Family Friendly ?

A lot of events claim to be family friendly, but just how often does the reality match the claim?

One test is 'would I let my own kids go ?' In the case of Festival Press Officer Tim Holt, the answer is an unequivicle yes. At just over two and a half, his oldest daughter was attending her third festival.

"But," I hear you say, "It's easy to have a family on site with the advantage of backstage facilities, what about the rest of us ?"

Ok, fair point. Let's have a look at some of the other facts that surround families at the Festival. This year about 2000 passes went to children below the age of fourteen, which in it's self probably says more than I can.

Cherry Hinton, the festival site, is a park for the rest of the year, so on site there is already a paddling pool and an adventure playground.

During the course of the festival extra play equipment and a creche are added. So there's plenty for the children to do should they get a little bored of the music.

Not only that there's also an area where they can learn juggling. Not that I want them to learn juggling, it's just that they can if they want to.

35 years of running festivals also means that lost child procedures are pretty good, with tannoy announcements used quickly if required. The only slight weakness in the whole family thing is when it gets dark and the kids start getting tired. They either have to stay with their parents watching bands or their parents have to go back to the tent. Well, all except the smarter ones that bought an extra ticket for the bay sitter.

So is Cambridge family friendly? Without a doubt, Yes.