Getting Ready for Belladrum: Your July Checklist
Belladrum is almost here, and whether this is your first trip to the festival or your annual summer tradition, now is the perfect time to get organised. A wee bit of planning in July can make your festival weekend much easier, from sorting your travel and extras to packing the right things for classic Highland weather (all seasons in one day…).
Here’s a handy guide to help you prepare for your visit this year.
Read the FAQs Before You Arrive
Before you pack the car, zip up your tent bag or set off for the Highlands, take some time to read through our FAQs webpage. It’s a bit lengthy, so pour yourself a wee cuppa first.
This is where you’ll find important information about arrival times, camping, tickets, what you can and cannot bring on site, accessibility, family information, travel, facilities and more.
It might not be the most glamorous part of festival prep, but it is certainly one of the most useful. A quick read now can save you a lot of questions later!
Keep an Eye on Our Social Media
Stage timings, updates, reminders and useful festival information will be shared across our official social media channels in the run-up to the event.
Depending on where you purchased your tickets from and if you opted in for marketing, we may not be able to contact you directly. So, make sure you’re following Belladrum on social media so you don’t miss key announcements, including stage times, travel reminders, fancy dress inspiration and any last-minute information you need to know before arriving on site.
It’s also a good idea to save or screenshot anything important, just in case your signal is patchy once you’re at the festival.
Get Your Travel Plans Sorted
Now is the time to make sure your travel plans are ready.
If you are driving to Belladrum, please make sure you have purchased your car parking pass in advance. Parking is limited and buying ahead helps make arrival smoother for everyone. Your car parking pass is a physical window sticker that gets sent out in the post, so these come off sale on July 22nd to allow for delivery. You can pick up a weekend pass, or day pass (if coming and going from the site) online.
If you are planning to travel by shuttle bus, book your space with our friends at D&E as early as possible and check your timings before the weekend. Knowing how you are getting to and from the festival before you arrive means you can relax and enjoy the weekend once you’re here.
It is also worth planning your route, checking your ticket type, and making sure everyone in your group knows where they are going.
Remember, Thursday morning is always the most busy time for arrivals and there’s a lot of you to get into the site and off the road, all at once. Our traffic team will do their very best to keep things moving along. To help them out, make sure your car parking sticker is displayed on your window before you arrive.
Please do pack some snacks, entertainment for the little ones and other bits and bobs just in case you find yourself dealing with any delays.
We share travel information and travel maps ahead of Bella, so keep an eye out for those!
Check Out Upgrades and Extras
Fancy making your Belladrum weekend even better? We’ve got a few optional upgrades that might take your fancy.
Club Clan Bella is ideal for anyone looking to add a little extra comfort to their festival experience. It’s a great option if you want to treat yourself while still enjoying the full Bella atmosphere. Posh loos, own bar, refresh tent and more!
Tomatin Masterclasses are a brilliant choice for whisky fans looking to add something special to their weekend. These sessions are a chance to enjoy a guided tasting experience from one of our much-loved festival partners. These sessions sell out every single year, and a number are already sold out for 2026, so please book quickly to avoid disappointment.
Friendly Flush is another popular upgrade for anyone who likes the idea of upgraded toilet facilities across the weekend. Sometimes it’s the little comforts that make all the difference. These are 24/7 serviced toilets situated in the family campsite. They also offer hairdryers, hair straighteners and showers on a pay as you go basis.
Pre-pitched tents are a great option if you want to travel lighter and take some of the stress out of setting up camp. Arrive, check in and get straight into festival mode. These are situated in the glamping field so come with lots of lovely extras!
Extras and upgrades can be limited, so it’s worth checking availability now rather than leaving it until the very last minute.
Book your power bank
Between tickets, photos, videos, stage times, WhatsApp updates and finding your friends, your phone will be working hard across the weekend, no doubt!
A reminder than you can pre-book Charge Candy portable phone chargers before you arrive, helping you stay powered up throughout the festival. It’s also a good idea to bring your own portable charger and/or cable if you have one.
A charged phone is helpful, but remember that signal can still be limited, so screenshots, meeting points and a loose plan are your best friends.
Start Planning Your Saturday Fancy Dress
Saturday fancy dress is a huge part of the Belladrum fun, and this year’s theme is Party Animals.
