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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

in wanting to take my kids to a festival?

50 replies

MrsGravy · 07/04/2011 21:13

They would be 1, 4 and 6 in the summer. And we're thinking of the Green Man Festival. We are used to camping - although haven't been with the baby yet. We are used to festivals - although that was when we were young and carefree.

So, would we be unreasonable in going this summer? Or should we wait until they are older?

OP posts:
CurrySpice · 07/04/2011 21:15

Nope. Go for it. Took mine to Cornbury last year and going again this year.

It's a family-friendly festival afaik so if you're used to camping with kids, it'll be great

Have a good time :o

BluddyMoFo · 07/04/2011 21:15

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BluddyMoFo · 07/04/2011 21:15

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MoonGirl1981 · 07/04/2011 21:17

Go for it!!

If you're used to camping why not??

The kids will see it as an adventure and if your baby is your third you probably know all there is to know about looking after one.

It'll be fun!!

xxxx

Original poster
MrsGravy · 07/04/2011 21:19

Ok, this all sounds very positive!! Plus my mum lives not too far from Brecon so we could always wimp out of the camping side of things if that turns into a nightmare Grin

OP posts:
KnitterNotTwitter · 07/04/2011 21:19

Not at all unreasonable. I took DS to Glastonbury when he was 1, and when he was 2 and he'll be going again this year when he's 3...

Obviously you need to be sensible. I recommend writing your phone number on their arm with permanent marker just in case...

CurrySpice · 07/04/2011 21:22

Hello mofes :o

Fancy seeing you here!

Still remember your kindness to me and my DDs last year :o

Original poster
MrsGravy · 07/04/2011 21:22

That's a good tip -thanks Knitter.

OP posts:
Hulababy · 07/04/2011 21:23

Me and Katz are going to Wychwood his year and taking my 9y DD, and her 8y and 5y girls. Katz went last year with her DH and girls too and had a great time.

BluddyMoFo · 07/04/2011 21:23

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reddaisy · 07/04/2011 21:24

Latitude is supposed to be very family friendly too. I would like to take DD there this year but I will be heavily pregnant so I don't think I will fancy camping then.

toeragsnotriches · 07/04/2011 21:25

Your festival experience with kids will be totally unlike your festival experience without, obviously. Be prepared to be hearing awesome sets from the comfort of your tent Wink while DP is off enjoying!

We did Green Man when I was 8mo pregnant in 06 and it was great. Not sure about a kid's field but there were lots of calm areas. If it's in the same place (Crickhollow? underneath Sugar Loaf mountain) it's absolutely beautiful and there will be plenty lovely places off site you can visit. Family camping was near the entrance to the site.

We did both Glastonbury and Bestival last year as a family but it's different for us as DH was working at both. Ear defenders and 4x4 buggy were invaluable. The kids enjoyed it but we did focus each day around them, not always around what we wanted to see.

Twice I got pissed off. Once at Glastonbury with a mum who seemed to think her 2yo was being a 'little brat' for not wanting to walk across the whole site on a boiling hot day Hmm and once with some gobshite who told me this 'was no place for kids' (at Bestival, 9pm, both kids tucked up asleep in P and Ts wearing ear defenders after having been to see their dad at work.)

YANBU.

Soups · 07/04/2011 21:26

Go for it :)

I would suggest taking lots of snacks for them, festival food really adds up!

raindroprhyme · 07/04/2011 21:28

My best mate and i took 7 kids between us to The Wickerman
two 9yr olds, two 5yr olds, a 2yr old, a 3 week old and a 4 month old.
It was fab we had a great time.

flyinstar · 07/04/2011 21:28

think its a lovley idea,been to lots of festivals,and most cater very well for kids now,usually with family camping areas,and seperate events for children during the day,children tend to attract alot of attention(good).
taking the baby might be tougher on you though.
a radio flyer cart,to pull the kids round the festival site are great,and will also be a help through any mud patches,and its also worth taking some ear defenders for the children,for when music gets too loud ,and for sleep,hope you have a ball,what a lovley memory to have with your children,i salute youGrin

toeragsnotriches · 07/04/2011 21:30

Yes. Food. DS1 lived on Goodies Bars and sausages for 2 whole days. He loved it Grin

CurrySpice · 07/04/2011 21:30

Thanks mofes. You going this year. I would happily return the favour. My Dds still speak about your DD and those pics on the hammock... :o

D0G · 07/04/2011 21:34

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Susiewho · 07/04/2011 21:37

We're going to Glastonbury this year. Me, DP and DD, who'll have just turned 3. It will be her first big festival. We're going in the campervan which might be easier if it's muddy.

Can't wait!

toeragsnotriches · 07/04/2011 21:38

D0G I'd wait for Glasto next year. The kid's field will have something for all of 'em, probably all at the same time!

toeragsnotriches · 07/04/2011 21:39

Or this year? Sorry!

D0G · 07/04/2011 21:43

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MerylStrop · 07/04/2011 21:45

Have taken all three of mine since babes in arms, no problems. They LOVE it.
Green Man is wonderful, vv family friendly in all ways. But the weather there, based on empirical evidence of past 5 years is that is tips it down in August, so we're trying the Deer Shed this year instead.
(I don't think Glastonbury's on next year btw so you'd have a long wait)

fivegomadinthelambingshed · 07/04/2011 21:46

No Glastonbury next year.

We do Camp Bestival but don't camp as local. DC's love it.

Selks · 07/04/2011 21:46

For family friendly festies I would suggest think small - check out the smaller ones in your area. They can often be friendlier and less hectic than big ones - and less expensive.
Think about taking a buggy for the toddler to sleep in of a day time or the occasional late evening - it could be a blessing. Take a sun shade for it and ear defenders.
Take lots of wet wipes and a potty or something that the children can have a wee in in the privacy of the tent (and the adults if they are miles from the loos, ha ha).
Festivals can be fantastic for children, but common sense is needed. And if you want to get whacked/trashed/off your trolley (not that I'm suggesting that the OP would necessarily want to) then don't take the kids. Unfortunately I've seen a handful of parents behaving like complete jerks at festivals in the company of their children.
Accept that your festival experience will be very different with children than without.
This has some useful advice: www.efestivals.co.uk/info/kids.shtml

Have fun!