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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Festival with a 2.5 year old and a nine month old…

255 replies

Hiphopopotamonster · 20/07/2023 13:41

So next month my DH and I are taking our toddler and baby to a festival. It’s a medium size one (a few thousand people I think) and seems family friendly ish although it’s not particularly marketed at families. We’ll be camping in a tent. It’s seemed like a brilliant idea when we booked it a few months ago but im getting a bit jittery now and wondering if it’s just going to be awful.

So - is this a terrible idea? Will it all be ok? And does anyone have any tips to make it more ok…?

OP posts:
CrazyArmadilloLady · 20/07/2023 23:50

Yet another person coming on to share how easy it was with one toddler.

That is easy.

Now, throw a baby into the mix.

Anyway - sounds like the OP has decided to go. Good for her.

Bettiespaghetti · 21/07/2023 06:00

Hey I was so crunchy back in the day I even did a weekend folk festival with a cloth bum baby! (I did have a massive fluff stash though).

And before that way back in the mists of time I took a toddler to Whitby Goth Weekend 😬

We've done loads of folk festivals with our kids, and the youngest two are only two years apart so I guess at some point we'd have had similar ages. The only issue we ever had really was DH being sick in the tent one year (not drunk, dodgy food!) and the primary schooler putting his hand in the blue loo 🤦🏻‍♀️.
Don't worry about washing too much or getting muddy. Go with the flow and enjoy yourselves and embrace afternoon naps and early nights. Make sure you have snacks and some food that the kids will eat and enjoy yourselves 😬👍🏻

Im sure you'll have a great time.

MaryShelley1818 · 21/07/2023 06:26

Well the overwhelming majority (nearly 90%) think this is an awful idea but it's clear you're not bothered and were always going to go anyway so not sure why you posted.
Those poor kids honestly being put in that environment. We travel extensively with our two young children but visit places aimed at them.

DappledThings · 21/07/2023 06:53

MaryShelley1818 · 21/07/2023 06:26

Well the overwhelming majority (nearly 90%) think this is an awful idea but it's clear you're not bothered and were always going to go anyway so not sure why you posted.
Those poor kids honestly being put in that environment. We travel extensively with our two young children but visit places aimed at them.

Comments are much more in favour than the vote.

And this guff about it being an unsuitable environment they'll be miserable in is so silly. They will be camping, playing outside, listening to some music, getting their face painted, probably seeing some kind of story telling or puppet show, some craft activities and generally having a cracking time.

It's sensible to ask about the logistics of it, about trollies versus buggy etc. But the idea that a festival is inherently unsuitable when it's a holiday like any other is just bizarre.

Greenfishy · 21/07/2023 07:00

CuriositysCat · 20/07/2023 23:19

I think this is bordering on cruel to such young children.

OMG I’ve pulled my eye muscles I’ve rolled them so hard 🙄🙄🙄

supersonicginandtonic · 21/07/2023 07:14

I've been taking my kids to festivals since they were tiny, my eldest is now 16.
I've been to Kendal calling, Isle of Wight, Glastonbury, vfest, camp bestival etc. never once had a crap time. You'll be surprised how many kids are there and you'll have a fab time.
It's not a completely inappropriate environment at all.

Jellycatspyjamas · 21/07/2023 07:16

Well the overwhelming majority (nearly 90%) think this is an awful idea but it's clear you're not bothered and were always going to go anyway so not sure why you posted.

Do you change your families leisure plans based on an online survey? The OP posted for folks views, tips and support, not for the mumsnet massive to give her permission.

supersonicginandtonic · 21/07/2023 07:20

@AIBUChitchat you do realise beautiful days is a family festival? I've been plenty never had an issue 🙄 also kids can do that on a normal holiday campsite

Original poster
Hiphopopotamonster · 21/07/2023 07:25

Thanks all! Like @DappledThings said I really wasn’t posting to ask for permission - I was starting to get worried about the logistics and the practicalities and how to make sure everyone manages to have a nice time! I’ve had some really helpful tips and advice so thanks so much.

For those who asked which festival - sorry, I know it’s really annoying but I’d rather not say. I’ve told a lot of people in real life that I’m going and I really don’t want them to link me with my MN username. I will definitely update when I come back though and let you all know if it was worth it and whether it was a fun weekend. I really do think some posters don’t actually understand the environment that we’re going to as the thing I was never worried about was whether it would be suitable for kids.

Thanks again for the tips and I’ll be looking for a trolly today!

OP posts:
DryIce · 21/07/2023 07:30

Have a great time OP, do update us!

I really don't think some posters understand what a family festival is. And yes the logistics can be a pain, but we'd never do anything with kids if we didn't accept some things are a bit more work.

I think of it as a long term game - it's already infinitely easier than when the kids were really small, and hopefully that trend will continue. Last year I got chatting to a 23yo guy who was there with his mum - they still go to a festival together every year! She is goals to me!!

Bettiespaghetti · 21/07/2023 07:38

Ooh forgot to say, an alternative to the trolley is a Phil and Ted's buggy. Really good on uneven fields with the big wheels, I found it really manoeuvrable, and you can get two kids or lots of bags in it. If you do get a trolley make sure it has big wheels otherwise you'll get stuck!

Selmaandpatty · 21/07/2023 07:39

Go for it I say, good on you. Babies are portable, I dislike this idea that Mums should be doing nothing other than walks, soft play and baby groups. You need to live too

Selmaandpatty · 21/07/2023 07:44

My parents first took me abroad when I was 3 months old. I have some friends with babies who refuse to entertain the idea of leaving the UK for the next several years (and in their case it's really not due to money). I get it's personal choice, but parents really don't need to sacrifice everything.

