Bring it on, say over-50s festival goers…
With festival season in full swing, new research has revealed that two thirds of over-50s and 28 per cent of over-70s are hitting the festival circuit and loving it. What’s more, 67 per cent of festival virgins who are yet to attend are desperate to go.
Rocking out to live music is the top reason luring over-50s to the festival scene, along with getting up to their knees in mud; not worrying about their appearance; getting creative with fancy dress; taking a leap of faith and crowd surfing; experimenting with illegal substances – and even getting frisky under the stars with an alfresco romp.
The research conducted by over-50s insurance specialist Staysure, unveils that this music loving age group most like to get their kicks at Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, Reading & Leeds and even BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend – to get up close and personal with acts such as Ed Sheeran, Fleetwood Mac and Take That. Even pumping dance music festival Creamfields made the list for those retro ravers who like to ‘large’ it.
Having an adventure further afield is also top of the priority list for this generation – with almost half regularly travelling abroad to attend a festival, with Oktoberfest topping the list of most popular festival to attend.
Glastonbury’s aging fans, many of whom have grown into middle age with the festival which began in 1970 will put extra pressure on medical staff who expect hundreds to visit the onsite hospital each day but talking to a medic it is usually the youngster who need more attention as the older generation are wise enough not to put themselves in danger.
39 per cent of respondents regret not going to a festival and the top reasons holding this group of festival virgins back include; thinking they are too old (56 per cent); leaving their home comforts behind (39 per cent) and every festival-goers biggest bug bear – using the dreaded portaloos (32 per cent).
When it comes to picking their festival buddies, partners top the list of preferred companions (46 per cent), followed by friends (21 per cent), children (17 per cent) – and almost one in ten would be brave enough to go it alone.
Festival-goer Geoffrey Nidd, 62, from Tewkesbury, said: “I’ve been going to festivals for over 45 years and would urge everyone to give one a go. Our generation grew up through an incredible era of music, and there is no shame in continuing to enjoy and engage with it. The atmosphere at festivals like Glastonbury is unbeatable and it’s a great way of discovering new music and meeting new people. The toilet facilities aren’t always ideal and being on your feet all day can be tiring – but that’s what foldable chairs are for!”
Of course there are plenty of other festivals besides Glastonbury, Reading and the Isle of Wight that cater mainly for pop and rock fans. If you taste is more for folk or Jazz there are plenty of events for that style of music. And don’t just stop at music you can enjoy food, crafts and rural fair too. Have a look at www.thefestivalcalendar.co.uk.
Let us know where you have partied this summer and give your recommendations for next year so that more of us can join in.
