AIBU - 16yo wants to go to Trafalgar Square gig today

[Thedaffodilshelp]

Her friends have seen the free music event linked to the Together Alliance march today and want to travel to London for it (we’re in a commuter town).

I’m not keen - I don’t think they’ve realised how busy it will be - tens of thousands of people are due to go to the march/rally beforehand and they might not even get in. I’m also a bit worried there will be trouble.

I’m no country mouse - I go to London a lot - but am I being too cautious?

I think it will be very busy but that's up to them. I wouldn't stop a 16 year old from going

If she’s usually sensible I’d let her go.

Thinking back to when my friends and I were 16 (and sensible), we would have been fine. I would have let my two go at that age although probably have felt nervous for them being in such a big crowd.
Check they have a plan in case they get separated and phones not working, eg place to meet or person back home to contact.
It should be a fantastic experience for them.

There's a potential for violence at this kind of march. I wouldn't want a 16 year old to go.

Not what you asked but does she even know what she’s marching for?

16? Of course you’re being unreasonable. No wonder kids can’t do anything for themselves anymore

She does - because I spoke to her about it. Her friends just saw the free gig and not the march/rally beforehand. She’s been torn about going - not massively keen but didnt want to miss out.

They wouldn’t be going to the march or rally.

good for her. I went on so many marches marches that I didn’t have a clue about just for the free concerts. Now that I’m more clued up, whenever I see ‘1 million people marched for whatever’ I assume the very majority haven’t got a clue, they’re just going along for the ride

If she’s not keen then give her the get out clause of saying ‘no’.

@Thedaffodilshelp I’d check the logistics. Will they get into TS if thousands of people are also wanting to do the same? They might not get anywhere near it. I don’t see how they can possibly separate themselves from marchers either. They will all end up in one relatively small space with loads of police around. I’d say it’s not worth the hassle.

Does she know the area well enough to navigate alternative routes to public transport or a back-up meeting place if the friends become separated?

The National Gallery always manages to stay open during whatever event is happening in Trafalgar Square so I don't think the square will be completely rammed because the event will be marshalled in the central part of the square.

In principle no problem. But this particular event has trouble written all over it given current events. Remember the police’s main tool in distracting groups of rival marchers/protesters is kettling. I’d be encouraging looking out for something similar another time.

@mazedasamarchhareshe doesn’t want to miss out - last night she had decided not to go, but today it’s a beautiful day, her friends are leaving soon and she’s afraid she’s missing out.

I’ve probably been too cautious. It was the combination of them not seeming to understand it was linked to the march, the numbers going and the potential for trouble if there were counter demos.

If she is only going to go because her pals want to then I woud definitely say no - she must be quite immature if she does things because other people do them rather than because she has a mind of her own.
And she is still very young - not even an adult- to be gong to this event when there is such potential for violence. I would worry for the safety of her and her friends.

Have they looked at the rules for going! No liquids to be brought in. It’s a 5 hour concert. Searches in operation. There’s a strict capacity. Queuing system to get in. One entry point off Pall Mall. Looks like madness to me. Plus it’s political. It’s free but quite a big “cost”.

All true @OhDear111. They’re going early to try and make sure they get they get in - whether that will work or not I don’t know. Maybe they’ll just give up and head to Oxford St!

Awwwh let them go. If it’s too busy, they’ll probably want to drift away from the crowd

I would let her go, encourage her to have a plan in place to meet with her friends in case they become separated. At this age FOMO is a strong motivator!

You know what, that’s exactly what they wil do

you have to let them learn how to be street smart and if they’re in a group, it will be fine

It’s too late now for her to make the meet up time now anyway.