Would you take 3 children between the ages of 7-11 to a rock/electronic concert?

[Needadoughnut]

I'm planning to go to a gig in London in the summer but the DC really want to go (to London and supposedly the concert too). We live a 6hr drive away and it seems selfish not to take them... DP wants to come to see the band too, but I'm unsure if it's the best place for three children...

Yup provided there was no limitations on age set by the venue.

Yes, both my dc had been to gigs at those ages. Check the venue restrictions though.

Would they be interested in the music? If it’s not the sort of music they enjoy they could be bored senseless and ruin the occasion for you?

I don’t think it’s necessarily ‘selfish’ not to take your children to exactly the same sorts of things as you go to, but you know your own children.

No, no limitations! It would be a late night (but would be on holiday) and they might see some people doing drugs. I saw a couple of those last time I went to one of their gigs.

What’s the venue?

I probably wouldn't as I'd most likely just want to go with my DH. Certainly not something my 8 year old would enjoy, we're taking them to a day time outdoor gig in May, but guessing that'll have a more family feel.

Last time I went to a gig I got as much pleasure from watching the 3 children in the row in front as I did watching the band. They enjoyed it so much, dancing in the aisle and singing all the songs. It was a joy.

It's at the Somerset House in London, it will be in the open rain or shine.

Mine have come with a few times. At at age 6&11 to U2 at Twickenham, and age 7 & 12 to Steps at O2. Made sure we had seats as standing age is limited. They absolutely loved it. We also take them to bands after horse racing. When 6/7/8 they had children's ear defenders

I think that would be fine, then.

My only concern would have been them getting crushed by pissed gig-goers, but it doesn’t sound like that kind of vibe!

IME people tend to take drugs rather than booze in this type of gigs. I think DP would have to be in charge while I make my way to the front.

How do you mean take drugs? What would they see? I wouldn’t have wanted my lot seeing anyone taking drugs but if people were just passing pills around I don’t think they’d be any the wiser.

Mine had been to lots of festivals by that age. They got a bit bored sometimes.

No syringes! Just people popping pills and doing lines in the bathroom. One was super hyper (even the frontman noticed and made a comment). Apart from that I think they would think people are euphoric.

I think that would be a no from me.

I was going for yes until I saw that it’s know for being a drug fuelled event. In that case I don’t think it would be a suitable event for children

Only with ear protection

Maybe things have changed in the past 5-6 years? It would be more similar to Chemical Brothers gig (albeit much smaller) than say U2, Steps, Take That, etc...

"IME people tend to take drugs rather than booze in this type of gigs. I think DP would have to be in charge while I make my way to the front."

"Just popping pills" and "lines in the bathroom"

This doesn't sound appropriate for children nor do you seem willing to look after them appropriately so just go without them and enjoy yourself.

OK, well, now, no I wouldn’t. Children have no place at an event where there’s going to be drug taking. And frankly if I, as an adult, was looking forward to a gig and popping some pills I’d be bloody annoyed if I saw kids there.

God no way. It's an adult event and you won't be able to enjoy it properly shielding and shepharding children about.

Ha I just had a major pearl-clutching moment at the thought of people openly taking drugs at Somerset House!

I agree with others that gig-going would be fine in principle but I would avoid taking children somewhere they would be exposed to drug taking/lots of people would be off their faces and acting unpredictably. Also probably more fun for you without them...

Depends on the band and venue. If they would like it and its age appropriate, and you can get seats and not be stood, then definitely go for it. I think it's a great opportunity for children to see live music.

Definitely no seats, would be standing although I don't expect to go for longer than a couple of hours. My DD8 asked if she could come. She originally wanted to see the Chemical Brothers but there were some age restrictions.

Somerset House? Nah, they'll be shit hot on pills and the like.

Take decent defenders or filters for them (and yourselves), though - sometimes the sound at these venues is terrible, as they're done by the kid on work experience somebody who hasn't grasped the concept of cumulative hearing loss yet. [Roundhouse, I'm looking right at you, here].

I'd be more concerned about the 6 hour drive. Though some of those on the bill for the Somerset House gigs did not seem some that children would be interested in.

(Disclaimer- a family member works often with one of them)