Thinking of taking my 5 year old son to Glastonbury 2009 A good idea?

[Debzib]

I did Glastonbury in 1999 before I had Joshua and it was absolutly wonderful, once of the best and most chilling weekends I have had in my life (much to my surprise as I never considered going before) While there I noticed the 'family area' and there seemed to be plenty of children around having a great time. There is a rumour that Bruce Springsteen is playing this year and as I am a huge fan I would love to go and see him. Would like to take Joshua with me, but my boyfriend (who has never been to Glastonbury) does not think it would be a good idea. Any advice exspecially from those of you who have been and taken kids before would be really appreciated. Thanks Debzib

I have friends who have taken their children every year (that Glasto has been on) since they have been born, their dd's are now 6 and 5, this means they did go once with a 9 mo and a 23 mo!, they always have a fantastic time. I think you have to go with the expectation that it will not be the same as when you were childless.

hth.

Thanks ever so much for your prompt reply. Yes I have no doubt it will be different when I was childless isnt everything! Although the 'family area' certainly looked a bit more 'roomy' than where we pitched our tent, so looking on the bright side the accomodation will probably be better with child! Thanks again

i took DS when he was just short of being 2. It was wet and muddy that year.....and it was hard work, but we still enjoyed it. I don't take him to Glastonbury anymore, but that is because i want to enjoy it without the compromise necessary with a child in tow. I do a few other festivals through the summer and take him to those instead.

The family camping area still does get a little crowded, because so many people take their kids now. The main problem i had with this was getting the pushchair in and out (and we weren't camped very far from the path either).......
The Kids Field was great fun, probably more-so for a 5 year old than my then 2 year old who just wanted to run around. The kids activities up in Green Kids are great too........

You need to think about what you do with him when/if Bruce is on though? It's likely to be a late slot, i'm reckoning for the Saturday night.........lots of people take a wheelbarrow and their kids sleep in their with pillows/lots of blankets......
If you do go.......then enjoy!! I've paid for my tickets already and am excited!

definitely go for it - i'll be taking my then 10 month old ds.

I was brought up in the village and went loads when i was little - i remember all sorts of crazyness from festivals of old - naughty drugs and spaced out people! i'm sure it's one of the reasons they had no allure and mystique for me.

You do need to make sure they understand what to do if they get lost though - we were always told to go back to where we last saw mummy and wait there.