Whether you’re going full jungle, farmyard fabulous, safari sparkle, disco creature or something completely off the cuff, now is the time to start planning your costume.
What to Pack for Belladrum
Packing well can make your weekend so much more comfortable. Here are a few essentials worth adding to your list:
Warm clothes and layers
Even in late July/early August, evenings can get chilly. Bring hoodies, jumpers, jackets and anything cosy for later in the day.
Waterproofs
We’re hoping for sunshine, of course, but this is the Highlands. A waterproof jacket is always a good idea.
Comfortable footwear
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, standing and dancing, so bring shoes or boots you know you can rely on.
Sun cream and a hat
If the sun shines, you’ll be glad you packed them.
A refillable water bottle
There will be water refill points on site, so bring a bottle and stay hydrated throughout the weekend.
Bank card
Belladrum is cashless, so please bring a bank card or contactless payment method.
A small amount of emergency cash
A limited number of our smaller market traders or charity stalls may find cash useful, so having a little on hand is a good idea.
Co-op membership card
Bring your Co-op membership card so you can make the most of your membership while on site. Not a member yet? We highly recommend signing up before your visit as they have fab deals and something brand new announcing soon, just for members…
Torch or head torch
Very useful for getting around your tent or campsite after dark.
Medication and essentials
Bring any medication you need, plus basics like plasters, hand sanitiser, tissues and anything else that keeps you comfortable. Please make sure to bring prescriptions or doctors letters if this is applicable. We also have a lovely welfare team on site who will take great care of you, should you need support.
Ear defenders
A great idea for younger festivalgoers or anyone who may be sensitive to loud music or busy crowds.
Reusable bags
Handy for carrying layers, shopping, snacks or anything you pick up across the weekend.
Your tickets and booking confirmations
Make sure your tickets are ready before you travel. Save them somewhere easy to find and consider keeping a screenshot or offline copy too.
Make a Loose Plan, But Leave Room for Magic
Belladrum is jam-packed with music, entertainment, family fun, food, bars, stalls, surprises and special moments.
It’s worth having a look at the line-up, picking a few must-sees and chatting with your group about what everyone wants to do. You might also want to choose a meeting point in case you get separated.
But don’t plan every minute. Some of the best Bella memories happen when you stumble across something unexpected!!
Keep an Eye Out for the Arena Map
Our arena map will be coming soon, so keep an eye on the Belladrum website and official social media channels.
Once it is live, it’s worth taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the site before you arrive. You’ll be able to spot key areas including stages, bars, food traders, toilets, water points, family areas, welfare, first aid and more.
As above, a reminder that it’s also a good idea to choose a meeting point with your group, especially if you are coming with friends, family or younger festivalgoers. Mobile signal can be busy at large events, so having a simple “meet here if we get separated” plan is always sensible.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Want a little extra Bella magic in the run-up to the festival?
Sign up to our official WhatsApp channel for fun content, behind-the-scenes moments, useful reminders and updates across the weekend. It’s a great way to feel part of the build-up before you arrive, and to keep up with what’s happening once you’re in.
We’ll still share important information through our main website and social media channels, but WhatsApp is another handy way to stay connected.
Download Your Tickets Before You Travel
Your Belladrum tickets will become available through your Gigantic account, or will be sent to you by email as a QR code, around 2–10 days before the festival.
Please make sure you download your tickets before you arrive on site. We strongly recommend taking a screenshot of your QR code too, just in case your signal is limited when you reach the festival.
Having your tickets ready before you get to the gate helps keep the entry process moving smoothly for everyone.
Final Checks Before You Set Off
Before you leave, do one final check:
Have you read the FAQs?
Are your tickets ready, and downloaded?
Have you sorted your travel or parking?
Have you checked out any extras or upgrades you want?
Have you packed for sunshine, rain and chilly evenings?
Have you planned your Saturday fancy dress?
Are you following Belladrum on social media for the latest updates?
Have you chosen a meeting point with your group?
Have you joined the Belladrum WhatsApp channel?
If the answer is yes, then it sounds like you’re well prepared and in for a wonderful weekend. We genuinely can’t wait to welcome you back to Belladrum for another unforgettable weekend.
Team Bella x