Any advice on 16 yr old and festivals please?

[BorisJohnsonsHair]

DD is going to the Reading Festival next weekend, and it's the first time she will have done anything like this.

I've looked on the website for advice, regarding safety and sensible precautions (not taking a good phone, but an old one etc).

But given that there'll be lots of MNers out there who've been there and done that, I was hoping you could offer some extra tips .

DD is generally quite sensible, but because we live in a small village, doesn't get to go out as much as many of her friends who live in the nearby large town. Therefore, I feel that although she's sensible, she isn't all that "streetwise".

Any tips much appreciated, thanks.

[Nigglenaggle]

I took a small bag and kept it on me at all times, with everything I needed for the weekend in it (yes I stank by the end!!). Generally, don't leave anything you will resent losing in the tent, as they are sometimes cleared out. One friend had her bag stolen from the tent while she was in it (they opened the flap grabbed and ran) so I slept using mine as a pillow. Main danger is theft though, presume she is going with a group and they will stick together, and have no real valuables so they should be pretty safe :)

[minikimmi]

I went to Reading when I was 16, I'd never let my dd go, and she's 17 in a few weeks. We took her to TITP when she was 12 and luckily it put her off. I just don't think festivals are places for 16 year old girls without some older more sensible people in the company.

[MedusaIsHavingABadHairDay]

My DD1 first went at 16.. she's on her 4th this year, and her sister on her second..and they have had a fab time each time. ..simple precautions (like taking the old phone, nothing valuable and keeping a bag on you)

I'd also advise taking the minimum.. mine now go with a rucksack with the absolute basics..clean undies and a couple of tops, and live in shorts and wellies. They are rank when they return but always happy!

Minikimmi how, if say, next year your by then nearly 18 year old told you she was going, and bought her own ticket, would you stop her?! Older does not automatically mean more sensible you know.. and at 18 she will be an adult..!

Boris.. hope your DD has a fab time!

[BorisJohnsonsHair]

Quick update ... she's back and has had a fab time. Nothing stolen, nice neighbours and very, very tired!

[Nigglenaggle]

Aw so glad she had a good time :) Everytime I hear of teens doing these things makes me all nostalgic for the good old days :)