I've been thinking... (oh No I hear you all cry!)
When I go to a folk fesatival, I have to take my kids - I am not blessed with having a childminder to take my place when I am not there. Now knowing that this is the case, and it is ME who wants to go to the festival, not them, I wonder why I have to pay money for them to be there? I know that festivals need to cover their costs, but are we parents subsidising childless people so they can have cheaper tickets? You may think I am being picky, not at all, I am all for kids being involved at festivals, in fact, I run workshops for kids at Folk Festivals myself, In the UK here, I would not quibble at paying for a ticket at, say Bromyard or Wadebridge, where I know there is lots of workshops and fun things for them to do, but some festivals offer nothing for the children and still charge, then, even though you have paid for your child to be there, those without children scowl at you when your child speaks a little above a whisper! Am I alone in feeling a little cross? Should folk festivals all provide a kids programme? Should we not be trying to encourage participation of our youth rather than alienation to the darkest corner of the room with a threat of death if they breathe too loudly? My Kids sing, they dance, they are though, kids - and cannot stay quiet for more than 15 mins - need some stimulation. Should we be penalised for having kids to pass our traditions on to?
Off my soapbox! What do you think?
Lucy