The Vanlife Festival 2026 looks set to be one of the standout weekends on the UK vanlife calendar, bringing together campervan owners, motorhome travellers, road-trip dreamers and curious first-timers in one lively setting. The event is scheduled for 29 to 31 May 2026, with pre-event arrival from 28 May, at The West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Visitors can expect a packed mix of display vehicles, workshops, travel talks, live music, traders, street food and family-friendly activities, so it is not just a place to park up, but a chance to pick up ideas.
In this guide, we will look at what Vanlife Festival is, when and where it takes place, the main highlights, what to pack, and how to get ready for the weekend. We will also touch on why a Jackery Solar Generator can be a practical power option for campervans, caravans and motorhomes during festival trips.
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Key Takeaways: |
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Overview of Vanlife Festival 2026
Vanlife Festival is one of the UK’s best-known vanlife gatherings, built around the idea of bringing together people who travel, camp or live on the road in everything from micro campers and self-build vans to caravans, motorhomes, buses and larger adventure rigs. Rather than feeling like a standard trade show, it is pitched as a community festival where people can show off their vehicles, swap ideas, hear travel stories and pick up practical inspiration for future trips.
For 2026, the festival is set for 29 to 31 May 2026, with an optional pre-event arrival on Thursday 28 May, at The West Mid Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF.
For day visitors, the published opening times are Saturday 30 May from 10 am to 11 pm with last entry at 6 pm, and Sunday 31 May from 10 am to 4 pm with last entry at 2 pm.
What is actually on at the festival is a big part of the appeal. The organisers highlight over 100 hand-picked display vehicles, alongside live music, travel talks, workshops, street food, bars, quirky traders, kids’ entertainment, funfair attractions, bushcraft, holistic wellbeing, yoga, and other outdoor or hands-on activities.
Tickets are sold through Ticket Source. From the publicly available festival listings and event snippets for 2026, the main prices being advertised are £75 for an adult weekend ticket, £45 for a vehicle camping pass, and £28 per vehicle for the Thursday pre-event “Golden Ticket” add-on.
For accommodation, the most natural choice is on-site weekend camping if you are arriving in a campervan, caravan or motorhome. Weekend campers can stay until 1pm on Monday, 1 June, and the festival confirms that single-night camping is not available, so it suits people planning to settle in for the full event rather than dip in and out.
What Makes Vanlife Festival So Special?
What makes Vanlife Festival 2026 stand out is that it is not only about looking at cool campervans. The event is built around the wider vanlife culture in the UK, giving people a place to share builds, swap travel ideas, talk about life on the road and pass on practical knowledge. The organisers describe it as a space where people can exhibit their vehicles, share adventures and help others work out what kind of vanlife setup suits them best.
Another big reason it feels different is its inclusive atmosphere. Vanlife Festival is not limited to one type of traveller or one budget level. It welcomes everything from micro campers and self-build vans to caravans, coaches, horseboxes, motorhomes and larger expedition-style vehicles. That makes it appealing whether you are already deep into vanlife or simply curious about starting out.
It also offers more than a static vehicle show. Alongside the display vans, the festival programme includes workshops, talks, discussions, live music, family entertainment, traders, wellbeing sessions and outdoor activities, so visitors get both inspiration and useful information in one weekend.
Packing List for Vanlife Festival 2026
Packing for Vanlife Festival is a little different from packing for a normal day festival. You are not only planning for live music, display vehicles and workshops, but also for life on site in a campervan, caravan or motorhome.
Tickets, Documents and Essentials
Start with the basics you do not want to forget on the driveway. Bring your festival ticket confirmation, photo ID, driving licence, vehicle documents, insurance details, bank cards, some cash for smaller traders, and your phone with important booking emails saved offline.
Food and Drinks
Even with street food and bars on site, it is still smart to bring your own supplies for breakfasts, late-night snacks and relaxed meals at your pitch. The festival has food vendors and an on-site grocery option, but self-catering makes the weekend easier and usually cheaper.