ChannelyourinnerElsa · 21/07/2023 07:59

I agree that many of these posters have seen or been to reading main stage and assumed every festival is like that.

they aren’t.

It will be fun! Battery fair lights, ear defenders, a blanket with a waterproof under layer- like an old school picnic blanket for them to sit on at the tent. Sticker books and water painting for when they need a rest.

I used to take a soft ball, depending on age, kids always seem to like rolling or throwing or plying catch with it.

Graceanddecorum · 21/07/2023 08:21

Have not read all the previous posts, only the OP. Will probably get flamed for this but in my opinion a festival is no place for a child and you shouldn't be going. Anyone who has been to festivals knows exactly what goes on, the majority of the crowd will be off their faces on a lot more than just booze! Your children will be surrounded by adults high on ketamine, mdma, lsd and other things. Small children with sensitive ears also should not be subjected to such loud noises, particularly a tiny baby! Unless it is marketed specifically as a family friendly festival, it is unsuitable and I believe parents who take small children to regular festivals are doing so for their own benefit. I remember going in my early 20's and seeing the odd family at Boomtown thinking wtf! I think when you become a parent you have to accept that there are some environments that are for adults only. Just because you are technically allowed to bring them, it doesn't mean you should.

Jellycatspyjamas · 21/07/2023 08:29

Have not read all the previous posts, only the OP. Will probably get flamed for this but in my opinion a festival is no place for a child and you shouldn't be going.

If you had read the previous posts, you’d know a fair few folk have said the same thing - it’s a good job the OP wasn’t seeking permission.

DappledThings · 21/07/2023 08:32

Anyone who has been to festivals knows exactly what goes on, the majority of the crowd will be off their faces on a lot more than just booze! Your children will be surrounded by adults high on ketamine, mdma, lsd and other things
Yeah, you really haven't read the thread. Some festivals are like that, lots aren't. Some are marketed as for families, some are general but with a lot of family stuff there. I've been to festivals most years for the last 16 or so. I've never been around anyone who has had more than a few drinks let alone on anything stronger and my children certainly haven't.

Saying the majority of people there are off their heads is ridiculous l, especially when you don't even know which festival it is.

Simonjt · 21/07/2023 08:35

Anyone who has been to festivals knows exactly what goes on, the majority of the crowd will be off their faces on a lot more than just booze! Your children will be surrounded by adults high on ketamine, mdma, lsd and other things

As someone who has been going to festivals for 16 years, I’ve never been surrounded by anyone under the above criteria. What festivals do you go to to witness the above?

CrazyArmadilloLady · 21/07/2023 08:38

Graceanddecorum · 21/07/2023 08:21

Have not read all the previous posts, only the OP. Will probably get flamed for this but in my opinion a festival is no place for a child and you shouldn't be going. Anyone who has been to festivals knows exactly what goes on, the majority of the crowd will be off their faces on a lot more than just booze! Your children will be surrounded by adults high on ketamine, mdma, lsd and other things. Small children with sensitive ears also should not be subjected to such loud noises, particularly a tiny baby! Unless it is marketed specifically as a family friendly festival, it is unsuitable and I believe parents who take small children to regular festivals are doing so for their own benefit. I remember going in my early 20's and seeing the odd family at Boomtown thinking wtf! I think when you become a parent you have to accept that there are some environments that are for adults only. Just because you are technically allowed to bring them, it doesn't mean you should.

So, to sum up, you can’t be bothered to read what anyone else has to say, but you expect to be able to drop your mighty opinion for us to read - even though you’re just repeating what a load of other people have already said.

OK………

FrenchandSaunders · 21/07/2023 08:39

Christ I can only camp if I’m pissed … so it’d be a no from me with kids that age!

pinkyredrose · 21/07/2023 08:42

CuriositysCat · 20/07/2023 23:19

I think this is bordering on cruel to such young children.

😂

Jeez, it's a festival not Beirut!

TheaBrandt · 21/07/2023 08:44

Agree with Grace. Where are these famous five festivals where toddlers frolic and it’s all about playgrounds and everyone drinks orange squash? Festivals are a place for adults and teens to kick back and escape from reality.

Dulra · 21/07/2023 08:55

Hope you enjoy it op. I personally would not have done it when my kids were that age mainly because my eldest was adventurous and would run off continually so the thought of her doing that in crowds of people would have been a nightmare. Also all of us in a tent together would have meant very little sleep and so me and dh would likely have been exhausted and cranky. Kids would probably have had a great time but me and dh would definitely not have.

I recently went to an outdoor gig with my 13 and 15 year olds to an artist we all really like and it was within walking distance of where we live. Not much drinking just the usual beer tents and slightly tipsy adults. Both my dds said after they enjoyed the gig but found the drunk adults quite upsetting and believe me this gig was very tame. I think a toddler though would be oblivious to this side of things at a festival

marshmallowfinder · 21/07/2023 08:57

Shit...yabvvvvvvu. Sounds like sheer hell to me!

FartOutLoudDay · 21/07/2023 09:23

“Surrounded by adults high on ketamine” 😁 Not sure what festivals you’ve been going to but that’s not my experience.

There will definitely be festivals where that is the case - ones with a big dance music element spring to mind, but you’d never take a child near one of those anyway.

Nobody was raving their tits off to Beth Orton or Billy Bragg this summer, I promise you.