Yesterday was awesome for me. I think that the kids liked it as well, not sure who liked it the most, I suspect my son I guess.
We went to an event in Hyde Park where Lana Del Rey was singing. There were other acts during the day before and as I got us there late, we missed some of them.
When we got there, we bumped into a friend of my son and her mother. Although the two of us did not recognise ourselves at first, her mother and I have worked together, albeit in a fleeting manner a few years ago. It made things easier having another adult there as we were able to keep a space while the other went somewhere. I bought the kids a T-shirt each, though by the time we went, the ones they wanted were not there. Still, I think that they were happy with what they got. Next time they might listen to me about getting merchandise earlier! We initially set up behind a stand which meant that we had a great view of the screens, but none of the stage. The kids initially were happy with the location, even though Donna (the mother of Jess) and I asked the kids repeatedly, but later, once the better places were taken they changed their minds. We moved to a different area, only for them to talk about moving again a few hours later!
The experience was affected by some people who collapsed, I presume after doing drugs. The smell of cannabis was ever present, one man behind us vomited and was taken away by paramedics, but later, while Lana Del Rey was singing, one girl literally was not able to stand. She was carried away by a bystander while her boyfriend walked behind her. Literally not being able to stand unaided, she had to be supported by the bystander. My daughter was freaked out as when helping her, he appeared to be possibly holding onto her breast. It was hard to judge, as she was not able to stand, but things would have been easier if her boyfriend helped. However, my daughter later wanted us to check up on them and we went to find a first aider who told us they had gone to the treatment tent. Later we found out others had been affected, I guess it was a bad batch if drugs. I just hope none of the reactions were fatal.
I would love to do something like this again, but if I do, I will insist we are closer to the stage from the start, and also take note of where the first-aiders are so that I can get help in the future.
