“Mum, is it OK if I go to Glastonbury/Leeds/Reading Festival with my friends next summer? They are all going and I want to go too!”
This is one of the big questions that can pop up sooner than you expect it to, and remind you that your teenager is not a child any more and thinks of themselves as practically grown up. I don’t know about you, but when I first heard this, i was terrified! I’m not a festival-goer myself and I think of them as big scary places.
You may be able to remember back when you were the same age, and the age at which your parents might have let you go to such things, but even with that knowledge, it can be quite scary to think of your child coping in a large festival situation without an adult around. Somehow your 16-year-old child seems much younger than you were at 16, but I suspect your parents secretly thought that about you too!
I don’t propose to answer the question as to what age a child should be allowed to go to a festival – this will depend very much on the child, the group of friends they are proposing to travel with, the festival they want to attend and a whole lot of other considerations too.
However, if you have decided to let your teenager go to the festival, then here are some things to discuss with them, to put your mind at ease, and to hopefully give them some things to think about without trying to ruin their fun.
Location
Pop festivals are often held in remote areas, so it’s important to make sure your teenager knows how to get there and back. Is your child used to taking public transport on their own, and would they know what to do if their chosen form of transport was not available?
Equipment
If the group is going to be camping, make sure that they have discussed between them who is going to be taking what equipment. At the very least make sure your teen has a sleeping bag that is suitable for the worst of a British summer, and establish whether they need to provide any other kit for the party? Who is bringing the tent – is it big anough for all of them and do at least a couple fo them know how to put it up?
It might be a good idea for the group to practice camping in the proposed tent(s) in one of the parents’ gardens before the event. the way they can practice erecting and striking the tent , and also discover exactly how much room is inside.
Weather
Sadly pop festivals in the UK cannot at all rely on good weather. At it’s best it will be blazing hot all day, and stuffy at night, but it could easily be windy , rainy, or there may be hail or thunderstorms. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. If it’s going to be hot, make sure your teenager drinks plenty of water and wears sunscreen. If it’s going to be cold, make sure they bring a jacket or sweater.
Clothes
Festival-goers typically wear comfortable, casual clothes. This could include jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. It may be nice to have one or more special festival outfits if one evening is a big party and if the weather looks like it might be amenable. But for most of the day it is sensible to dress in layers so that they can adjust their clothing as the weather changes. They should also wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect themselves from the sun
The important thing is to wear something that is comfortable and that you can move around in. You also want to make sure you dress appropriately for all possible weather.
Typical footwear for festivals would mainly be trainers, Doc Martens or, when things get particularly bad, wellies. Some people choose to wear white heels to festivals, but muddy fields can make this type of footwear uncomfortable and risky.
Other Considerations
Other things your child may want to take: a torch, toiletries and make up (I would suggest keeping them to a minimum and not taking anything that is precious). Think about washing and eating? How will it work att he place you are gong to – are you preparing your own food or buying it? Girls should consider sanitary protection, and everyone should consider having some over the counter items like painkillers, plasters, antihistamines, bug spray, and potentially anti-diarrhoea medication.
Security
Pop festivals have security measures in place to keep people safe, but it’s still important for your teenager to be aware of their surroundings. They should stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night. they need to be aware of their personal possessions at all times and pay particular attention to potential pickpockets. They should also be aware of how to contact and locate the security team if assistance is needed.
Drugs and alcohol
Pop festivals are often associated with excessive alcohol and drug use. Talk to your teenager about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and remind them to keep the drinks that they consume with them at all times, and be wary of drink spiking. Ask them how they would react if someone in the party was found to be intoxicated, and make sure they know what to do.
Medical emergencies
If your teen has a medical condition and/or takes regular medication, make sue that at least one other member of the party is aware of this and of what could potentially happen if the condition is unmedicated. It would also be a good idea to amake sure that all members of the party have your phone mumber in case of emergencies.
Pop festivals can be crowded and chaotic, so it’s important for your teenager to know what to do in case of an accident or emergency. They should know how to find the nearest first aid station and how to call for help.
Going to a festival with friends should be a happy, exciting time for your child, and although scary for you, it’s preparation for when they will leave home in a very short time and start looking after themselves more. Talk to them before they go – ask what are they hoping to get out of the festival and if they have any worries? Let them know that you are always available to talk if they need you, or if anything happens.
Your child will probably roll their eyes when you mention some of these subjects, but truy to maintain your sense of humour. They will have a fantastic time, but with a bit of preparation, they will be able to deal with any little glitches that may occur.
By following these tips, you can help make sure that your teenager has a safe and enjoyable experience at their first pop festival. Next thing you know, they will be setting off for a gap year trip lasting several months!
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Love this I have some time to go before my 1 year old heads to a festival but I can’t imagine the anxiety you had! Well done for thinking it through 😁
It sneaks up on you much sooner than you think. Mine are 20 and 18 now, but it’s so easy to remember them as toddlers, and so difficult to believe they could actually do all of this stuff on their own. But they did and they have and I’m sure it will get easier for me…