Reading Festival

[cameo]

Hi everyone,
just after a bit of advice.
My daughter and her friends will be 16 next year
They are all thinking of going to reading festival next year.
At the moment they're not sure if an adult will be going with them.
i have some reservations about this.
What do you all think. Should i let her go, or only say yes if an adult is going?
All advice gratefully recieved. x

[oligopoly]

in my opinion - and talking from experience - 16 is the perfect age to go to reading festival. i always associate reading festival as one for teenagers - unlike glasto, isle of wight etc etc. i would say your daughter and her friends are likely to drink alcohol at the campsite (who doesnt at that age?!) but it is a safe, friendly place. everything shuts at 11/12pm, meaning people just relax, drink and talk around the campsite area. i wouldnt have said an adult is necessary - a group of teenage girls will be fine! just my thoughts....

[andy-hughes]

It really depends how mature your daughter is - and how sensible she is likely to be.

I would let her go, but sit her down for a casual talk about responsible behaviour - rergarding drink, drugs and sex.

Yes she will sigh and say "I know, you worry too much ..." but just tell her that you are saying all this so you can hear yourself saying it - as much for your benefit as hers!

Make sure she has all the safeguards she needs - proper clothing, mobile, contact info for emergencies, and wish her well.

It's hard letting go - but it has to be done - I have three daughters, youngest is eighteen, so i know how you feel.

[cameo]

Thankyou both for your advice.
My daughter is very sensible and mature, (for a 15 year old).
She has even said she will save the money for the ticket herself!
As it isn't till next year it may never happen, they get these ideas in their heads and then nothing comes of it!
Will just have to wait and see!

But if it does happen, and I agree, convincing her father will be a totally different story!!

[miss.me]

I hate to state the obvious but she REALLY has to stick with her friends, its easy to lose people for hours once in the arena.

[andy-hughes]

True, but in this day and age a mobile phone (with spare battery) solves that problem nicely.

Not like in my day (1975!) when ... (and the old gentleman rambles on and on until his voice fades away and is replaced by the sound of gentle snoring ... and the sound of a gently closing door.

[cameo]

In my experience, old gentleman are always full of.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................good advice!!!

[milkybarkid]

i would let her go. give her a chance and if she blows it, at least you can say you gave it to her. 16 is the perfect age for reading, as long as she's fairly sensible.
if you don't she'll probably hate you (no offense, but my friend wasn't allowed back in the day and she didn't speak to hers for ages).
she'll have a great time, reading is awesome!