This is where reality ends and the weekend begins.
For four magical days and nights, the outside world officially stops mattering. The Forest welcomes you home.
Whether this is your first ever Forbidden Forest or your annual reunion with the Forbidden Family, here’s everything you need to know before disappearing into the woods…
Your weekend starts NOW.
You’ve stalked the lineup, argued in the group chat and mentally prepared for the most mind-blowing four days of your life. Next step? Download the Forbidden Forest app so you can:
- Check set times
- Build your own schedule
- Explore the map before you inevitably get lost (Coming Soon)
- Get live festival updates
- Listen to the FF26 playlist on repeat
And yes – turn push notifications ON. Future you will be grateful.
Summer is well and truly on the way and we’re in store for a heatwave over the next few weeks… which means British weather is probably planning something.
Make sure you bring:
- Layers for the 3am walk back to your tent
- Wellies or decent boots
- Waterproofs / ponchos
- Sunglasses & suncream
- Something comfy for the afters
Let’s be honest – half the fun of Forbidden Forest is planning the outfits.
Luckily, our friends at Musera have got the Forbidden Family covered with 15% OFF site-wide so you can build the ultimate festival wardrobe before entering The Forest.
Whether you’re going full on glitter, techno warrior or “slept 2 hours but still look unbelievable”, Musera has every fit you need for the weekend ahead.
15% OFF ALL ITEMS at SHEIN
Code: MUSERAXFF26
Valid until: 31st June
YOUR FEET ARE ABOUT TO WORK OVERTIME
You’ll accidentally do about 40,000 steps a day in The Forest.
The ground can be uneven, muddy and mildly disrespectful to bad footwear choices, so maybe leave the tiny festival sandals at home this year.
Comfy shoes = longer dancing = better life decisions.
Looking good is important. Feeling your toes is more important.
Nothing humbles a person faster than trying to pitch a tent in a field while 400 people watch.
Test it before you travel. Make sure all the poles exist. Make sure it actually works.
Still tentless? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You can pre-purchase a tent to collect on-site through Fat Franks Camping Shop which is yours to take home with you.
If you’re a Forbidden Fields Plus or Forbidden Lakeside ticket holder, you still have time to purchase a pre-pitched or boutique tent via Pink Moon.
Whether you’re camping in Forbidden Fields, Forbidden Fields Plus or Forbidden Lakeside, that doesn’t change the fact that you’re still in the middle of The Forest and need to stay clean.
Be sure to bring:
- Biodegradable wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Dry shampoo
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
If you fancy that bit of luxury in the heart of The Forest – you can still purchase a Forest Fresh pass, which gives you access to warm showers and freshly cleaned toilets throughout the festival.
Or even go one better and upgrade to The Forbidden Lakeside Retreat which include Hot Tubs, Saunas, Swimming Pool & so much more.
You’ve planned the journey there. Great.
Now plan how you’re escaping The Forest afterwards while functioning on almost no sleep.
All Weekend Camping ticket holders must leave site by 12PM Monday, so don’t leave it until you’re sat in a camping chair Googling train times at 11:30.
Need travel? Happy Bus are running return coach travel from all round the country as well as daily shuttle buses from both Nottingham and Leicester.
If you’re getting the train to Grantham, we also run a regular shuttle bus from Grantham station that operates every 30 minutes on specific days. Check out our travel page below to see the full timetable and book your travel tickets.
IMPORTANT: Taxi availability will be extremely limited this year, therefore we strongly advise booking your return shuttle bus from the festival to ensure your travel home.
Queues happen so make life easier for yourself:
- Download your ticket BEFORE arriving
- Bring valid matching ID
- Pack smart – there’s no re-entry
- Don’t bring prohibited items unless you enjoy disappointment
Check the full prohibited items list here before travelling.
The Forest is massive. Magical. Confusing.
When you arrive:
- Explore the site properly
- Pick a meeting point with your mates
- Accept now that somebody will lose signal and disappear for 6 hours
It’s tradition.
Free water refill points are available across the site so be sure to use them. You are able to bring a refillable water bottle into the arena to fill up.
Four straight days of dancing, sunshine and questionable decisions will absolutely catch up with you eventually.
The more hydrated you are, the more you’ll be able to enjoy Forbidden Forest.
Forbidden Forest is for everybody.
No judgement. No egos. No pretending to be cool.
Whether you’re front left every set or crying at house music at sunset.
This is your Forbidden Family now.
You cannot survive solely on iced coffee and vibes.
We’ve handpicked some of the UK’s best street food traders to keep you fuelled from sunrise to afters, with veggie, vegan, gluten-free and meat options all across site.
Need supplies outside the festival? The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle will also be open daily from 8AM.
Stay aware. Stay safe. Stay kind.
If somebody looks lost, overwhelmed or needs help, check in on them or grab a member of the Forbidden Forest team.
We have a full Welfare area which will be clearly signposted and marked on all sitemaps. This will include an on-site doctor and response team for any issues you may have throughout the festival.
We’re all here for the same thing – good music, good people and unforgettable memories.
The Forest gives us a home every year. Respect it.
Take your stuff home. Use the bins. Don’t trash the place just because you’re having the time of your life.
Help us protect The Forest for the next chapter.
SEE YOU IN THE FOREST
It’s nearly time…
Whether you’re here for the music, the vibes or just the freedom – you’re now part of something special.
Welcome to Forbidden Forest 2026