Cooking Kit
If you are staying on site, your cooking setup matters almost as much as your food. Bring your camping stove if you use one, gas canisters if needed, pans, a kettle, cooking utensils, a chopping board, a washing-up bowl, washing-up liquid, cloths and tea towels. A folding table and camping chairs also make a big difference to comfort, especially if you plan to eat outside your van.
Clothing for a UK Festival Weekend
Late May in the UK can go either way. You might get warm sunshine in the afternoon and a chilly breeze after dark, or you could end up walking through wet grass in a drizzle. Pack for layers rather than one fixed forecast.
Bedding and Sleeping Gear
Even if your campervan or caravan is already stocked, do a proper bedding check before you leave. Bring your duvet or sleeping bag, pillows, fitted sheets, spare blankets and anything that makes your sleeping setup warmer and more comfortable. Earplugs are worth packing too, especially if you are parked near a lively area.
Toiletries and Wash Kit
The festival provides toilets and shower facilities, but you will still want your own wash kit ready to grab. A separate shower bag makes this part much easier. You can just pick it up and go instead of rummaging around each morning.
Power and Charging Setup
Power is one of the biggest practical issues at a vanlife event. The festival only has limited electric hook-up, and that is prioritised for people with medical needs. Petrol and diesel generators are not allowed, but solar-powered power stations are welcome.
That is where a Jackery Solar Generator fits naturally into the packing list. Jackery describes its solar generators as portable power solutions for camping, RVing and off-grid use, combining a portable power station with solar panels. For a festival setup, that can be a handy way to keep phones, lights, cameras, small appliances and everyday essentials charged without relying on noisy fuel generators.
Van and Pitch Supplies
A few practical extras can save a lot of stress once you arrive. Bring levelling ramps if your van needs them, wheel chocks, hookup cable if you have booked electric, fresh water containers, waste water containers, toilet chemicals if you use a cassette toilet, and basic cleaning items for quick tidy-ups.
Health, Safety and Weather Gear
Festival packing is not just about comfort. It is also about being ready for minor problems without having to hunt down supplies. A simple first-aid kit should include plasters, pain relief, blister pads, antihistamines, any prescription medication, insect repellent and sun cream.
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Packing List for Vanlife Festival |
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Ticket |
Photo ID |
Driving License |
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Vehicle Documents |
Insurances |
Cash or Card |
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Water Bottle |
Tea & Coffee Kit |
Easy Breakfast |
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Food & Water |
Cooking Utensils |
Bin Bags |
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Portable Cooler |
Cooking Kit |
Change of Clothes |
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Walking Shoes |
Sun Protection |
Sleepwear |
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Sleeping Bag |
Pillow |
Spare Blanket |
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Earplugs |
Small Torch or Head Torch |
Toiletries |
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Wet Wipes |
Jackery Solar Generator |
Awning |
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Mallet & Pegs |
Picnic Blanket |
Folding Chairs |
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Outdoor Table |
Brush & Dustpan |
Umbrella |
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Duct Tape |
Basic Tool Kit |
Tyre Pressure Gauge |
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Books & Games |
Camera |
Portable Speaker |
The easiest way to pack for Vanlife Festival is to split everything into four groups: sleeping, cooking, clothing and power. Once those are sorted, the rest is mostly about comfort. Bring enough to be self-sufficient, but not so much that your van becomes cluttered and stressful.
Preparing for the Vanlife Festival
The easiest way to prepare for Vanlife Festival is to think in order: book the right stay, budget for the extras, stock the van properly, sort your power, then arrive early enough to settle in. Once those pieces are in place, the rest of the weekend becomes much easier.
Step 1: Decide How You Want to Stay
The first thing to sort out is accommodation. For Vanlife Festival, the most practical choice is usually to stay on site in a campervan, caravan or motorhome rather than trying to commute in and out each day. Weekend campers can also stay until 1pm on Monday 1 June 2026, which makes the whole trip feel more relaxed.
If you do not have a van setup of your own, a hotel in Shrewsbury is the obvious fallback. The venue is at The West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury, and the festival says the town centre is about a 15-minute walk away.
