Cat's Eyes on Glasgow: T in the Park and my tips for going to a music festival pregnant

T in the Park @ Strathallan

There are a lot of things you’re told not to do when you’re pregnant, don’t sleep on your back, go easy on the soft cheese, caw canny on the vino… It’s not in any of the pregnancy manuals but, I imagine, going to a music festival at 35 weeks, probably isn’t recommended either: however, I couldn’t possibly miss T in the Park. A new location, a new set up and, of course, a new list of things for folk to complain about, as we said #HelloStrathallan.

T in the Park, our biggest music festival, has always caused controversy. The reality is, a new site will have teething problems. There were serious weather and travel complications. One of those, the organisers can certainly do something about. However, it will take time to get things right and, there’s also a wee part of me that thinks music festivals are meant to be hard work: that’s part of the appeal, you have to graft - through the mud, sweat, crowds and dodgy bogs - to enjoy your gig.

Personally, I thought the new site was fantastic; Strathallan Castle and all the trees made for an excellent, almost cinematic, backdrop. I also felt (for someone who was staying near the back of the crowds) that the lay of the land created natural amphitheatres, with superb acoustics. The main stage could be seen from quite a distance, meaning you always felt part of the action. A happy new addition was also the Tenants Arms, a home from home-style pub with fabulous views from it’s roof top terrace.

Of course, the whole foundation of a good T - not milk and one sugar - is the music. And, like the site, there were the good, the bad and the ugly: but mostly the line-up was as diverse as it was exciting. Highlights for me, bearing in mind that I wasn’t too enthused about getting down and dirty at the front, were local lads The La Fontaines, Seasick Steve, Years and Years - who bring together some of my favourite elements of 90’s dance with a modern edge - and George Ezra, because of his cover of Macy Gray’s ‘Try’, which he did, to some success, despite the relentless rain.

I’ve heard a few folk saying they will not go back. However, it is the line-up that lures us, not the mud or the (awful) queues and as long as we can continue to keep having the biggest and best names in music over for T, it’s a great thing for Scotland. So, let’s hope it’s even better next year (when I’ll be getting my dance on, without baby on board!)

Cat’s Tips for Going to a Music Festival Pregnant

Most people thought we were crazy going to T in the Park. I know this because almost everyone we spoke to said ‘are you crazy?’ However, we couldn’t let a wee bit of bonkers behaviour get in the way of bringing up baby, and starting it’s music education early.

Once there, I definitely got a few strange looks and there were plenty of folk who avoided me and my bump, giving us the girth we required. There were also lots of lovely people, though, that wanted to come up, chat, have a feel of my bump (none more so than near the Slam Tent) and seemed genuinely impressed that I was there. There were also a few blokes who said ‘Aw no, I hope my wife doesn’t see you were here, I told her she couldn’t come because she was pregnant!’

So, for those who do fancy braving a bit of music festival bump and grind, here are my top tips for going to a festival when you’re pregnant:

Easy Pee-sy - Having a wee at a festival is bad enough when you’re not pregnant. So, ladies, know your bogs, always have the nearest one in the corner of your eye, pre-emptive pee (the queues can take a while) and if you’re really worried invest in a She-Wee, not as barmy as it sounds.

Mud Sticks - The reality is, things are going to get muddy at most festivals in the UK. It’s hard going for even the fittest of folk (I once lost my wellies, somewhere in deepest darkest Glastonbury). So, consider your footwear carefully: comfort over festival fashion every time (which is why I also recommend giant pregnancy support knickers - they are big and they are clever!)

Cool Kids Hang at the Back - You’re pregnant, you made it to a festival: you are cool enough. Don’t be a Mummy-mosher, there’s no need to head to the front in amongst the crowd, hang back, steer clear of the drunken ones and make sure that you and your bump have plenty of room for a boogie.

Chose Your Entourage - Sadly, Vince Chase and his crew weren’t available. Thankfully, my husband and his brother were; both flanked me all the time we were there, making sure no-one bumped the bump. They were also perfectly happy to have a few brews but not get blootered. It’s important the folk you take with you are on the same page and aren’t going to leave you stranded.

Disco Nap - Nick a nap if you find a quiet(ish) spot (that’s not too muddy) and don’t stay up past baby’s bedtime: there’s no harm in sneaking off early to give you the energy to get through the next day. When you’re pregnant, being rock and roll is, mostly, the stuff that dreams are made of…

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