Unleash Your Creativity and Personalise Your Festival Experience with a DIY Festival Trolley

Whether you’re starting from scratch and building a Festival cart, repurposing a flatbed trolley, or adding a touch of flair to a folding trolley, crafting your Festival Trolley is an enjoyable, fulfilling project.

Explore these three inspiring ways to build your one-of-a-kind festival trolley and a curated list of essential items to help you bring your vision to life.

Building a Festival Trolley from Scratch

To build a festival trolley from scratch, you will need the following parts and tools:

• Sturdy base or frame (metal or wood) – you can either buy a ready-made base or make one
• Bolts, screws, nuts, and washers
• Wheels designed for rough terrain
• Drill saw and measuring tape
• Sandpaper and paintbrushes (optional for customisation)

1. First, create your trolley frame and gather your materials.
2. Cut the frame to the desired size and assemble it using the appropriate fasteners.
3. Attach the wheels and handlebar,
4. Add any desired customisations, such as paint or decorations.

Are you surprised by how easy it sounds to make? That’s because it is for those with some crafting and DIY skills. If you don’t have those or anyone you can ask for help, you could try option two or three and learn a few skills as we build & customise a festival trolley.

Modifying a Flatbed Trolley

To modify a flatbed trolley, you will need the following items:

• Flatbed trolley (e.g., Silverline 868581 Flatbed Trolley: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-868581-Heavy-Duty-Flatbed-Trolley/dp/B002QS2X9A)
• Plywood or other material for sides and flooring
• Bolts, screws, nuts, and washers
• Drill saw and measuring tape
• Sandpaper and paintbrushes (optional for customisation)

1. Start by attaching plywood or another material to the flatbed trolley to create sides and flooring (I found no nails worked a treat, then screws on top!)
2. If desired, secure the materials using appropriate fasteners
3. Finish with sanding and painting.

Customising a Folding Trolley

To customise a folding trolley, you will need the following items:

• Folding trolley (e.g. The best selling festival trolley – Beau Jardin 100KG Trolley)
• Decorative materials (e.g., paint, stickers, or decals)
• Functional additions (e.g., cup holders, hooks, pockets)
• Sandpaper and paintbrushes (optional for customisation)

1. Add your personal touch to the folding trolley with paint, stickers, or decals.
2. Next, attach functional additions such as cup holders, hooks, and pockets for convenience.
3. Finally, consider adding a canopy for shade and weather protection.

By building your festival trolley using one of these methods, you can create a unique, functional, and personalised trolley that will enhance your festival experience.

Upgrading Your DIY Festival Trolley

Once you have created your DIY festival trolley, consider adding extra features to enhance its functionality and ensure its longevity.

Here are some suggestions for upgrades and maintenance tips for your festival wagon:

Additional Features For Travel Trolleys:

1. Cushioned seating: Add a cushioned seat or pad for a more comfortable ride when taking breaks during the festival. You can purchase waterproof seat pads or cushions that are easy to clean and maintain. My daughter loves how comfy her festival trolley is with its cushion base, and she stays warm with picnic blankets and a sleeping bag.
2. Solar-powered charging station: Equip your trolley with a solar-powered charger to keep your electronic devices charged during the festival. This can be especially helpful for long days without access to power outlets.
3. Detachable storage compartments: Create detachable storage compartments to help organise your belongings and make it easier to find specific items when needed. These compartments can be made using fabric or lightweight plastic; we cut up a shoe holder and sewed the pockets.
4. Umbrella holder: Attach an umbrella holder to your trolley to keep your hands free while providing shade or protection from the rain. Or use a shower curtain over a little frame (see left) to give you a canopy festival trolley. Pick a funky shower curtain to match your theme for even more fun or a kids’ festival trolley design.

Festival Trolley Maintenance Tips:

1. Check the wheels and axles: Regularly inspect them for wear and tear, and replace them if necessary. Lubricate the axles to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.
2. Clean and maintain the frame: Wipe down the frame with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris after each use. Apply a protective coating, such as a rust inhibitor or a sealant, to protect the frame from corrosion and prolong its lifespan.
3. Inspect the fasteners: Periodically check the bolts, screws, and nuts to ensure they are secure and tight. Replace any damaged or missing fasteners immediately.
4. Store your trolley properly: When not in use, store your trolley in a dry, cool place to prevent damage from moisture or heat. Consider disassembling the trolley for more accessible storage and transportation.

By upgrading your DIY festival trolley with additional features and following proper maintenance tips, you can ensure that your trolley remains functional and reliable throughout multiple festival seasons. These improvements will enhance your festival experience and showcase your creativity and style.

Maximising Your Festival Experience with Your DIY Festival Trolley

Plan your route: Study the festival’s map and layout beforehand to plan the most efficient routes between stages, food vendors, rest areas, and other attractions. This will help you save time and energy when navigating the festival grounds with your trolley.

Utilise your trolley as a meeting point: Personalise it with unique decorations, flags, or lights to make it easy to spot in a crowd. Use your trolley as a designated meeting point for your group, ensuring you can always find each other amidst the festival chaos.

Be prepared for various weather conditions: Equip your trolley with rain cover, waterproof bags, or tarps to protect your belongings from unexpected weather changes. Also, include a few extra layers of clothing and sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Share the load: If you’re attending the festival with friends or family, take turns pulling the trolley to distribute the workload evenly. This will help everyone conserve energy and enjoy the festival more.

Keep it secure: Add a lock or a security cable to your trolley to deter theft when you’re away from it. Alternatively, have a member of your group stay with the trolley while others explore the festival.

Be considerate of others: When moving through crowded areas or narrow pathways, consider your trolley’s size and space. Give others enough room to pass, and try not to obstruct walkways or viewing areas.

Keep it clean: Bring trash bags or containers to store your waste responsibly. Dispose of your trash in designated areas to keep the festival grounds clean and maintain a pleasant environment.

Using your DIY festival trolley effectively can enhance your overall festival experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the music, food, and atmosphere. Remember to be mindful of others and respect the festival environment, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable time for all attendees.

Have you decided to build your DIY festival trolley after reading 3 Ways To Build & Customise A Festival Trolley? Feel free to show and tell in the comments below.