To take the kids to this HUGE event?

[tickledmagenta]

I live in Portsmouth and as everybody is probably aware there's a HUGE celebration this coming week for the anniversary of the D-Day Landings on Wednesday. The Queen, Trump, Prince Charles, Theresa May, Macron, Merkel, Trudeau, Morrison are all going to be going and they're putting big screens up on the common so people who can't get into the main thing can watch the ceremony, plus see the Red Arrows etc.

I really want to take my kids (under 5) down to watch, what will be, an once in a lifetime event but so many people are saying it's "too risky" and despite the extensive security and road closures etc I shouldn't go.

Aibu to take them?

Of course you take them! Not a problem

No you’re not BU. We can’t live our lives in fear and tbh, a big event like that will have a lot of security. It’s probably safer than some random smaller event.

Risk from what? Terrorism or crowds? I would go to be honest; I think if you thought about risks all the time you’d never go anywhere

I wouldn't necessarily be worried about the risk. My thought is that your children are simply far to young to understand or appreciate what's going on. Large crowds can be very overwhelming for small children, and it sounds like you would have to be doing a lot of walking and standing. I think the day might be miserable for all of you, quite honestly.

I don’t understand what you think you are at risk of either?

I wouldn't bother only because they will probably be bored by the ceremony. You will need to take them out to the loo frequently which probably won't be fun Find somewhere nice to watch the red arrows - is there a park nearby?

Seriously? Can you listen to what these people are saying? This event to honour the service and sacrifice of so many young men 75 years ago...and they are worried it might be risky? Good job our boys didn’t take that attitude 75 years ago, isn’t it?!!

I think it’s lovely that you want to take your DC and if you take lots of pictures then when they are older they will retain the memory of being at a very special event.

The only thing that would put me off is the fact that most under 5s won’t be in the slightest bit interested!

I'm not expecting it to be super busy (weekday and all) and the common is very very large (There's a major uk festival that takes place there that takes up a fraction of the space). Plenty of toilets around and my dsis lives three minutes away so we can go there if it's too much.

I think people are more concerned about the heightened threat due to all the dignitaries but tbh a naval city, ample security and it's a large open space that will be covered from all sides.

(Also it's only ten minutes by bus from where I live to so sry to cut and run if the kids get fed up, they're pretty good though!)

Also my grandad was involved in D-Day so it would be nice to honour him as well.

The only thing that would put me off is the fact that most under 5s won’t be in the slightest bit interested!

This //\

Risk wouldn't even cross my mind, assuming you're talking about terrorism / violence related risks. As apposed to small ones getting lost in the crowds.

I imagine security will be extremely tight. You probably couldn't go to a safer event.

Go.
You have realistic plans, and back up plans. Go try and enjoy it and bail if the kids get overwhelmed.

I used to worry about everything, then a friend choked to death on a piece of chewing gum. Most dangerous part is driving there, statistics show that road accidents are by far the biggest killer. I took my under 5s to the London Olympics, no they don't really remember but we have excellent photos that we have shown them and spoken about and they love that they were there.

Go! Sounds like it's bit a fantastic event to take part in. You have alternative plans, your DSis is near... perfect!

Yes of course you should go.

You don't need to stay for very long just come home once you've all had enough.

At that young age if you can take them somewhere were they can play/picnic without disturbing others - but can watch the flyovers etc then take them. :)

Too risky? In your own city?

Sounds like Lord of the Rings. "It's an adventure when you leave the house"

The worst result will be you get home without seeing anything. Risky was the football fans getting to Baku last week.

My biggest worry would be toileting

I would go, life is full of calculated risks, you can fall down the stairs at home. Obviously you need to plan and I took the precaution of buying wristbands when my kids were small that you write your mobile on. The place will be swarming with security and the dignitaries won't be on the common

Is there somewhere selling milkshakes nearby?

It wouldn't occur to me that there would be any reason not to go other than the hassle factor of taking small children to any event, are people too scared to go places now?

Now you have said your grandfather was at D-Day then it’s a complete yes, you should go and take them. Just imagine how proud he would/will be to know his great grandchildren honoured him. Sure it will be much safer than almost anything!

Thanks everybody for confirming what I thought. Crowds are definitely the one I was a bit worried about but I'll take the pushchair and reins for the older one/wristbands with number etc.