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Original poster

Help me decide whether to go to a festival with my DD16

42 replies

firesandrivers · 01/02/2024 21:21

She really wants to go, one of her favourite singers will be there. I did a lot of festivals when I was young but not at all bothered now.
It's quite expensive for me.
But it would be me and her and perhaps a nice way to bond? Also a couple of bands I'd enjoy
Wwyd?

OP posts:
GreyCarpet · 01/02/2024 22:26

firesandrivers · 01/02/2024 22:24

Sorry GreyCarpet!

😁 I'll live!

Seriously, not sure about Reading, I've never been and I avoid the large commercial ones.

But I'd go if I were you. It might become an annual thing. You never know...

flipflopfly · 01/02/2024 22:26

Go for it and enjoy!

DontBeAPrickDarren · 01/02/2024 22:28

Do it but prepare to pack up and leave early on Sunday. Reading and Leeds have a reputation for turning on the last night (may be unfair as many years since I went but was scary at times on sunday nights).

As for age, my parents did more festivals than me last year and they’re in their 60s!

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Original poster
firesandrivers · 01/02/2024 22:29

What are the reservations about Reading? Too big? Loads of young people on drugs? Or something else?

I've been to Glastonbury and several smaller festivals but all twenty years ago

OP posts:
GreyCarpet · 01/02/2024 22:29

firesandrivers · 01/02/2024 22:26

Oh brilliant, you're all making me think I should do it. Secretly scared I'll hate it and want to sit quietly on my own!

Show quote history

But you can do that too.

I used to let my daughter go off on her own (at smaller ones) and she knew I'd be parked on the grass in front of the beer tent.

I always end up wandering off on my own at some point. But that's OK.

DontBeAPrickDarren · 01/02/2024 22:32

If you’ve done Glastonbury in the 21st century then Reading will be easy (and probably a bit dull) by comparison!

MuchasSmoochas · 01/02/2024 22:35

Go!! I have had amazing concerts with DD15. Arctic Monkeys, Harry Styles, we are going to TRNSMT. She will be 16 so can have a sneaky cider.

My first concert was Queen aged 13 with my Mum, we were puked on. One of the best memories of my childhood. You won’t regret it and she could be away from home in a few years.

SanFranBear · 01/02/2024 22:44

Took DD to one a couple of summers ago and its definitely developed a love of life music (in her, I already had that bug!)

Absolutely do it... although Reading might be a bit full on, she'll never forget it!

Passtherioja · 01/02/2024 23:07

Go to the festival!!! I hadn't been for over 25 years but I loved it!!

I first went in 2022 because my then 16 year old wanted to go but wasn't really festival-wise so I took her and my 13 year old. I was a bit apprehensive the week before but we had such a great time that we went last year and we've booked again the this year because of Lana del Ray! Noel Gallagher will be great and don't forget Catfish and the Bottlemen!

If you're worried about the camping and yes, it is pretty mental, then take a look at Pink Moon-they have a private camp site, security, clean loos and showers and they provide the tents!

Dizzy82 · 01/02/2024 23:20

Definitely go, great way to spend time together. I took my son to Leeds festival in 2018 and Download in 2019. For last two years we have done ArcTanGent and booked again this year. My son's now 18, I'm 41.

I've found bands I like that I'd never listen to and there's alway a wide age range attending. My son has ASD but getting more independent and I'm going to miss it when he doesn't want to be seen with me anymore 😕

SheerLucks · 01/02/2024 23:27

What a lovely thread!

We have two lovely teenagers who are thriving academically but both neurodivergent, and subsequently don't hang out in the large social circles that most of their peers tend to (and who all go to festivals together).

We're big music lovers, but I never thought that going to festivals together was a thing. Very inspiring.

GreyCarpet · 02/02/2024 07:41

SheerLucks · 01/02/2024 23:27

What a lovely thread!

We have two lovely teenagers who are thriving academically but both neurodivergent, and subsequently don't hang out in the large social circles that most of their peers tend to (and who all go to festivals together).

We're big music lovers, but I never thought that going to festivals together was a thing. Very inspiring.

Do it!

Like I say, I've been doing it with my daughter since she was about 6. Just me and her.

My partner has done it with his kids for about 6 years or so and they're early/mid 20s.

There are loads of families at festivals both with small children and older teens. One of mine is ND (the older one) and he didn't like the one he came to before because of the crowds and the toilets! But he's better able to cope with both now - he thinks.

Doingmybest12 · 02/02/2024 07:47

There are bands you are happy to see, it is time with your daughter. I'd say go for it. You might decide its not for you but it will be an experience you will both always remember. You don't need to do another one but at least you won't regret not doing it.

LoveSandbanks · 02/02/2024 08:01

Headhurtsthinkingofausername · 01/02/2024 21:47

I’d love to go and think it’s lovely she wants to go with you
By the time my Dd is that age, I think I’ll be too old sadly
Embrace it

I’ll be 56 for this years festival season and my youngest will be 16. I’d jump at the chance to go to Reading festival with him (or anyone!)

yourw never too old for festivals!

flipflopfly · 02/02/2024 08:09

@SheerLucks DD is also ND. She found some bits overwhelming but we did our thing and made sure we had lots of time just sitting away from the crowds hanging out. It suited her more than just going to see one band, I think because 3 days meant we didn't feel we missed out if we took time out, whereas a one off concert you have to be full on at that specific moment.

Oldraver · 03/02/2024 11:02

I did Reading for two days with my 17 year old, but came home the first night and stayed in a hotel on the Sunday night

I was a bit apprehensive due to it being all young uns but really enjoyed it. I'd been twenty years ago so was impressed how well organised it was, and all the toilets. There were a fair few oldies so didn't feel too uncomfortable

I actually went to a folk festival the week after and the drunken older ladies were fucking irritating

LBOCS2 · 03/02/2024 11:06

My nearly-70yo dad goes to Reading every year, you're definitely not too old 😁

Go, enjoy it. Reading is quite a 'young' festival so it can be a bit silly but as a PP said - if you can get away on Sunday night it'll all be a lot easier.

We're planning on taking our 11 and 8yo DDs to Download this year, which has loads of families attending. It's going to be fine!

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