals with a distinctive atmosphere, Big Love is worth exploring. Glamping offers an alternative to bringing your own camping setup for the weekend.
With live rock music at the heart of the event, Firevolt appeals to fans looking for a music-filled weekend. Having accommodation already pitched means one less thing to organise on arrival.
Set in Northumberland, Lindisfarne Festival combines live music with a distinctive coastal setting. Furnished glamping can be particularly appealing for visitors planning a full weekend away.
Family and Outdoor Festivals
A family-focused festival filled with creative experiences and activities. For families travelling with children, pre-pitched accommodation can remove one of the more demanding parts of arriving at a festival.
A celebration centred around food and the outdoors. Pre-pitched accommodation offers a convenient way to turn an event visit into an overnight experience where available.
Combining mountain biking, entertainment and an outdoor festival atmosphere, Malverns Classic attracts cycling enthusiasts and families. Glamping can be a useful alternative for visitors already bringing bikes and other equipment.
Endurance Events
Glamping isn't just for music festivals. Comfortable pre-pitched accommodation can also be useful for participants and supporters attending endurance events.
Endure24 Leeds and Endure24 Reading
These 24-hour running events attract solo runners, teams and supporters. Having somewhere to rest between activities can be an important consideration when planning accommodation.
An ultramarathon event where preparation and recovery matter. Pre-pitched accommodation may appeal to participants and supporters looking to simplify their event logistics, where suitable options are offered.
Accommodation availability and package options vary by event. Check The Canvas Co's individual event pages for confirmed 2027 bookings.
How Much Does Festival Glamping Cost?
There isn't one standard price for festival glamping.
The amount you'll pay depends on several factors, including the festival, accommodation type, number of guests, length of stay and what's included.
An empty pre-pitched bell tent will generally cost less than a fully furnished luxury package, but the difference in price can be worthwhile depending on your needs.
When comparing accommodation, consider:
Price per person: A larger tent shared between friends may offer better value than expected.
Length of stay: Calculate the cost across the full festival rather than looking at the total alone.
Included equipment: Beds, bedding and furnishings can reduce what you need to bring.
Facilities: Check what toilets, showers and other amenities are available with your accommodation.
Festival tickets: Accommodation and admission may need to be purchased separately.
It's also worth checking whether your chosen accommodation provider offers payment plans, which can help spread the cost ahead of the festival.
When Is Traditional Festival Camping the Better Option?
Despite the advantages of glamping, traditional camping is still a great choice for plenty of festival-goers.
If you're working with a tight budget, already own quality camping equipment or simply enjoy the traditional campsite experience, bringing your own tent may make more sense.
It's also worth considering how often you attend festivals.
Someone attending several events every summer might prefer investing in their own camping equipment, while someone attending one special weekend might value the convenience of pre-pitched accommodation.
Ultimately, neither option is automatically better. It comes down to how you want to spend your weekend.
What Should You Check Before Booking Festival Glamping?
Before choosing your accommodation for 2027, make sure you know exactly what you're paying for.
Here are six questions worth asking:
What's included? Check whether your tent comes empty or includes beds, bedding and furnishings.
How many people can stay? Confirm the maximum capacity and available sleeping arrangements.
Where is the glamping area? Check its location in relation to the festival entrance and main attractions.
What facilities are available? Toilets, showers and other amenities vary between events.
Are festival tickets included? Some accommodation bookings are separate from festival admission.
What are the payment and cancellation terms? Understand when payments are due and what happens if your plans change.
Taking a few minutes to compare these details can help you choose accommodation that suits your budget and expectations.
Festival Camping vs Glamping: What's the Verdict?
So, is upgrading to festival glamping worth it in 2027?
For anyone who values convenience, wants to carry less equipment or would appreciate a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, the answer could be yes.
You don't necessarily need to book the most expensive package to enjoy the benefits, either.
An empty pre-pitched bell tent can remove the hassle of setting up camp, while furnished accommodation offers additional comfort for those who want it.
Traditional camping remains a good option for festival-goers who enjoy bringing their own equipment and keeping costs down.
The best choice is the one that lets you enjoy more of the festival in the way that suits you.
Explore Festival Glamping with The Canvas Co
At The Canvas Co, we provide pre-pitched glamping accommodation at a range of UK festivals and outdoor events.
Whether you're looking for a simple bell tent or a more fully furnished stay, there are accommodation options to suit different budgets and group sizes.
Planning your 2027 festival calendar?