YOUR bags may be packed, the wellies by the door and the tent all set to become home for a long, and hopefully sunny, weekend.

But Cancer Research UK is today urging festival-goers to make sure they have room left for vital sun protection – a hat, long-sleeved t-shirt and sunscreen.

The charity is urging revellers at the Isle of Wight festival to ensure they take measures to protect their skin in the sun.

The reminder comes as the charity promotes its Own Your Tone campaign, challenging the belief that having a suntan is healthy and beautiful.

Instead it encourages people to embrace their natural skin colour and guard it from the ageing effects of the sun’s UV rays.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South East, said: “Whatever your age, it’s vital to take good care of your skin in the sun.

“We are encouraging young people, in particular, to own their natural skin tone rather than risk their health to get a suntan.

“Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age so we are urging people to take steps to protect themselves when out in the sun.

"The best way to do this is use a combination of shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen “A common misconception is that a tan is a sign of health.

"The reality is far from true.

"Damage from the sun’s UV rays builds up over time and we know that young people in particular are less likely to worry now about the long term impact on their looks and wellbeing.

“People who regularly expose their skin to strong sun are more likely to experience coarse, leathery and wrinkled skin from a younger age as well as increasing their risk of skin cancer.”

Sarah Williams, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the good weather while taking care not to redden or burn.

“Far from being a sign of health, a suntan is the skin’s way of trying to protect itself.

"Burning is painful and unsightly but it’s also a clear sign that the DNA in skin cells has been damaged.

“It’s easier than you might think to get sunburnt in the UK, even when you’re not actually sunbathing.

"So when the sun is strong, spend time in the shade, cover up with clothing, and use plenty of sunscreen to protect the parts you can’t cover.”

Top tips from Cancer Research UK to enjoy the sun safely this summer: Think sunscreen – at least factor 15 Cover up with clothing - wearing a t-shirt and a hat when the sun is strong is really important and will keep you cool.

Bring a bottle: Keep a handy-sized bottle of sunscreen in your handbag or rucksack (Cancer Research UK recommends at least SPF15 and 4 stars) and reapply regularly Damage control: If you notice your skin becoming pink or red get out of the sun and cover up to help stop any more damage. Putting on more sunscreen won’t help.

Factfile on what the campaign is all about • Stand Up To Cancer is a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

• Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has already raised more than £25million • Stand Up To Cancer is supported by a host of celebrities including Davina McCall, Alan Carr and Adam Hills.

• One in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. Stand Up To Cancer funds translational research – which aims to accelerate the translation of brilliant scientific discoveries in the lab into innovative cancer medicine, tests and treatments to help save more lives.

• Stand Up To Cancer is supporting over 30 clinical trials and projects in the UK.

• People can show their support for the campaign by signing up now for a free fundraising pack, full of promotional materials and fundraising hints and tips.

• Teachers can sign up for a free schools fundraising pack including specially-designed lesson plans, materials and fundraising ideas.

• This year’s campaign culminates on Friday 21 October with a night of live TV on Channel 4 led by the brightest stars in film, TV and music.

• For more information visit standuptocancer.org.uk