Goodlife Music Festival - is it safe for a 14 year old?

[i-need-a-martini]

Has anyone had their kids go before? 

My 14year old wants to get a ticket but music festivals (even under 18 ones) make me slightly nervous.

What's the security like?

[crystal**flake]

I personally let a child go until they were about 17.

[lis351]

How many people does 14yo plan on going with?? I have a 12yo and I doubt very much that I would let a 14yo go to a music fest on their own.

I went to a music fest earlier this year with my 24yo sister and a couple of friends, sister broke her foot in 2 places and it took over half an hour of fighting crowds and trying to talk sense to the paramedics before we were able to get help to her. In my experience, the only security is at the gate stopping alcohol getting in and at the gates of the licensed areas. By 7:30pm, when the major acts were starting, they had all but been overrun and security was nowhere to be seen.

IMO, the answer is no, I know some 14yo can be responsible, do you trust the other 40,000 people attending??

[i-need-a-martini]

It's an under 18 festival. You have to show ID and they won't allow anyone over the age of 18 in. Not even parents. Fair enough.

He wants to go with about 4 other boys and a couple of girls.

[lis351]

Hhmmmmmmmmmmmm. Very different. I dont know now, I think Id be inclined to say yes, with conditions. Making contact at certain intervals etc. Whats your instinct telling you?? Have you googled for other parents experiences??

[i-need-a-martini]

Well that's the weird thing lis - I can't find anything anecdotal on the web about it. So no bad news but no good news either. That's why I asked here in the hope that someone can reassure me with their experience.

My instincts say I should allow him to go but I'm fairly liberal with my permissions generally lol. But husband is saying no way.

[kennedia_nigricans]

when i was 16 i went to a Lacrimosa concert in solingen. it was about 30 k's or so from where i lived, i had NO idea how to get back and  i didn't care.

my sis drove me there but there was no plan how to get back.

i would have walked, even though i had no idea into which direction really.

by coincidence my ex boyfriend (from my village) was there too and he took me back home.

i will never forget that experience and i would have missed something if i hadn't been there. i will never forget that night.

things are more intense when you are young.

please do not deny your child such a cool experience.

i was 16 but nowadays kids are as streetwise at 14 as i was at 16, or even more so.

please let your child go.

there is a difference between merely existing and LIVING.

[lis351]

OK, did any of the kids he is planning on going with go last year?? Im still leaning towards yes, they could go and something goes wrong, make them wiser decision makers in the future, or they could have a fantastic time, either way there is experience gained IMO.

As an aside, the music all looks terrible to me! LOL!

[i-need-a-martini]

No none of the kids went last year.

I think I am leaning towards a yes. I'd just feel more comfortable if I heard from ANYONE who had some experience with it.

Yes the music doesn't sound exciting but apparently they all go to see the DJs. Apparently. Personally I think they are all more interested in the rides.

[i-need-a-martini]

Music festivals from 30 years ago aren't quite in the same league as the ones today. These kids may be more streetsmart but they are also more stupid. If you throw drugs into the mix of kids who ae stupid, then it becomes dangerous.