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Glastonbury

26 replies

RuthDD · 09/06/2003 09:39

Has anyone ever taken a baby to Glastonbury festival ? I would welcome any tips for a great festival with a one-year old. Which is the best field to camp in ? Any tips on what to take ?

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Joanie · 09/06/2003 11:33

Been twice with partner (1998 and 1999) but this was BC (before children). Saw some parents with children, even babies, and thought they were very brave/mad! Young ones seemed to have a great time though.

The main problems at Glastonbury for us were the weather, the crowds, and the infamous toilet facilities. In 1998 it rained (and rained and rained...) and trenchfoot became a real problem for many (seriously!). In 1999 it was hot and sunny and sunburn became an issue (nicer problem though). There is very little shade at the site.

Essentials: torch, toilet roll, hand wash gel (you can get a dry type that you do not need to rinse off), plastic bags (to keep things dry and even to keep your feet dry - put over your socks and wear under your boots if the place starts to resemble the Somme), spare socks, waterproofs, and some good waterproof walking boots, sun screen, hats, watch. Don't recall any baby changing facilities. The washing facilities are very rudimentary (maybe 3 cold water taps per field of 1000's of campers) with big queues. There were some showers, but perhaps only for the brave. But maybe things have improved since we went!

BTW when you pitch your tent in the morning the site will probably be quite empty, but when you return later at night you will find the place absolutely full of tents with barely enough space between them to walk. It can take AGES to find your tent in the dark. Try to pitch near a landmark. Many campers put up a flag, drape brighly coloured material over their tent or paint logos on their tents to help them find them again. You have been warned!

I would imagine the main problems of taking a baby will be the amount of kit you will have to carry from the car to the site (can take about 30 minutes), and keeping them fed and clean. I wouldn't take a pushchair: most routes on the site are rough tracks, if it rains this would be hell. Also I think babies would get scared being so low down in the crowds.

Perhaps leave stuff in your car in case you change your mind - you can return to your car at any time. Don't take much food - the on-site food is maninly excellent with loads of stalls selling a variety of grub. Stalls sell bottled water. The site is vast, can take ages to traverse in the crowds.

Keep valuables on you - even at night (we didnt have probs, but some have). Cash required - surprising amount of stuff to buy. (We returned with batiks, pottery, clothes..)

The Kids field would be good to visit, although your baby is too young, I expect there would be lots of families around there. Its also near the circus area, which is good fun. Also not as crowded as other places. Green fields are full of new agey stuff etc and v chilled. The craft field is near there and also v interesting. Only prob is getting there through the crowds. Now they have restricted numbers, I hope this is better. Crowds were my big prob.

Where to camp? Furthest away from entrances is quietest, but obviously you have to carry everthing there. Furthest away from dance tent for good nights sleep. Don't camp in too remote a place, is less secure.

Would love to go again, but decided that if we ever did we wouldn't take kids. Too loud and crowded. Also hard physical work for you? Apparently Guildford fest is best for families (baby changing, showers & creche), but have to put up with dodgy old bands! (its aimed at late 30s, which I might be - but it doesn't mean I want to listen to Madness and Boy George any more!) Folk festis attract families, but you have to like folk music..

Everyone should go to Glastonbury at least once. Is a fantastic experience, even if it rains, line-up looks great this year (sigh) - have a great time! You lucky, lucky...

ps. Do let us know how you get on, we might change our minds next year!

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Joanie · 09/06/2003 11:33

Been twice with partner (1998 and 1999) but this was BC (before children). Saw some parents with children, even babies, and thought they were very brave/mad! Young ones seemed to have a great time though.

The main problems at Glastonbury for us were the weather, the crowds, and the infamous toilet facilities. In 1998 it rained (and rained and rained...) and trenchfoot became a real problem for many (seriously!). In 1999 it was hot and sunny and sunburn became an issue (nicer problem though). There is very little shade at the site.