Step 2: Book Early and Check Exactly What Your Ticket Includes
Do not leave bookings too late. Vanlife Festival 2026 runs from 29 to 31 May 2026, with a pre-event option on Thursday 28 May, and tickets are sold through Ticket Source. The Thursday early-arrival option is a separate Golden Ticket bolt-on, and it must be booked online in advance. The festival also makes clear that there is no single-night camping.
Step 3: Understand Why a Campervan Is the Best Festival Accommodation
A campervan works so well for this festival because it gives you flexibility that a hotel or day visit cannot. You have your bed, clothes, food, charging setup and everyday essentials all in one place, which means less walking back and forth and less money spent on repeated meals out.
The event itself is also built around vanlife culture, with display vehicles, workshops, talks, live music, traders, food, bars and outdoor activities, so staying in your van feels like part of the weekend rather than just somewhere to sleep.
Step 4: Budget for the Extra Costs, Not Just the Ticket
A lot of people budget for the ticket and then forget the smaller add-ons. At this festival, the main extra costs to watch for are the Thursday Golden Ticket if you want early arrival and any electric hook-up fee, because hook-up is limited, prioritised for medical needs, and comes with a small additional charge.
Step 5: Plan Your Power Before the Weekend Starts
Power is worth thinking about early, especially if you are used to campsites with easy hook-up. Vanlife Festival says electric hook-up is limited and mainly reserved for people with medical requirements, while petrol and diesel generators are not allowed on site. The organisers specifically say that solar-powered power stations are welcome.
That is why a Jackery Solar Generator makes sense as part of your festival setup. Jackery Solar Generators as a portable power station paired with solar panels for camping, RVing and off-grid use, giving you a clean, quiet way to keep phones, lights and other everyday devices running around your pitch.
Step 6: Prepare for Site Rules and Basic Festival Etiquette
Before you set off, spend five minutes checking the festival rules. After 23:00, amplified music must be switched off. Small firepits or BBQs are allowed only if they are off the ground, attended at all times and kept at least 3 metres from tents or awnings. Dogs are allowed but must stay on a short lead and under control. The site also has 24-hour security and on-site medical or first aid personnel.
Jackery Solar Generators for Campervans, Caravans & Motorhomes
For campervan, caravan and motorhome travel, a good power setup needs to do three things well: stay practical on the road, run the essentials without fuss, and fit into a limited living space. That is why a Jackery Solar Generator feels like a natural match for van-based trips.
The current v2 range is positioned around portable off-grid use, with LiFePO4 battery chemistry, multiple charging options, and outputs suited to everyday travel gear such as phones, laptops, lights, portable fridges and small kitchen appliances.
One of the main reasons to choose this kind of setup for a festival or road trip is quiet, fuel-free power. That matters even more for Vanlife Festival, where petrol and diesel generators are not allowed, while solar-powered power stations are welcome.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is the stronger choice for people who want a more capable setup for longer stays, larger motorhomes, or trips where power demands are less modest. It at 2042Wh capacity with 2200W output, which puts it in a comfortable position for higher-demand travel use. It also includes 2 AC outlets, 1 USB-A 18W, and 2 USB-C ports.
Higher Capacity for Longer Vanlife Festival Stays
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is a strong choice for a UK vanlife festival in 2026 because it is better suited to a full weekend away rather than a short day trip. In that kind of setting, the 2042Wh capacity gives you much more usable energy for a longer off-grid stay.
One of the main reasons to choose the 2000 v2 is its 2200W output, which makes it suitable not only for phones, laptops, and lights, but also for more demanding vanlife gear.
Portable for Its Class
Although it offers large capacity, the Jackery 2000 v2 is designed to stay travel-friendly. Jackery lists it at 17.5 kg, and also describes it as lighter and more compact than typical 2kWh LiFePO4 models, with a foldable handle for easier carrying. That balance matters for vanlife trips, because space is limited and festival packing can already be heavy.
Useful Port Selection for Modern Festival Gear
The 2000 v2 includes 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port, and a car port, which makes it practical for the mix of devices people actually bring to vanlife festivals. You can charge phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, lights, and smaller accessories from one unit, which is especially helpful for couples or groups travelling together.
