Too old for festivals? Never!

Though throwing my knickers in the air at pop stars is long behind me; seeing them perform at summer festivals is not. 

Festivals cater for a wide age group – and you don’t even have to be into tents, mud and mayhem in order to enjoy them.

The number of older performers is growing: Blondie (66) and Tom Jones (72) have both appeared at Latitude and Kenwood; Bryan Ferry (66) and Bob Dylan (71) continue to enchant audiences at The Hop Farm Festival and other venues at home and abroad.

No surprise, then, that the fifty-something and sexagenarian fan is flourishing and ready to party. And having a good time is all down to knowing how.

Camping: try to ensure you go with a family. Or book/bribe your teenager/grandchild to go with you. Not only are the showers and washing facilities in the family enclosures much better, but the likelihood of having someone chundering outside your tent at three in the morning is far less (though not ruled out) than in the non-family enclosures.

The year I camped in the non-family enclosure entailed queues three miles long and toilets which still give me nightmares.

If you cannot facing camping, book a day ticket and B&B it. OK, so it might not be strictly in the spirit of things but unless you’re Ranulph Fiennes, there's no point in suffering.

Parking: take a portable wheelbarrow to lug the camping equipment and park as close to the entrance as you can. Not only will you have a fast getaway, but you can offer gracious assistance to your offspring/extended family who are stuck in the mud behind you.

Dress code: it is important to look vaguely cool (especially if you have progeny in tow) while keeping warm. And dry. Surprisingly, this is easier than you think. Wellingtons, wellingtons, wellingtons. And thermal underwear.

This is a British summer after all.

You can read more from Nicola Venning on twitter and add your comments on this posts here.

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