Essentials: torch, toilet roll, hand wash gel (you can get a dry type that you do not need to rinse off), plastic bags (to keep things dry and even to keep your feet dry - put over your socks and wear under your boots if the place starts to resemble the Somme), spare socks, waterproofs, and some good waterproof walking boots, sun screen, hats, watch. Don't recall any baby changing facilities. The washing facilities are very rudimentary (maybe 3 cold water taps per field of 1000's of campers) with big queues. There were some showers, but perhaps only for the brave. But maybe things have improved since we went!

BTW when you pitch your tent in the morning the site will probably be quite empty, but when you return later at night you will find the place absolutely full of tents with barely enough space between them to walk. It can take AGES to find your tent in the dark. Try to pitch near a landmark. Many campers put up a flag, drape brighly coloured material over their tent or paint logos on their tents to help them find them again. You have been warned!

I would imagine the main problems of taking a baby will be the amount of kit you will have to carry from the car to the site (can take about 30 minutes), and keeping them fed and clean. I wouldn't take a pushchair: most routes on the site are rough tracks, if it rains this would be hell. Also I think babies would get scared being so low down in the crowds.

Perhaps leave stuff in your car in case you change your mind - you can return to your car at any time. Don't take much food - the on-site food is maninly excellent with loads of stalls selling a variety of grub. Stalls sell bottled water. The site is vast, can take ages to traverse in the crowds.

Keep valuables on you - even at night (we didnt have probs, but some have). Cash required - surprising amount of stuff to buy. (We returned with batiks, pottery, clothes..)

The Kids field would be good to visit, although your baby is too young, I expect there would be lots of families around there. Its also near the circus area, which is good fun. Also not as crowded as other places. Green fields are full of new agey stuff etc and v chilled. The craft field is near there and also v interesting. Only prob is getting there through the crowds. Now they have restricted numbers, I hope this is better. Crowds were my big prob.

Where to camp? Furthest away from entrances is quietest, but obviously you have to carry everthing there. Furthest away from dance tent for good nights sleep. Don't camp in too remote a place, is less secure.

Would love to go again, but decided that if we ever did we wouldn't take kids. Too loud and crowded. Also hard physical work for you? Apparently Guildford fest is best for families (baby changing, showers & creche), but have to put up with dodgy old bands! (its aimed at late 30s, which I might be - but it doesn't mean I want to listen to Madness and Boy George any more!) Folk festis attract families, but you have to like folk music..

Everyone should go to Glastonbury at least once. Is a fantastic experience, even if it rains, line-up looks great this year (sigh) - have a great time! You lucky, lucky...

ps. Do let us know how you get on, we might change our minds next year!

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Joanie · 09/06/2003 11:34

oops - how did that happen??

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SamboM · 09/06/2003 11:37

How about hiring a camper van and parking it in the camper van field (don't know what it's really called) - some friends of ours always go in their vw combie and stay in it. Much safer than a tent too

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bossykate · 09/06/2003 11:38

ruthdd, my dh goes to glasto every single year. he has told me categorically he would not take ds (almost 2). his reasons include, uncertain weather and poor washing/personal hygiene facilities, also at night you are either going to be stuck in your tent while baby sleeps or going to have to drag baby to a concert. he did see people doing the latter, but was pretty shocked they were exposing a baby to the noise levels.

i will ask him and see if he has any further tips/comments.

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Batters · 09/06/2003 12:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

oliveoil · 09/06/2003 12:51

I loved Glastonbury pre baby but don't reckon I would take her there now, agree with noise comments. Reckon camper van idea is good though if you do go.

I could only stand it myself overnight and I was in the 'VIP' area (work related perk, not a t**t, honest) Need my home comforts now, snore.

