Leeds festival my 16 year old DD wants go, what do you think?

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She'll be 17 the day it starts. She wants to go for the four days with lots of her friends, a mix of boys and girls.

She's a good kid, she's in sixth form doing really well. Never gives me an ounce of trouble and is sensible.

Four days away in a tent with no showers etc is my idea of hell! I think she's a bit naive about how rough the camping will be. Plus it's a 3 hour train ride with all their kit, or parents might take them.

I know they'll party hard and drink loads and they'll have the best time.

I'm just wondering if it's a safe event and I can stop worrying.

Dd went to Reading aged 16, for 2 days. Didn't stay overnight . It did sound pretty feral. It was extremely hot weather. She felt one day would have been fine. In fact the friend who organised it bailed out, sold the ticket, and was only there 1 day.

Has your dd checked the line up -? Some days may have none of the bands she likes.

Dd Has since been to another festival much more aimed a mixed age group, camped and stayed 3 days. Enjoyed that one a lot more.

ds has been for the last 2 years, plus a 1 day when he was only 16. The first year was the bad publicity, fires etc. last year they really clamped down on all the anti social behaviour and he saw nothing like 2022. They went in a mixed group, all made an agreement to stay at least in 2’s, no girls going anywhere alone at certain times etc (but they’d do this anywhere, on a night out, holiday etc). If they’re a sensible group and set group rules, they’ll be fine. Make sure she takes lots of battery packs for her phone though.

I've heard similar.
I cannot imagine what is the matter with someone who sets fire to tents.
I'm not allowing my 16yo to go and she understands why, fortunately.

@ilovebreadsauce
Of course you can stop her while she is a minor living under your roof!

But at 17, how? If she buys the ticket herself, transports herself that herself, how would you intend to stop her? Locking her in the house?!

We live in Leeds. Unfortunately it's a yearly thing because the youngest gets a cheap pass. Bloody Lana del ray is on this year but think she just wants to go for the day. I guess only you know. If your child is prone to doing daft stuff then don't ok it.

dd16 went last year with 2 friends, all absolutely fine! went home sunday night, arrived back nothing lost, just slept till 5 the next day😅

If you look online you can see a breakdown by West Yorkshire Police of all arrests at the festival last year as someone put in a freedom of Information request. 110 crimes recorded including six sexual assaults, including an attack on a 13 year old, lots of drugs offences. Those were the ones recorded

When they are 18 they can make their own mistakes.

Mine went - found it very overwhelming - huge crowds/ lots of walking / grim loos ended up being sick and came home - it's safe - lots of security etc if needed but they have to be aware and resilient - I don't think either of mine would go back but would do smaller festivals - it's such an individual thing

My DD went to Leeds at 16 and 17. She had a great time and was in a mixed group. Yes, there's a drink and drugs culture but you'll find those at nearly any festival - even family friendly festivals like Deershed.

You give them the big lecture beforehand, make sure they stick together and let them know to phone if they've had enough.

There's a lot of "I heard X and Y happened at Leeds" chat that I think is unsubstantiated gossip to be honest. If you have a sensible kid then you have to trust them.

DD1 went to Reading at the same age and was fine, had a great time. Though she didn't want to see another Tesco meal deal again for quite some time, and she came back with "festival 'flu" and needed antibiotics to shift it.

Let her go, let her enjoy herself! You say yourself she's a good kid.

P.s. they have showers there!