Forty + and my first time at a music festival....... tips please

[Itsthawooluff]

So, going to the Wychwood festival, which will be my first music festival. Taking a friend and her DD, and my two DDs. Anybody got any tips to share please?

[purepurple]

my top tips

1. sit down at every opportunity you can, standing all day is a real killer
   
2. take plenty of money for food and other refreshments
   3)take your camera and spare batteries
   4)time your toilet breaks so you don't miss the best bands
   5)study the programme and plan who you are going to see
   
3. Always go and see bands you have never heard of as they may blow your socks off
   7)Wear trousers with lots of pockets and clothes you can tie round your waist as you don't want to be carrying lots when you need to dance
   8)Don't stand behind short fat beer swilling middle aged men as they tend to fart a lot
   9)Sharpen your elbows as a sharp dig in someone's side is the best way to stop them bouncing into you when dancing
   10)When you go the bar buy 2 drinks each, saves having to keep going to the bar
   
   enyoy!

[Greensleeves]

invest in one of these

[muffle]

Don't plan an exhaustive non-stop schedule of things to see - choose a few highlights, but also allow time for chilling out and wandering aimlessly, as this is when you come across interesting things.

Take amusements like books and magazines, knitting or whatever. Just lazing around is one of the best bits IMO. Take a big picnic rug so (if weather is OK) you can set up a base in view of a stage where you want to see stuff, sit down and people can take turns coming and going for drinks etc.

Watch your purses - take cross-body handbags or money belts if possible. I don't mean be paranoid but pickpockets do frequent crowds, especially where there is stuff to see and people are distracted.

[Overmydeadbody]

Take glow sticks for the DCs to wear around their necks/wrists once it is dark. It's easier to keep an eye on them and spot them quickly in a crowd. Have one yourself so your DC can spot you easily if they stray too far.

[Itsthawooluff]

Oh my good lord - a shewee. Do you point the end into someone else's pocket, like olde tyme football crowds were supposed to?

[HaventSleptForAYear]

Overmydeadbody - I am stalking you!

I did a search on festivals and you said you had a great time at Latitude last year - how old was your DS at the time?

Same post said you are thinking of the Secret Garden Party - snap for us but we are thinking of ditching the kids or just taking them for a bit and then going back on our own as it's local to my parents' place.

Our DS are 2.5 and 4.5.

Sorry for the hijack OP - hope this bumps for you anyway - I would like some tips too!

[skramble]

dry clothes in a poly bag.

baby wipes- lots

loo roll/ tissue in a poly bag.

[skramble]

shoes or wellies not sandels as mud oozing through your toes is blurgh and lip flops flip then flop then stick in mud and you kep walking.

No denim as it is a pain to dry out and chafs a bit too.

trailing trouser soak up you own body weight in damp and look shit after 2 mins, hoist them up and tuck into wellies or socks. Or were bright tights and a net skirt (or wa that just last years fashion )

[Itsthawooluff]

Thanks - much appreciated!

Do they do net skirts in heffalump sizes?

[3rdnparty]

definately crop trousers ....and layers and fleece and a hat and a paka mack...can get cold at night in the open spaces of festival.....ignore the fashion police and go practical.....suntan lotion, water bottle...and fill up often if its warm you really can dehydrate....if there is a healing field/area have a look early as often have free classes/workshops which can be fab as in different environment to home ...or book yourself in for some pampering in a break from bands a nice massage can be good after camping !! and they can get booked out..find a tent/place that does nice tea and cake and sit and watch the world go by for a bit......don't rush would be my main tip!

[wotulookinat]

No cropped trousers or flip flops - the toilets can be grim and you risk getting stuff on you.