FoS First Time - Thursday or Friday with Small Children?
Discussion
Looking at going to FoS for the first time this year, and will be going with the wife and two small children (they will be 3 and 1). Wanting to go Thursday or Friday so it is a bit quieter, but not sure which day would be best.
Am I right in thinking that Thursday would be quietest, but potentially won't see as much in terms of cars going up the hill etc? Or are the days pretty similar.
I'd rather go Thursday if much quieter and I'm not missing out on much, but if the difference between the two days is quite big then I feel like I'm better off chancing the Friday crowds.
Any advice appreciated. Thank you!
Am I right in thinking that Thursday would be quietest, but potentially won't see as much in terms of cars going up the hill etc? Or are the days pretty similar.
I'd rather go Thursday if much quieter and I'm not missing out on much, but if the difference between the two days is quite big then I feel like I'm better off chancing the Friday crowds.
Any advice appreciated. Thank you!
Hello!
It's very likely that we will sell out of Thursday tickets this year, so in terms of attendance, there isn't really a difference any more between Thursday and Friday. There will also be plenty of cars to see on Thursday, as the programme now is spread pretty evenly over the four days. I would say the only difference is that some of the current F1 drivers etc are only able to attend on Saturday or Sunday - but that said, most of our drivers do join for all four days.
I hope you enjoy your visit to the Festival of Speed!
Best wishes,
Sarah
It's very likely that we will sell out of Thursday tickets this year, so in terms of attendance, there isn't really a difference any more between Thursday and Friday. There will also be plenty of cars to see on Thursday, as the programme now is spread pretty evenly over the four days. I would say the only difference is that some of the current F1 drivers etc are only able to attend on Saturday or Sunday - but that said, most of our drivers do join for all four days.
I hope you enjoy your visit to the Festival of Speed!
Best wishes,
Sarah
I couldn’t think of anywhere worse to take a young child, it’s exposed with little shelter if hot or wet, is dusty and of course very loud and crowded.
But as stated Thursday is now considered a full day and as such will be as busy as any of the other days. There are no quiet days anymore.
We always say get there early 7am, and that will give you an opportunity to be less crowded.
But as stated Thursday is now considered a full day and as such will be as busy as any of the other days. There are no quiet days anymore.
We always say get there early 7am, and that will give you an opportunity to be less crowded.
ecsrobin said:
I couldn’t think of anywhere worse to take a young child, it’s exposed with little shelter if hot or wet, is dusty and of course very loud and crowded.
But as stated Thursday is now considered a full day and as such will be as busy as any of the other days. There are no quiet days anymore.
We always say get there early 7am, and that will give you an opportunity to be less crowded.
I’d echo that, not great for a 1 year old.But as stated Thursday is now considered a full day and as such will be as busy as any of the other days. There are no quiet days anymore.
We always say get there early 7am, and that will give you an opportunity to be less crowded.
Each year, one of our partners - Thakeham Homes - curate an enclosure especially for children, with lots of activities (and a coffee van and food concessions). It makes a fantastic base to either return to periodically, or, if there are two adults, to take it in turns to head out to the wider event whilst one of you stays put!
I took my 4yr old son for the first time last year on the Friday, adequate ear protection is key (Edz Kidz or 3M Peltor Kids) is what I’m talking about not the cheap disposable ones you get.
Before you even get into the event, the noise from the helicopters taking off and landing is enough to scare some kids.
The Thakeham village last year was fantastic, the staff were very patient showing my son bricklaying…as a 4yr old I was expecting them to say no sorry need to be older, but they got him kitted up in all the gear and showed him how to do it with real bricks and sand! Mini diggers, treasure hunt, sand pit, dress up characters etc all great stuff.
The only point in the day where it was not ideal for a small child was around the F1 paddocks. Everyone rammed in and walking into each other, quickly put the little one on the shoulders and it gave me the peace of mind I wanted encase his hand let go when walking along. With multiple kids and one parent, maybe not as easy to deal with.
1:1 ratio and good ear defenders is my top advice.
Before you even get into the event, the noise from the helicopters taking off and landing is enough to scare some kids.
The Thakeham village last year was fantastic, the staff were very patient showing my son bricklaying…as a 4yr old I was expecting them to say no sorry need to be older, but they got him kitted up in all the gear and showed him how to do it with real bricks and sand! Mini diggers, treasure hunt, sand pit, dress up characters etc all great stuff.
The only point in the day where it was not ideal for a small child was around the F1 paddocks. Everyone rammed in and walking into each other, quickly put the little one on the shoulders and it gave me the peace of mind I wanted encase his hand let go when walking along. With multiple kids and one parent, maybe not as easy to deal with.
1:1 ratio and good ear defenders is my top advice.
I echo the sentiment of most others on this thread - don't do it. Your 3 year old will be bored rigid and the 1 year old will have no idea what's going on, nor why he's there. It will be a nightmare with the buggie up and down the bridges and you will wind up leaving early. As a parent and grandparent, I can think of nothing worse to do with babies and toddlers. 
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