Backgammon, eye drops, and a pet lizard: We asked stoners what’s in their blaze bag on 420

Every year on April 20, people across Britain head down to London’s Hyde Park for the biggest weed-smoking celebration in the country: 420. Obviously, essentials on a day like today are the substance itself, papers, and a lighter. But what else is everyone carrying on them?

The Tab headed down to London’s biggest blaze up to find out what stoners had in their essentials bag for the big day. The answers got increasingly unexpected:

Roxie and Leon – ‘We need shit to stay alive’

When asked how much they’re going to smoke today, both Roxie and Leon reply “a lot”. They’ve got the train down all the way from Surrey and are planning to build up gradually through the day until they’re totally blazed.

Their blaze bag essentials include everything you need to get through the munchies: Giant Wotsits, Jaffa Cakes, Lucozade. Plus, a skateboard and (obviously) weed.

Lauren and Roman – ‘Eyedrops are essential’

As we sit down to hang with Lauren and Roman the police tackle a man to the ground next to us. Nothing gets in the way of the 420 fun, though. They’re already “a solid 5/10” high when we meet them – and it’s only 1pm.

In their bag we find: Doritos, Sourpatch Kids, Sensations, sweet chilli peanuts. Plus, eyedrops (“essential, omg”) for tell-tale red eyes later.

Backgammon boys – ‘I’m seriously baked’

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Alas, we missed the names of these two because we were so mesmerised by the makeshift game of Blackgammon they were playing on the grass. “I’m seriously baked,” says one. “Like a 7/10 high,” adds the other. Before committing to the mission that they’ll definitely smoke an OUNCE today. They, also, have no idea who’s winning.

Aside from Backgammon they’ve brought: A speaker – and lots more weed.

Claudia and Andrea – ‘I just had a job interview’

These two have been in Hyde Park so long they’re pretty sure they were the first ones to arrive at London’s 420 celebration. When we meet Claudia and Andrea, they’re doodling in a colouring book and eating fruit salad, wonderfully wholesome. Andrea reveals he travelled the whole way from Birmingham. Claudia says she’s heading to Dublin in a matter of hours and came to smoke straight from a job interview. Hectic!

Aside from colouring books, Claudia’s carrying: her inhaler (“I really need that”), nasal spray, Chesterfield Blues, a pan au chocolat, felt tips, and a panini. Plus, her suitcase for Ireland.

Lizard Mitchell and Paul – ‘He won’t bite!’

A celebrity has entered the 420 celebrations at Hyde Park. Surrounded by a massive crowd and being led along the path on a lead by a punk called Paul, is Mitchell the lizard. Who, I’m assured, “won’t bite”. Mitchell is wearing a pair of wings and frankly has star quality.

Aside from Mitchell, Paul has brought “a massive spliff” (makes sense), which he claims he’ll be sharing with Mitchell throughout the afternoon.

If you’re looking for the weirdest, most welcoming, vibes in London, Hyde Park on 420 is definitely where you should go. Just be prepared with snacks, games, and some self care items to get you through the eight hours of madness. Evidently, weed smokers love a picnic.

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• How to successfully sneak drugs into a club, according to a bouncer