Any tips for Reading Festival?

[stonecircle]

Zero festival experience in this house but ds is off to Reading next month. Lots of his friends are going and he's had several tent share offers but doesn't want to offend anyone! I suggested he got his own pop up tent then he could move it around to be near different groups. Is that a good idea or is it better to share?

Also, I'd be grateful for any tips any parents of regular festival goers might have on what to take, what pitfalls there might be etc etc

[Monstermissy36]

My ds is off to reading next month too it's his first festival too. I'm worried he will get completely wasted and lost and lay in a ditch all night. Will watch this thread with interest...

[beachyhead]

I think it is better to share. My dd is going and there are various groups of friends of hers going, she is sharing a tent with two other girls and then try to pitch close to the other groups. At least that way, she has two people for sure.

[stonecircle]

Oh dear - don't say that! I think the thought of ds camping is quite funny. He plays rugby so is quite happy to get dirty but he's very fond of his comfy bed, spends ages in the bathroom every night and has a shower every morning. He also eats very healthily and avoids junk/fast food. It's going to be quite a shock to his system!

[sinningsaint]

Also watching with interest as DD is off to leeds next month and we have just started talking about the practicalities. Currently trying to find a tent! She is sharing with 2 girls, anyone know of a very waterproof 4 man tent that isn't to expensive (less than £75)?

[stonecircle]

Ah - just been thinking about tents too! DS has decided that he would prefer to have his own tent and invite others to share. Spotted some in Asda earlier - pop up tents (2 person about £15 and 4 person about £20). Thought that would be great - pretty much disposable.

But then I remembered my one and only camping experience - several decades ago - in a tent which didn't have an inner lining and we spent a very uncomfortable and wet night! The cheap ones in Asda were only 'shower resistant'.

So if you find something suitable but inexpensive Sinning, please post on here!

[sinningsaint]

Thought we had found a brilliant one in Argos but of course it's out of stock anywhere near us! They want a tunnel one with two sleeping compartments separated by a porch/lounge area so they can all sleep in one side and leave all their non-valuable stuff in the other side, finding one is proving rather difficult . Some people on festival specific forums swear by pop-up tents but they are not bothered about having to assemble it and want to find one that will last them a few years!

[GwenStacy]

I would get a locker from lockerhouse. Costs about £20 and you can charge your phone in it (Using a car lighter thingy!) and you can lock wallet/keys etc I'm overnight to save the risk of them being taken from your tent whilst you sleep!

[elastamum]

Try decathalon for tents. They do some good festival gear that's not too expensive. Your DS wont be able to move his tent around. Once it is pitched there will be zero room to move. Dont spend too much on it, they get trashed so might last only a couple of years.

Dont let him take too much stuff. They need to be able to carry everything they are taking as likely to be a trek from the car park and getting out will be worse. Lots of bin liners for dirty / wet and clean stuff. Wellies and a waterproof or poncho are a must and a small daysac to carry stuff around - if weather is bad there will be a lot of mud. Dont take anything valuable or that you cant bear to get dirty. Our teens have cheap old Nokias for festivals as the batteries last ages. Baby wipes and a decent sized water bottle and sunscreen. No glass bottles - they will be taken off them. Dont bother with trying to cook, just buy what food you need. (lots of money needed)

[elastamum]

I give my DC £20 per day for lunch and dinner. They get breakfast with us (too young to drink)

[FunkyBoldRibena]

The camping area at reading is outside of the main festival, so he won't be moving round for different bands, he will be staying in the same place and walking into the site each day.

Take loo roll, and black bin bags. Don't take more stuff than barest minimum. Keep valuables on him at all times, even whilst asleep as tents do get raided, and don't expect to get any sleep, the campsite will be loud until about 4am and then will start up again at about 6.

[sinningsaint]

For anyone wondering this is the tent DD has got for herself and two other girls, good reviews on both amazon and other websites such as uk camping etc. Shame it is only in stock on amazon as would rather order it somewhere else!

[Clara66]

My daughter's off to Reading with her cousin. It's her first festival too - I'm the nervous one after reading various horror stories. Watching this thread for tips - keep them coming! We bought a tent from Decathlon too - seem good value.