GIVE ME SOME ADVICE ABOUT FESTIVALS PLEASE..

[stickyj]

DD wants to go to Reading with her boyfriend. He's lovely, very quiet, doesn't drink and his mum is going to buy them both a three day ticket.DD quite sensible and can't see any problems.

Are there any? What should they take etc and is there anything I should be worried about? She will be just 17 when they go and he's 18. I'm not worried about the sex issue, that's all sorted.

They intend to eat at the stalls there and just take loads of drinks, water etc and a pop up tent. All ideas very welcome but will check back tomorrow as I'm off to bed!

Any MN tips very much appreciated.

They'll need more money than they think as food prices are high.

I've not been to reading but have been to other festivals and IMO they're safe places, lots of stewards, security, etc. Reading will be well organised. Tell them to keep valuables with them as stuff gets pinched out of tents. Drink and drugs are the main concerns but if you say they're sensible they should be ok.

There was another thread asking the same question a few weeks ago. If you look back, you'll find lots of opinions and advice :)

There have been quite a few Reading threads over the past few years and they are all good.

Yes, stalls very expensive. There is a Tesco nearby and a Toby Carvery which are far more reasonable.
If they need any first aid treatment always go off site to buy if possible as they will be charged rip off prices for every day medicine at the first aid tent

It may be worth getting an early bird ticket, if they are still available, to get a good camping spot.

Keep all valuables on themselves, sadly theft from tents is common.
Lots of tents get set on fire at the end although security do try to stop this.

The crowds are very lively, usually in a good way but my sons girlfriend got knocked to the ground and punched in the face by some lit up moron last year. I would advise them to stick together.

My son has been to Reading several years running and despite the above always had a great time. Most people are lovely and there is a lot of security.

There should be cheap cooked breakfasts on offer each day at the church next to Tesco :-)

DS1 went to Reading last year. Gave him some food from home for the first day. He had a body belt for his valuables. Even then he felt someone trying to get into it so he moved away from them.

Don't let them take anything valuable with them. Don't worry. They'll have a great time. Agree about the Tesco. It's really kitted out with camping/catering stuff so whatever you haven't brought with you you can buy there.

Wellies an absolute must. DS hates wellies, but I forced him to buy them and take them with him. He lived in them at Reading.

Don't necessarily expect the tent to come back. Also, I gather from DS1 don't camp near the loos or near a path.