Reading Festival 2021 - Help

[Festival2021]

Posting here for traffic. Long time user, but NC for this.

Every year there are posts from parents whose children are at Reading Festival and there has been some kind of issue/situation and the parents are unsure as to what to do or how to help them.

I live 5 minutes from the Festival site, and this year I’m working there. Our Church has two large tents (one in Brown, and one in Orange) in the campsites, under the name of ‘Reading Street Pastors’. We offer tea/coffee along with a helping hand and conversation, and we are a safe space for anyone to come along to.

For those of you who have children attending this year and are worried/concerned for them, please let them know we are there. We are running 24 hours every single day from Wednesday to Monday.

Hope this helps some of you.

Love this- thanks so much. I’ll pass it on in certain knowledge that she will roll her eyes but she may well need it at some point. She’s been the one looking after friends way too many times!

Lifeisbeautiful01 You're welcome. No doubt many teens will roll their eyes when their parents tell them about it - but if it helps just one person it'll be worth it!

What a brilliant idea Lifeisbeautiful thank you!

Thank you so much for this. My DD went on the train yesterday morning and despite my username (!) I have been really missing her and worrying about her losing her phone, running out of money on the first day, getting horrendously drunk and ill, taking drugs etc etc etc. When I read your post I felt a lot better that there will be some kind people there like yourselves looking out for them if needed. Thank you and I hope you have a good weekend too! xx

Ive worked in the welfare tent at Glastonbury a few times, generally kids who’ve overdone it a bit and but don’t need medical attention, just a warm safe place to ride it out!

It’s a lovely thing you’re doing, my 17 year old son is there with a load of friends so will certainly pass it on

I hope you also manage to see some music and have some fun!

Lovely, thank you for looking out for them.

How lovely.

That is a lovely thread!

This is lovely - I wish I'd known about it yesterday.... Sadly DD had to come home yesterday because she had a massive anxiety attack, she made it home at 2:30am. She did go to the welfare tent but she said they were overwhelmed with drunk/drugged up people and she couldn't stay because they needed more space - hence wishing I'd known you were there. But hopefully you will continue to do your fabulous work with the kids who just need a break from the bonkersness.....

@Localher0

This is lovely - I wish I'd known about it yesterday.... Sadly DD had to come home yesterday because she had a massive anxiety attack, she made it home at 2:30am. She did go to the welfare tent but she said they were overwhelmed with drunk/drugged up people and she couldn't stay because they needed more space - hence wishing I'd known you were there. But hopefully you will continue to do your fabulous work with the kids who just need a break from the bonkersness.....

I'm so sorry this happened to your daughter. If she had come to us we would absolutely have looked after her and made sure she was ok. I do hope she's doing ok now?

Just wanted to bump this up for Friday night.

Last night was a busy night for us. We helped many young people - some were drunk and needed help getting back to their tents, some needed some water and a sleep, some had lost their friends and were lonely.

Please let your young people know that we have two tents - one in Orange and one in Brown. We are there 24 hours a day, we offer drinks, snacks, help, conversation, table tennis, and some board games! No judgement, just a friendly place if they need us. Oh, and we can also fill up their pot noodles with hot water

I'm back on shift over night, so if anyone is worried feel free to send me a message

I've just shared this with my DC both at Reading festival. Both are loving it so far, but nice to know they can go somewhere if needed.

@Blueskythinking123

I've just shared this with my DC both at Reading festival. Both are loving it so far, but nice to know they can go somewhere if needed.

Glad they're both enjoying it - the atmosphere there is absolutely fantastic. Hopefully they won't need us, but we do make an awesome Hot Chocolate if they fancy one!

Just been told they have been to you as you have the cheapest water bottles! Both are still very happy. If I tell then you have hot chocolate they will be there in a shot!!

Thanks for doing this OP, I'm sure you are making a huge difference to some people.

Thank you OP. Just said to my partner how lovely it is that you and your church are doing this.

@Blueskythinking123

Just been told they have been to you as you have the cheapest water bottles! Both are still very happy. If I tell then you have hot chocolate they will be there in a shot!!

I love that! Glad they're happy, and if they fancy a Hot chocolate at 2am I'll be ready and waiting

Tried to let my DD know, but I imagine she doesn’t have any battery left in her phone.
Luckily she’s there with a sensible lad

@fruitbrewhaha

Thanks for doing this OP, I'm sure you are making a huge difference to some people.

I hope so. I have teenagers myself, so I know exactly how parents feel when their children depart to go to these events. I'm just pleased we can make a difference to some young people and help keep them safe.

Aw, I have so many really fond memories of Readings past, but I was early 20s first time I went and if my daughter wanted to go as a teen, I would be terrified! I’m pretty sure we got cups of tea in one of your tents way back when 😊 The world needs more people like you! 💜

Brilliant. Have passed it on to DS. Keep up the excellent work!

How brilliant!
Thank you.

What a brilliant thing to do, I’m sure lots of kids there will be so glad you’re offering this service x

I think this is great, well done! 😊

You are wonderful OP, thank you so much. May I ask, (don't answer if you don't want), which is your church? I'm from Caversham. . .