Solar Charging Adds More Freedom on the Road
As a solar generator package, the 2000 v2 also gives you the option of recharging with SolarSaga 200W solar panels, which fits naturally with vanlife travel. That is useful for festival-goers who want to stay more self-sufficient, extend their time off-grid, and reduce dependence on hook-ups or site facilities.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is the more compact option, and for many people it will be the easier fit. it at 1070Wh capacity with 1500W output, and it is suitable for higher-demand essentials such as refrigerators, kettles and portable air conditioners. It also supports USB charging with up to 100W dual PD charging, which is useful for modern phones, tablets and laptops.
Enough Capacity for Everyday Festival Power
One of the main reasons to choose the 1000 v2 is its 1070Wh capacity, which gives you enough stored power for the kind of devices people actually use at vanlife festivals. It is well suited to charging phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, lights, and other daily essentials across a weekend, especially if you want one power source for both your van and your pitch.
Stronger Output for More Than Just Small Electronics
The 1500W output is another key advantage. It gives the 1000 v2 more flexibility than entry-level models, so it can handle not only personal electronics but also more demanding vanlife gear. A vanlife festival is not only about attending talks or walking around displays. It is also about living on-site for a few days and enjoying the social side of van travel.
Multiple Ports for Modern Vanlife Devices
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 includes USB-A and USB-C ports, with up to 100W dual PD charging, alongside AC outlets. That makes it practical for modern vanlife travel, where people often need to charge several devices at once, from phones and drones to laptops and camera batteries.
Ultra-Fast One-Hour Charging
The Emergency Charge Mode, enabled through the app, allows the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to be fully charged in less than an hour, delivering crucial power backup when your battery runs low. Additionally, charging from 0% to 100% in just two hours using an AC wall outlet helps extend battery life.
Essential Festival Survival Tips
A good festival finish is usually planned the day before. Campers must leave by 13:00 on Monday 1 June 2026, so it helps to tidy gradually on Sunday evening rather than trying to do everything at once in the morning. Empty rubbish, pack away loose gear, check your water and waste setup, and leave yourself a simple final routine before you drive out.
Download the Site Map Before You Leave Home
Do not rely on mobile signal once you are on site. The festival’s downloads page specifically warns that web traffic can become heavy during the event and that internet speeds may slow right down, so it is a good idea to download the site map, talk schedules and any activity timetables in advance.
Treat Your Van as Your Base for the Weekend
Vanlife Festival works best when your campervan, caravan or motorhome is set up as a proper base rather than just somewhere to sleep. Get levelled up early, sort your chairs, lighting and cooking bits straight away and put the essentials somewhere easy to reach.
Do NOT Depend on the Electric Hook-up
If you need guaranteed power, plan it before you arrive. The festival says electric hook-up is limited, prioritised for medical needs and comes with an extra charge, while petrol and diesel generators are not allowed on site.
Solar-powered power stations are welcome, which is why a quiet setup such as a Jackery Solar Generator makes practical sense for charging phones, lights and smaller essentials without relying on scarce hook-up points.
Use the Facilities Properly and Keep Things Simple
The site has toilets, shower blocks, portable toilets, mains water and designated Elsan disposal points, so use them properly and make life easier for everyone around you. The organisers are very clear that toilet cassette waste must only go into the marked Elsan points, not into standard toilets. It is also worth showering at quieter times rather than waiting until everyone wakes up at once.
Know the Dog Rules Before You Bring One
If you are taking a dog, plan for that properly rather than assuming it will all work itself out. Dogs are allowed, but they must stay on short leads and under control at all times, owners must clean up after them, and pets are not allowed in enclosed entertainment venues.
Look After Your Phone, Battery and Key Documents
Because the event is spread across a busy showground and some charging is only available at the owner’s risk, it is sensible to keep your phone charged, your booking details saved offline and your important documents easy to find. Keep your ticket confirmation, ID, vehicle details and emergency contacts together.
Top 5 UK Vanlife Festivals and Events in 2026
If you want to add more road-life weekends to your calendar beyond Vanlife Festival itself, there are several strong UK options already confirmed for 2026. Rather than trying to rank them too rigidly, these are five of the most notable vanlife-related festivals and events with published 2026 dates.
