We’re about to brave our first family festival. By “we”, I mean my friend and I and our three kids (2,3 & 4). Excited? Yes. Nervous? A little!

My only other festival experience was Reading 2005 and I have a feeling this time round will be very different. I’m clearly not going to be dancing all night with a Carling in hand this time. I’m actually planning on being tucked up by 10 with my nose in a book (and I’m actually taking more than one with me in anticipation of all the reading time I’m going to get!).

Fortunately, I’m not too fussed about any of the headline acts, so I’m quite happy to sing and dance until the kids are worn out, and then retire gracefully to our tent. It’s a little strange how happy I am with that. None of the fomo that I would have thought I would be feeling. I’m excited for the little things. Waking up under canvas with my daughter. Putting our wellies on first thing and cobbling together some breakfast and a cuppa. Being completely outdoors for days on end. And of course, Mr Tumble. Much as I’m sure I’ll enjoy his set, I can’t wait to watch the kids enjoying it, as he’s properly “famous” to them! I’m looking forward to seeing the festival through the kids’ eyes. Seeing what attracts them, what engages them, and going with it. And making sure I “gently” guide them in the direction of Beans On Toast’s set!

I’m not remotely concerned that going with my daughter will cramp my style. She is my style these days, and I couldn’t be happier with that. I haven’t spent a night away from her in her life, and she and I are both comfortable with that. She’s talking more and more about having a sleepover, and when I finally called her on it recently, and said she could sleep over at her nan’s, she changed her mind just as soon as she realised I wasn’t planning on going with her! But that’s absolutely ok. She’ll spread her wings in her own time, and on her terms. I’m not about to force more independence than she’s ready for onto her. For now, her favourite place to sleep is next to me, and I know it won’t be forever so I’m enjoying it while it lasts. We’ll be sharing a double sleeping bag for the first time tomorrow, and I’m sure that will present its own set of peculiarities, but as with everything, we’ll figure it out together.

The Sun is shining, our bags are packed, and we’re ready for a weekend outdoors with our very best friends. I can think of nothing better.