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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to not see music festivals as a teenage rite of passage?

236 replies

musemusemuse · 30/08/2026 19:59

to not understand the appeal of music festivals.

I hear that music festivals like Leeds are a right of passage for teenagers, I never went to one as a young teen myself and I don’t remember any of my friends going either. Is this a right of passage, did I miss out? Or AIBU to think they are not really a right of passage.

OP posts:
metalmum15 · 30/08/2026 20:12

Ah, looks back fondly at Donington Monsters of Rock festival in my youth…. 🤘

Original poster
musemusemuse · 30/08/2026 20:11

poachy · 30/08/2026 20:09

I don’t see it as a rite of passage, but music festivals are among my best memories of my life! I was early twenties before I started going though.

I think that’s it, especially for girls due to the increased risk fro. sexual assault.

Is 16 too young or is it a rite of passage

OP posts:
ToKittyornottoKitty · 30/08/2026 20:09

musemusemuse · 30/08/2026 20:08

If you don’t drink is it fun?

Yeah if you like live music

poachy · 30/08/2026 20:09

I don’t see it as a rite of passage, but music festivals are among my best memories of my life! I was early twenties before I started going though.

Original poster
musemusemuse · 30/08/2026 20:08

If you don’t drink is it fun?

OP posts:
Asosbabe · 30/08/2026 20:07

Phone theft is rife there

TerfOnATrain · 30/08/2026 20:07

Adult DS went to Leeds for a couple of years from 16, Adult DD said “not a chance am I sleeping in a tent, using a portaloo or coming home with trench foot”

lots of people did round here, lots didn’t.

Iceplater · 30/08/2026 20:06

They’re a rite of passage if you want to go to one. I went to various festivals and Glastonbury in my teenage years and 20s. Appreciate it doesn’t appeal to everyone. I also went to various “raves” at slightly questionable venues.

LittleGreenShoots · 30/08/2026 20:05

I sort of think they are. It was a big thing amongst my sixth form and university acquaintances and I went to a few myself. It was Reading and Leeds and also some lesser known dance ones. And a few went to some abroad too- a castle grounds in Bulgaria? I don't know if the prices have gotten crazy like concerts now though to make it less attainable, I thought they were reasonable enough twenty years ago.

ShitFacedShakespeare · 30/08/2026 20:03

For some it'll be a rite of passage but not for others.

I never went as a teen and none of my adult DC did either.

It probably depends on the group of friends you hang out with and if they're into that sort of thing.

Tunaboona · 30/08/2026 20:00

I grew up near Glastonbury, I never went. I wouldn't send my DC now to one, particularly not DD given the levels of sexual assault.