[16 year old, is kendal calling for me?]

Hi, I'm 16 years old and KC has got me and my mates pretty intrigued, I got a reading ticket from my parents and grandparents for XMAS and I also should be able to earn around 150 quid as I'm doing about two weeks work with my uncle right after GCSE's so I'm hoping to go to 1 more (smaller but still big festival). Anyway I was looking at last years lineup and thought it looked great, but was just wondering what kind of age ranges go to Kendal and whether there strict on underage drinking (and weed)? I was also wondering whether you guys think it would be a good first festival to go to (without my parents)? Thanks to whoever replies, gives me advice etc. much appreciated.

[Kendal Calling 2012]

It's one thing I've never taken to a festival yet, normally just pack my walking boots which seem to have coped ok, even through the Glastonbury mud.

[Kendal Calling 2012]

This is how polite young people call old people old people without using the words 'old' or 'people'...

[Kendal Calling 2012]

Wow, thanks for the help! I actually didn't even think of bringing bin bags or an airbed, just a mat. But I suppose the ground could be fairly uncomfortable. Though I have been told that tents with padlocks get targeted because they look like they hold valuables, so I think I'll just stick with keeping my things as hidden away as possible.

I really can't wait, and maybe I'll see some of you guys there!

[Kendal Calling 2012]

Hi guys. Kendal Calling is going to be my first festival ever, and I was just wondering if I could ask a few things? You all seem to be veterans - a little intimidating, but useful!

Firstly, how much money would you recommend taking? I've been looking all over, and everyone always says it depends on what your spending is like, but I'd like a rough guideline. I'm under-age so obviously I won't be buying alcohol, and I think I'll be taking some snacks, but not enough food for the whole weekend. I've seen people on the Leeds fest forums (which I'm also going to) saying to take £300, but I don't want to take anything near that much.

Also, I'll be coming on Friday morning, as it's my boyfriend's birthday on the Thursday. His ticket is a surprise, and I thought it was a tad excessive to present him with the ticket on the morning and cart him down on the same day. So what time do you suggest getting there on Friday morning? I know the campsite will open at 9am, but is it best to come before that and queue so that I can get a better spot?

Does anyone know what the crime is like at Kendal? I've heard of a few Leeds horror stories, but haven't seen anything with Kendal. I just want to know how secure I'll need to keep my things (should I bring a £10 phone, rather than my iPhone, for example).

Lastly, I've been compiling a list of things I need to take for a while now. Is there anything you veterans can recommend taking, that I might not think of until I'm sitting in the middle of a muddy field?

Any help would be appreciated, and I'm super excited!