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Jimjams · 09/06/2003 19:36

I loved Galstonbury pre-kids- and would love to take them. If ds1 wasn't autistic he would have been dragged along there by now I seem to remember there is a Family Field where lots of people with kids hang out and it is away from the stages so quieter. If you can't get there head uphill towards the farmhouse- they usually install fushing toilets near there (fantastic) and the campsites are quieter but don't camp in the small field in from of the farmhouse big pit thing- it turns into a cess pit (guess where I camped on my first visit- ok if the wind was blowing in one direction- not in the other though )

Also look for the solar showers- they were good on a hot year and were pretty clean- they were near the family field.

I'm very jealous......

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bossykate · 09/06/2003 22:02

Bossykate's dh (if that's the right term) I love Glastonbury, and have gone every year for years but...Glastonbury for kids: erm, no.

Apart, selfishly, from the limits to one's own fun, the site is huge and quite scary if you are small, you are exposed to the weather (both hot and wet can be stressful)and to all the other people.

That said:

  1. last year (with the megafence) was amazing; there simply weren't any crowds (i.e a walk that had taken 30 minutes becasue of all the people took 3 minutes), so that's good.

  2. The kid's field is amazing and wonderful (I did some reconnisance up there last year - camp near there if you can, I think there's a family camping area). And there's lots to do!

  3. The Green fields are also really good for kids.

  4. and it is the most amazing experience.

  5. and people really DO look after one another. Really.

    Do lots of sitting down. The wise old crone cafe is nice for that, also the big bang bar (?) in the acoustic field.

    Best
    Bob
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RuthDD · 10/06/2003 08:43

Thanks to all those who've offered positive comments. Having been lucky enough to acquire tickets (they sold out in under 24hrs this year), we're going to go - rain or shine ! I have been before on several occassions and was thinking of camping in the Greenfields near Greenpiece's beautiful solar powered showers, but was maybe thinking of trying the family camping this time instead (although I don't know anything about it i.e. does it have nice showers ? can you meet other parents there ?). Looked into campervan hire, but at around £600-£1000 for a min of 2wks decided firmly against. Don't think lack of changing facilities will be a problem for us - never been able to change our son anywhere other than on the floor before because he's soooooo wriggly. We've hired a back-pack for carting him around (£8.50/wk from a 2nd hand shop - can you believe it ?). He's also a fan of loud music - he loved Notting Hill Carnival (with earplugs I might add before anyone accuses me of damaging his hearing) - so I don't think the crowds will be an issue particularly since they stopped the fence hoppers from gaining entry last year. Will let you all know how we get on. Whats the worst that can happen ? We might have to come home early !

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CAM · 10/06/2003 09:19

Ruth, decades ago I used to take dd1 everywhere including to pop festivals, admittedly they were much smaller then but the music was just as loud. I don't go to them anymore as I don't like camping etc at my advanced age (!!) however I have taken dd2, aged 6 now, to various "more civilized" music concerts such as open air jazz concerts and indoor seated concerts,etc. She always loves live music.

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Batters · 10/06/2003 09:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

JulieF · 10/06/2003 22:03

Ruth, this year there is going to ba a baby change/feeding tent within the family area. I know this as someone I know from another list is going to be helping to man this area on behalf of the local NCT branch. She will be taking her baby daughter with her.

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SueW · 10/06/2003 22:21

JulieF I was just going to post this!

CAM mentioned other concerts - I took DD along to SClub United at the NEC in April and I have to admit I sat her on my knee and put my hands over her ears for a lot of the evening. It hurt my eardrums.

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Jimjams · 11/06/2003 08:58

Ruthdd I am soooooooo jealous! Have loads of fun! I used to spend half my time at Glastonbury in the Greenfields or the Tipi field anyway. I would imagine going with a baby is nappies will be far easier than going with a potty trained small child.

I don't know much about the family field but I camped fairly near there one year and there seemed to be lots of young children so I'm sure you would meet others there easily. I always vowed I'd take my children. DS1 refused to walk on grass until recently so it didn't seem possible. Maybe next year if there is one...... Let us know how you get on!