1. Vanlife Festival
Vanlife Festival is one of the best-known dedicated vanlife gatherings in the UK, with a strong community feel and a broad mix of inspiration, entertainment and practical know-how. It suits self-build fans, seasoned travellers and people who are still figuring out what sort of setup they want.
Time: 29–31 May 2026, with pre-event camping on 28 May 2026. (Vanlife Festival 2026)
Location: The West Mid Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF. (Vanlife Festival 2026)
What’s Included: Over 100 display vehicles, workshops, travel talks, live music, traders, street food, bars, kids’ entertainment, bushcraft, holistic wellbeing and other outdoor activities.
2. Campervan Campout 2026
Campervan Campout leans into the lifestyle side of vanlife, mixing live entertainment with camping and a more relaxed social atmosphere. It is open to campervans, motorhomes, caravans and tents, so it has a wider, more flexible feel than some vehicle-specific shows.
Time: 1–3 May 2026.
Location: South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex.
What’s included: Camping, live performances, music-focused entertainment, vanlife community atmosphere, and pitches for campervans, motorhomes, caravans and tents.
3. Vanlove 2026
Vanlove has become one of the bigger names in the UK vanlife space, and its 2026 edition looks especially ambitious with a move to Thruxton Race Circuit. It has a more high-energy style than some of the quieter community festivals, but it still keeps the vanlife core at the centre.
Time: 18–21 June 2026.
Location: Thruxton Race Circuit, SP11 8PN, Hampshire.
What’s included: Trackside camping, live music, talks, demos, trade village shopping, street food, bars and a festival programme designed for campervans, motorhomes and other live-in vehicles.
4. VanLife Fest @ The Hall
Set in the grounds of Scampston Hall in North Yorkshire, VanLife Fest @ The Hall has a more family-focused and scenic feel. It is a good fit for people who enjoy camper culture but do not necessarily want an overly hectic weekend.
Time: 19–21 June 2026.
Location: Scampston Hall, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 8NG.
What’s included: Live music, a trade village, family entertainment and a camper-focused weekend event set in the Scampston Hall grounds.
5. Busfest
Busfest is slightly different from the others because it is heavily rooted in Volkswagen Transporter culture, but it is still one of the biggest and most recognisable van-related events in the UK. For VW lovers in particular, it is a major calendar date.
Time: 11–13 September 2026.
Location: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW.
What’s included: Trade village, fun fair, kids’ activities, stunt show, five entertainment stages, vehicle sales areas, autojumble, Syncro Trial and Show & Shine displays.
FAQs
The following are frequently asked questions about the Vanlife Festival 2026 in the UK.
1. When is Vanlife Festival UK 2026?
Vanlife Festival UK 2026 is scheduled for 29 to 31 May 2026, with an optional pre-event arrival day on Thursday 28 May 2026 for weekend campers.
2. Where is Vanlife Festival 2026 held?
The festival takes place at The West Mid Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF. According to the organisers, it is a central venue for the event and is close to Shrewsbury town centre and station, which makes it practical whether you are arriving by road or rail.
3. What can you do at Vanlife Festival UK 2026?
Vanlife Festival is more than a vehicle show. The official site highlights display vehicles, workshops, travel talks, live music, traders, street food, bars, kids’ entertainment, bushcraft, holistic wellbeing and other outdoor activities. That mix is a big part of why the event appeals to both experienced vanlifers and first-time visitors.
4. Can you camp at Vanlife Festival, and are generators allowed?
Yes, weekend camping is part of the festival setup, but the organisers say there is no single-night camping. They also state that petrol and diesel generators are not allowed, while solar-powered power stations are welcome. For campervan, caravan and motorhome visitors, that is one reason a quieter setup such as a Jackery Solar Generator fits naturally with the event.
Final Thoughts
Vanlife Festival 2026 is more than a weekend event. It is a chance to step into the UK vanlife scene, explore different vehicle setups, meet people with real road experience and enjoy a festival that blends travel ideas with music, workshops and community spirit.
With the right planning, the weekend can be far more comfortable and rewarding. Booking early, packing properly, arriving with enough supplies and sorting out a reliable power setup all help you enjoy the event without unnecessary stress.
