Do kids and festivals mix?

Taina and her kids are in no quarrel over how to spend this mid-July weekend. The whole bunch heads to Laulurinne to enjoy a rocking weekend. Son Tuukka, 13 years, and daughters Tuuli and Tuovi, 10 and 6 years respectively, aren't as wet behind the ears as one might imagine. They've been coming here for years, first years with mother in a baby carriage.

"The best thing about Ilosaarirock is the atmosphere", Taina smiles while The Crash is playing in the background. The sun's shining, the kids are enjoying the music and snacks. They've established a base camp that many friends visit during the day. "We haven't run into any trouble with kids", Taina comments.

The festival had a kid's tent for years, where nurses would look after the children in case the parents needed to take a break. Now the tent is gone, which all of the parents aren't too happy about. "We wanted to arrange meaningful activities to the children, and concentrating everything on Pop Street which is arranged the previous week seemed like the best way to go", explains Janne Riiheläinen.

Even with no tent, the children seem to enjoy themselves. "I like Tik Tak and Neljä Ruusua the best here", Tuuli says.

-- Minna "ei Jenni" Ahola