Categories: uncategorized
Date: 02 June 2006 07:39:05
Well, in a few hours I will be off to start the 2006 festival season (strange coincidence it will be starting and ending on Cheltenham Racecourse), so I thought I would bring you the lone parent festival guide 2006 (note although it has a slight lone parent, non-driver sland it will have useful points for all).
A- Alcohol is great, but remember at festivals people tend to drink lots and it can do funny things to people. General rule is space it out, don't have loads and then go to sleep in the sun (dehydration is not nice), remember what goes in will need to come out at somepoint & if you're with a kid moderation will be the key you are the Grown Up and need to be in a state to deal with emergencies.
B- Bands are there to be enjoyed. They will not sound as good in a field as in a small theatre, understand that and just enjoy the moment. But remember with most festivals it about so much more than the music.
C- Childrens area / workshops are not creches repeat they are not creches. Performers are not childminders. Let your child go and enjoy them, they will have a truly wonderful time, but remember they are still your responsibility. Go with them to listen to some storytelling or whatever and get in touch with your inner child aswell.
D- Donuts. These are generally available and are a good, high sugar snack if you find yourself flagging or just want to chill with some hot chocolate (but remember it will be flavoured hot water) before bed. Would recommend them far more than the other D people associate with festivals - all I'm saying about them is remember what the Grange Hill kids said, just say no.
E - Eating can get expensive, be prepared. If you can get to a local supermarket when you get there do, if only to stock up on drinks and stuff (although some of the very commercial festivals may stop you taking drinks onto the main site)
F- Fun is the order of the day
G- Grown ups have responsibilities even at festivals. Don't forget that you're still mum (or dad) and responsible for your child. That means they need to know roughly where you'll be when and that you'll be together enough to deal with any emergency. I refer you back to A for alcohol here.
H- Health and safety legislation could kill festies but not if you use your common sense! Basic rules are same as ever: remember to wash your hands after going to the loo & if possible before you eat, watch what you're doing and follow the instructions your given (e.g. if there is f-off tape stay behind it!!!). Stewards are wonderful people, often volunteers - treat them nicely.
I - Imagination required. Silly hats, fairy wings, and gnome ears on grown ups are ok and not just for those with specific health issues.
J- Junk will be presented to you by your child in the form of some strange thing they have made at a "workshop", do not view it as junk, but as art; smile and say that's nice, but remember we won't have room for it on the coach/ train home.
L- Laughter is v. important. If it all starts to fall apart you will still have a great story to tell about the year your tent blew away/ got submerged under 10 ft of water/ you stood and listened to a weekend of strange music to find out the act you really wanted to see has decided not to show
M- Money is important, you don't need loads but you do need enough to eat. Remember cash machines on site will normally charge for you to withdraw money and the bar / food stalls don't take card. Also remember your little one will at regular intervals run up to you saying I'm hungry / I've seen / Please can I have
N- Noise, there will be some. Campsites are normally noisy until quite late. There may be a curfew field, but remember the after hours socialising is just as much part of the event as other stuff. That said, be considerate and remember the people in the tent next door.
O- Open air, festivals mean you will be outside alot. Therefore, pack for every weather (including jumpers, t-shirts and wellies) and put in more clothes than you need because if it rains really badly you may need to change. However, be realistic about what you can carry, particularly if having to cross London, walk miles when you get there.
P- Programme is worth checking out. Check the day / time your fave act is due on, but then be prepared for changes in the running order, etc. Whilst these are finally tuned operations they sometimes have to be adaptable.
Q- Queues for toilets are part of the deal. Try to encourage your child to go whenever you see a queue that is small & remember to carry some bog roll around with you.
R- Rain is likely at some point over the summer. Be prepared, you all remember the pictures from Glasto 2005 don't you - think wellingtons.
S- Sunshine can be equally as awkward as rain. Remember at festivals you are going to be exposed to the elements and so take sunscreen and use it. Also remember sunshine, alcohol and sleep can be a lethal combination in the open air.
T- Tickets, always make sure you have a ticket or job that means you can get in before you get there. This may mean taking on the Ticket Master automated machine monster, but remember with perseverance you can get through. and Tents, make sure it's waterproof and you have pegs, etc. Oh and NEVER LEAVE ANYTHING OF VALUE UNATTENDED IN YOUR TENT!!!!
U- Umbrellas get in the way and should be banned from festivals. Enough said.
V- Vendors or stallholders (but I'd already used S) are running businesses. Make sure your child does not damage their stock and remember that just like everywhere else you will get the good, the bad and the ugly. Shop around, what is £20 on one stall may only be £10 on another, similarly where you may get excellent burgers from one stand they may be awful on another. Shop wisely.
X- X rated, keep your eyes open there may be some things you see which you would rather steer your ickle person away from in a discreet manner. If they do happen to see some sights which they're not used to don't freak rather come up with a throwaway comment which will move them onto another conversation.
Y- Yes is worth saying to kids sometimes, but so is no. Make sure before you go they understand (i) what they'll have to carry, (ii) how much money you / they have(n't) got, (iii) what the ground rules are, (iv) they need their mobile to stay charged all weekend incase you need to get intouch with them and (v) that even though bed time, etc will change there will still be some ground rules - and try to stick to them.
Z- zzzzz, sleep is a good idea. Ok the hours will be different but try and pursuade your child they need some or else by the end of the weekend you will have a monster. Oh, it's a good idea for you to get some aswell.