I'm busy running over my list of things to take to Bonnaroo this year. This will be my 4th one, so I have a good idea of what to bring. If you haven't been before, the following might prove helpful. As a friend said, camping at Bonnaroo is like camping on the surface of the Sun... if the Sun also happened to be dusty and prone to sudden heavy downpours.
1. Sunscreen... and lots of it. I take a purse-sized container for touch-ups while in Centeroo (where all the music is). Sun hats are also a great idea.
2. Rain ponchos and rain-proof boots. The last time I checked the forecast for Manchester it looks like we'll have a 40% chance of t-storms both Friday and Saturday and highs in the upper 80 degree range. Hey, maybe we'll get lucky and not get drenched like last year, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. BTW, umbrellas are NOT allowed in Centeroo.
3. Portable tissue packs. You will be using Port-A-Potties for 4 days, so your chance of walking into one that is sans T-P is rather high. You'll be glad you have these in that event. Packets of antibacterial moist wipes are also a must.
4. Water, water, water! Staying hydrated is very important; a Dr. friend who has worked the med-tent at 'Roo says it's one of the main reasons people get sent to him. Drink extra H20 if you also plan on drinking alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate you extra fast, especially when you have been standing in the hot sun all day. But note: you can only bring UNOPENED plastic bottles of water into Centeroo. I also freeze various sizes of water bottles, both to keep my coolers colder longer than chipped ice, but also for a cold "bird-bath" to get my day started right.
5. Ear plugs. Ok, so wearing hearing protection is so un-rock & roll. But consider: you'll be seeing some 40 - 50 LOUD bands in 4 days. That's a lot of decibels. You only have one set of ears. If you are sleeping in a tent and need to crash at an early hour (say 3am) you might also need to drown out some of the bands that are still rocking on.
With these items (and a bit of common sense) you can have a great time at Bonnaroo. See you there!