DDs 18th birthday celebration

[tactum]

You probably know where this is going......

DD back at college in a bubble of 250 in year group. SD not required within bubble, although obv masks in corridors, hand sanitiser etc.
18th birthday next week. We live in a house on the very edge of a village (but do have a small development of near neighbours on one side) with a 1+ acre garden. She wants to have c20 people from that bubble over for an outdoor get together and camp out in the garden - there is enough room for all tents to be separated. But obviously there will be alcohol involved and she wants music/dancing etc.

My main concern isn't actually spreading the virus as they're all 'bubbled' already. My main concern is the perception of other people and the possibility of being reported. Options:

1. Do nothing at all
2. Outside but no staying over, ie leave 12-1 but have it all outside (worried about neighbours and music complaints)
3. Allow her what she wants as scenario presented above and hope for the best (again worried about neighbours)
4. Actually just have them all cooped up in the house the whole time to minimise noise disruption for neighbours (but I KNOW that is breaking rules)

DD suggested warning the neighbours - which I would happily do in normal times - but in the current situation and the reporting culture I am absolutely not happy to do this.

I'm just unsure what to do for the best but these teens have done so well for so long and are seeing so much of their life get back to normal - college, working jobs etc, I want to be able to find a way for her to celebrate.
Please let me know what you think.....

sorry to bump but looking for opinions...anyone?

If your neighbours are reasonable I would tell them and explain about bubble. Maybe not have people staying over though.

It would be inconsiderate towards your neighbours to let the music/noise go on beyond 11pm and they might report you for that.
What's the plan if the weather is bad?

Well, I would do 2 and warn the neighbours.
If it is 'within the rules' and you explain re

• all in same bubble at college
• number or people
• distancing
• finish time

then they should all be happy, and even if reported you are within rules anyway.

If it isn't within the rules, then do something that is. (I can't keep up)

Bit unfair to not give any warning to neighbours - whether its 12 or 20
Plus pre-warning means neighbours are less likely to go into covi-stazi mode?

I personally feel the rules are ridiculous and laughable right now.
I've stuck with them, as has my entire family. My 18year old celebrated his birthday with just us while Dominic Cummings was celebrating his wife's birthday with a day out.
I would be inclined to have the party but keep it fairly quiet so that you dont get reported. I think gatherings of 30 are allowed outdoors anyway?

3 this is a one off occasion

You are within guidelines (same bubble etc)

No music after 12

Make a note and distribute to relevant neighbours the facts: bubble, within guidelines etc

There should be nothing they can complain about.

If you're unwilling to talk to the neighbours, worried and don't want to break the rules, you're only left with Option A.

I think you have to warn the neighbours if it's going to be an outdoors event. If I was a neighbour, that's what I would want. I wouldn't object under the circumstances you describe, especially as it's an 18th birthday and therefore a one-off event.

You'll just have to hope the weather is good.

This is where bubbling is nonsense. Someone in her bubble could have a sibling in a 250 person bubble so that's 500, add another sibling 750 etc etc.

If it’s kept outside I guess it’s safer, what happens if it pours down with rain?

I personally would allow it outside- all camping in own tents sounds great too!

Ah what would happen with loos?

We would have one dedicated downstairs toilet for them which we wouldn't use. Again, using the college bubble analogy that wouldn't bother me.

If it rains it doesn't happen.

Are you breaking any rules because I genuinely can't remember what they are?

i would honestly just get on with your life and celebrate how you want. say nothing to the neighbours but keep music down once it gets late. first person to knock on my door is getting handed my mortgage details!

i would honestly just get on with your life and celebrate how you want. say nothing to the neighbours but keep music down once it gets late

Good advice

first person to knock on my door is getting handed my mortgage details!

Don't understand that bit.