I first went in 1982, (when it was a proper rock festival), telling my mother I was staying at my mate John's house overnight while, strangely, John told his folks he was staying at mine. Bearing in mind Belfast was ablaze at the time and we were barely allowed to cross town, and add in the fact they all found out the morning after we left, it was probably safer fir us not to go home.
Seriously though, parents aside, it was a great weekend and very safe. Well organised, even back then, and lots of facilities, stewards and police.