Taking the kids to Electric Picnic? Here’s your family festival checklist

Brought to you by Electric Ireland.

Remember the days when you could sling a tent over your shoulder, pick up a slab of beer and head off into the biggest music festival of the year for three days of debauchery?

Yeah, once you have kids those days very quickly become a distant memory, especially when every babysitter on the street is off to EP too. What you get instead, however, is a brilliant opportunity to make a brand new set of memories by introducing your little music fans to all the fun and excitement of the Irish music festival, from the main stage to the camp site, the portaloos to the falafel queues. And trust us; the craic will be mighty. First, a word of warning: the key to success lies in a ninja level of packing for the occasion: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Bringing your little ones to Electric Picnic for the first time this year? Here's what you'll need in your kit: 1. Baby wipes An absolute essential whether you're bringing the kids or not, baby wipes become even more important when you have sprogs in tow. From removing face paint to scrubbing candy floss from fingers and mud from knees, stock up on a few packs. You're gonna need 'em. 2. A large picnic blanket Electric Ireland's Throwback Stage will be showing some rad old school flicks throughout the weekend. What could be more fun than stretching out in comfort in front of a classic movie your kids have never seen? Ideal for nap time and lunches al fresco too. 3. Sunscreen When it does decide to make an appearance, the September sunshine can be surprisingly hot. Make sure the whole family is covered in a long-lasting SPF to avoid burning while you soak up all that feel-good vitamin D. Silly dress-up hats and oversized sunglasses are a fun way to protect little faces against the sun too. 4. Rain gear Nobody enjoys standing in a muddy field with wet feet. Decent rain gear can make all the difference if the heavens open on the first day of the festival. Invest in fully waterproof suits, wellies and hats for toddlers and they can splash in and out of as many puddles as they like en route to the next big act - all while staying warm and dry on the inside. 5. Ear protection A child's hearing is a great deal  more sensitive than an adult's so ear defenders are an absolute must if you plan on taking your kids to see some musical acts perform. Ear plugs are fine for kids aged over ten but younger children and babies should wear earmuff style ear protectors to soften the sound and limit noise exposure. 6. A camera or camcorder Electric Ireland's Dance-Off ring is returning to the Picnic this year so you can finally dust off some of those classic moves (Macarena anyone?). We recommend a family cheesy dance competition - make sure you get this on video to replay at your kids' 21st birthday party. Win tickets to Electric Picnic by tuning in to the ‘Electric Ireland Throwback Show’ Live on Facebook, featuring childhood legends Don Conroy and Dustin the Turkey, on 23 August at 8pm. Electric Ireland is the official energy partner of Electric Picnic, and we'll be bringing 90s chart sensations 5ive and S Club Party, PLUS a whole lot more, to our ultimate Throwback Stage at Stradbally this September.