Should I let my 16 year old go to a Festival?

Maureen43

As the title says really. After some weeks of saying he planned to go to Reading festival after GCSEs with mates, now he is saying they want to go to Boardmasters (5 nights rather than 3).

He's a pretty sensible lad really. He's done loads of camping although never without parents. I have no doubt he will have a great time.

But...I've heard stories of teenagers coming unstuck on the cliffs and in the sea at Boardmasters. And he'll get drunk. And there will be drugs around no doubt. And...I wonder if it is too much for a 16 year old?

Opinions please!

cats2012

Only you know your son I'm afraid. I went to Leeds Festival after GCSE results day when I was 16 and had an amazing time - but I did go with all people my parents knew, and a couple were the year above and therefore could drive us there etc. Yes there was alcohol, although not drugs in our group. There was also the s** word happening too - which resulted in me having to sleep in a different tent...not ideal.

However, I spoke to my parents lots about it beforehand, they knew the group and I checked in a few times across the weekend. It was 4 nights for us - Thurs-Mon. I would love to know how they felt at the time but I massively appreciated them letting me go.

PasturesNew

To be honest, I'd say "no" - but at least at that festival they're OTT over "looking out for" young 'uns. Although he might struggle to get served any alcohol at all as the whole town is super strict as so many young people fell off the cliffs and died in recent years.

He'll need "Prove Your Age" ID even to get served in the local town.

The police even actively police the train station and get people to turn out their bags to prove they've not brought alcohol with them. Of course, this doesn't stop those with f3ckless parents who actually deliver the alcohol to their underage children there.

If he's going anywhere where young people/alcohol are going to be nipped in the bud it's probably there.

But ... being underage he'll quickly tap into "bloke in the van over there's flogging alcohol" and other illegal activities that might go on close by.

Boardmasters is across two venues, 3 miles apart. They run buses back/forth and maybe the journeys will make him not wish to drink as it's a faff to try to catch buses if you're p155ed.

The organisers go OTT to provide a safe environment - they want no trouble. They want to keep running it.... unlike some other festivals where the organisers might have a bit of a slack attitude.

But, there might be restrictions he's not expecting. e.g. I just had a quick look at their website and there are some parts he'd be excluded from, e.g. "you must be 18 or over to attend The Beach Sessions." - they are specific ticketed events, in addition to the regular festival.

http://www.boardmasters.co.uk/info/key-info

Even for over 18s there are tight restrictions.

Quantity per person: 24 cans beer or 18 cans of cider or 3 litres of wine or 24 bottles (must be plastic) alco pops. No spirits allowed. All drinks must be unopened and NO GLASS!
• Excessive amounts of food and cigarettes may be refused entry to the site. Only bring enough for personal consumption.

Guest101

PasturesNew wrote: »

To be honest, I'd say "no" - but at least at that festival they're OTT over "looking out for" young 'uns. Although he might struggle to get served any alcohol at all as the whole town is super strict as so many young people fell off the cliffs and died in recent years.

He'll need "Prove You're Over 21/25" ID even to get served in the local town. - No he'll need to prove he's over 18, if he looks under 25

The police even actively police the train station and get people to turn out their bags to prove they've not brought alcohol with them. Of course, this doesn't stop those with f3ckless parents who actually deliver the alcohol to their underage children there.

If he's going anywhere where young people/alcohol are going to be nipped in the bud it's probably there.

But ... being underage he'll quickly tap into "bloke in the van over there's flogging alcohol" and other illegal activities that might go on close by.

Boardmasters is across two venues, 3 miles apart. They run buses back/forth and maybe the journeys will make him not wish to drink as it's a faff to try to catch buses if you're p155ed.

The organisers go OTT to provide a safe environment - they want no trouble. They want to keep running it.... unlike some other festivals where the organisers might have a bit of a slack attitude.

But, there might be restrictions he's not expecting. e.g. I just had a quick look at their website and there are some parts he'd be excluded from, e.g. "you must be 18 or over to attend The Beach Sessions." - they are specific ticketed events, in addition to the regular festival.

http://www.boardmasters.co.uk/info/key-info

On topic, no, definitely not.

PasturesNew

Guest101 wrote: »

He'll need "Prove You're Over 21/25" ID even to get served in the local town. - No he'll need to prove he's over 18, if he looks under 25

Pedantic. Changed it now.

All moot as he's 16.

copperclock

Only you know your son.

My eldest is 15. He's uber-sensible, hates the idea of alcohol, smoking, parties, and all that kind of stuff so it's hard for me to imagine him wanting to go to a festival in a year. If he did, though, I think I could depend on him to be sensible enough to go and I would probably let him.

That said, 5 nights seems a lot, and I don't like the idea of cliffs.

Guest101

PasturesNew wrote: »

Pedantic. Changed it now.

All moot as he's 16.

There was scope for confusion, it's not pedantic to make you aware.


(don't be so defensive - a simple, thanks, corrected would suffice)

System

Killjoy here, i'd say no.

lush_walrus

Reading festival is a very popular festival for youngsters, a lot are under 18 so he won't be the only one. My nephew who was 16 at the time went last year and is again this year ( with his older brother though) and didn't have any issue with needing to prove his age etc so I doubt that will change this year.

If he is a sensible boy with sensible friends then I wouldn't see the isssue. If he is easily led with the type of friends who would like to lead him astray then I would block it.

Stupid me, just read he has changed his mind - no I would not allow him to go to a festival for 5 nights.

Gilead

Depends on your son - if he has a good head on his shoulders and his friends are reliable then you *should* be able to trust him.

I went to Glastonbury the day after my AS Levels (flying from NI) staying for 4 nights with 2 friends. My parents trusted us, none of us at all into drugs - just liked music. Was once in a life time experience and I'm glad I went.

Whatever you decision it will be made for the right reasons.

Alikay

My 3 all went to festivals after GCSE's. They didn't get into any scrapes (not that they admitted to anyway!) and came back tired, dirty and skint but having enjoyed it immensely. They had all been away with Scouts and cadets before, and were experienced hikers and campers which makes a difference. No drug use for any of them, 2 drank alcohol and got moderately drunk I believe, the other was pretty "straight edge" so stayed sober.

DS2's girlfriend (17 at the time) got a very bad tummy bug at Boardmaster's, which was a problem. Due to it's location the logistics of getting her back was difficult but luckily she recovered sufficiently to last it out. Would've been very time consuming and expensive to retrieve her by car or train, so do talk through contingency plans in case of emergency if they go.