AIBU to not see music festivals as a teenage rite of passage?

[musemusemuse]

to not understand the appeal of music festivals.

I hear that music festivals like Leeds are a right of passage for teenagers, I never went to one as a young teen myself and I don’t remember any of my friends going either. Is this a right of passage, did I miss out? Or AIBU to think they are not really a right of passage.

I grew up near Glastonbury, I never went. I wouldn't send my DC now to one, particularly not DD given the levels of sexual assault.

For some it'll be a rite of passage but not for others.

I never went as a teen and none of my adult DC did either.

It probably depends on the group of friends you hang out with and if they're into that sort of thing.

I sort of think they are. It was a big thing amongst my sixth form and university acquaintances and I went to a few myself. It was Reading and Leeds and also some lesser known dance ones. And a few went to some abroad too- a castle grounds in Bulgaria? I don't know if the prices have gotten crazy like concerts now though to make it less attainable, I thought they were reasonable enough twenty years ago.

They’re a rite of passage if you want to go to one. I went to various festivals and Glastonbury in my teenage years and 20s. Appreciate it doesn’t appeal to everyone. I also went to various “raves” at slightly questionable venues.

Adult DS went to Leeds for a couple of years from 16, Adult DD said “not a chance am I sleeping in a tent, using a portaloo or coming home with trench foot”

lots of people did round here, lots didn’t.

Phone theft is rife there

If you don’t drink is it fun?

I don’t see it as a rite of passage, but music festivals are among my best memories of my life! I was early twenties before I started going though.

Yeah if you like live music

I think that’s it, especially for girls due to the increased risk fro. sexual assault.

Is 16 too young or is it a rite of passage

Ah, looks back fondly at Donington Monsters of Rock festival in my youth…. 🤘

Rock music festivals are the best. Rarely any problems . Nice and chilled . Been going since I was a teenager and took my own when they were old enough .
You either like festivals or you don’t - it’s not a big deal if you don’t ! Probably have other interests instead .

I love live music, but I’m not sure a festival like Leeds is a rite of passage?

As said by others, they are to some people but not others. How old are you?

How many times can you write the same phrase?
They will be a rite of passage for a large amount of teenagers.
Obviously nothing will be a universal experience.

too old to have gone to Leeds after finishing school.

Not a rite of passage as such.

But for those who have music as a passion and enjoy festivals then attending one with mates is a rite of passage.

Well I was obviously talking about teenagers seen as that’s what your post is about. Not too sure what you want from this thread really

Well yes if you enjoy festivals. Not obligatory though is it? Some dont like that sorry of thing and fair enough.

No such thing as a rite of passage.

Some teens will want to go, some won't. For some it will be hugely important, for others it won't. Some 16 year olds might be mature enough, a lot won't.

My son isn't/wasn't interested. He is 19. He had been to a few big concerts but not until he was 18. We went to family friendly festivals when he was young and he loved it. I am not sure his GF is a fan of camping :D I would have been concerned if he had been much younger and wanted to go either to a gig in a big city or a festival and was camping or booking a hotel. Less so if I could pick him up after.

Just to add, I went to my first concert in 1988 age 16 and my first stadium gig in 1989 age 17. Both were organised bus trips.

I wanted to go to Monsters of Rock in 1987 just before my 16th birthday as Bon Jovi were playing but my parents were having none of that!

I'm ancient and still managed to go to Reading in the 70's. Cold, wet, and (God help us) Ted Nugent was headlining. (His set went on for what seemed like months.) Not so much a rite of passage as a rite of bloody hell I will never do that again.

I am so sad that women’s safety is an issue and reason that people are anxious about their children going to music festivals. Ive always found them to be safe spaces, with kindred spirits. My parents were not happy about my attending them but it’s an argument they lost….
I went to Leeds at 16, and many festivals since. I’ve never felt unsafe, but I’ve never done drugs and I’ve never been either past the point of self control or with people I don’t trust in those environments.

I went to my first festival at 16, it was incredible. I saw so many bands, camped with my friends and had an amazing time, it was the first of many

It’s interesting because I read that 93% of teenagers attending festivals drink alcohol. I am absolutely not opposed to this but it does make me wonder how ‘fun’ it would be for those teens that don’t drink

That’s lovely @MiceSpiders