13 yr old DD invited to Latitude....need advice!

[wanderingclanger]

She has been invited by a girl in her year and her family. The problem is that we don't know the parents at all - our suspicion is that the two girls may be left to their own devices for much of the time. If you've been with 13-14 year olds, how much did you 'supervise' them and how much of the time were they on their own? How safe is it after dark?

[underthestarrysky]

Not been with children but it seems very family friendly- lots of young families with young kids.

[TrollTheRespawnJeremy]

Its a naice festival. Can you imagine how fun it would be to be 13 and get to explore a bit on your own?

Invite parents over for a drink/dinner so yoy can iron out arrangements

[Fairylea]

We live very near to the festival and have friends that go every year. I also have a 14 year old daughter. I think if they are fairly sensible and stick to busy areas during the day then it should be okay but there were a nasty couple of stories last year of teens being attacked at night in the tent areas so you do need to keep your wits about you. Generally though it is considered to be one of the most family friendly venues.

[PrincessHairyMclary]

Latitude is lovely, very family orientated, I went with DD when she was 5 &6 Lots of teens walking around unsupervised, a special area in the kids zone set up for that age range they can only leave the children's area if they have wrist bands.

Only thing I may worry about is wondering around the forest areas alone in the dark so I would insist on having to be with the parents after dark. Other than that they'll have a brilliant time. Even in the evening it isn't drunk and rowdy, it's very hippy and in touch with nature lots of fairy lights twinkling in trees. There are nice hot showers in the family area and proper loos or you can pay extra to access the posh loos with straightners etc.

Could you go as well? Leave the girls to do what they want during the day but you are on hand if she needs you, you would have a nice time too and at £250 a ticket for the weekend you'll definetly get your money's worth visiting the comedy, dance, music and literature stages

[MissBeehiving]

Been twice - it's very gentle - even at the main stage. I wouldn't have a problem letting DS (13) wander around with a friend.