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RuthDD · 11/06/2003 09:48

JulieF & SueW - fab news, this is the sort of info I was hoping for. do you know how I can get in touch with the local NCT ? my other minor worry is whether I will be able to buy full fat cows milk for drinking or whether I should take tons of cartons of ready mixed formula (not made the switch yet but would really like to). Jimjams - my heart goes out to you, and I'll certainly enquire at the kiddie's field if they've ever encountered autistic kids at Glastonbury and let you know.

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Philippat · 11/06/2003 09:52

Ruthdd, there is actually a van that goes around selling milk from the farm at glastonbury BUT, I'd suspect it's unpasturised. What about sachets and evian water?

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RuthDD · 11/06/2003 09:59

JulieF & SueW - fab news, this is the sort of info I was hoping for. do you know how I can get in touch with the local NCT ? my other minor worry is whether I will be able to buy full fat cows milk for drinking or whether I should take tons of cartons of ready mixed formula (not made the switch yet but would really like to). Jimjams - my heart goes out to you, and I'll certainly enquire at the kiddie's field if they've ever encountered autistic kids at Glastonbury and let you know.

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SueW · 11/06/2003 10:47

RuthDD, the branch running the tent is Mendip. They have a website here with contact details on. It's the first year they have done it so they would probably appreciate hearing what sort of things you would need/like.

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SamboM · 11/06/2003 11:04

Disposable bottles (I think they are called Steri-bottles) and cartons of milk would seem the easiest and safest way of feeding the baby if you are stopping b/f. Unless you are no longer sterilising of course! Or what about uht milk in cartons? Much cheaper than formula.

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SueW · 12/06/2003 08:58

RuthDD, Jessica who is running the tent has asked me to pass on her email address to you.

If you email me at suesmail at woollett dot demon dot co dot uk I'll let you have it.

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RuthDD · 01/07/2003 11:43

Well - here's the run down for anyone interested....

Glastonbury is brilliant for kids In fact so much so that it was hard to drag our ds away from the kidz field. Visiting the main stage other than on the first day when it was still grassy was problematic, but any of the other stages were fine. In fact ds took his first few steps whilst watching (and dancing to) Nitin Sawhney on the One World Stage.

We camped in the families only field, but would probably camp in the Greenfields another year just because it is nearer to the things we were interested in, and there is a GreenKidz area too (and the nice showers).

Only real regret is not taking the buggy. This meant that getting ds to sleep was tricky in the afternoon (we just had a back pack and a hip seat) and in the evenings we simply had to go back to the tent. Others we meet just wrapped their babies in blankets in their buggy and went out to see all the evening bands.

NCT tent was a brilliant resource. They had a highchair, microwave, water, bananas, suncream and even a baby bath for baths in the sunshine.

I was surprised that nowhere sold nappies but have heard that Moltex might have a stall there next year.

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oliveoil · 01/07/2003 12:28

I was thinking of you this weekend while sat in comfort on the settee watching glasto on the tv, it looked REALLY good and me and dh reckon we will take our little on next year - she is 8mths now so will be able to dance as well hopefully!

I have only been 3 times and the last time was the disaster in 97 when it was a mud bath, so would be good to go again.

Glad to hear you had a good time,

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fio2 · 01/07/2003 12:35

Ruth Im soo jealous, glad you had a nice time-will try to talk my dh into for next year

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RuthDD · 01/07/2003 14:31

Should also have mentioned .... waterproof all-in-ones from www.wildday.co.uk thanks to tip from other thread (see travel/ camping with small children). Ours didn't arrive in time but fortunately the weather meant we didn't need them anyhow.

Also jimjams - can't offer any help I'm afraid other than why don't you contact the Mendip branch of the NCT or the festival organisers themselves. Would love to say to you "yes go for it" but don't really feel equipped to do so. Even though we had a wicked time is was certainly harder work than before children.

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