As parents across the country begin preparing for the perfect summer family getaway, one Armagh mother is gearing up to take her 4-year-old daughter on a holiday with a difference…
Super cool mum Leigha Coade – together with her partner Aaron – are in the final stages of preparing to take their daughter Mollie on the “holiday of a lifetime” to the world-famous Glastonbury festival!
Not the typical family holiday, true. But it’s one that Leigha hopes Mollie will never forget.
Speaking to Armagh I, concert-loving Leigha explained that the decision to bring Mollie along was a “no brainer” for her based on the festival’s child-friendliness.
“Kids go free. It’s really family friendly and there’s a full kids field so I think she will absolutely love it.”
The five day festival – which kicks off this Wednesday (June 25) also coincides with Leigha’s 30th birthday celebrations, which made all the more reason to make it a family affair.
Growing up, Leigha said she was constantly at concerts – it was her favourite thing to do. So, the fact that Glastonbury offers an opportunity see so many artists in the space of five days was an opportunity she didn’t want to miss.
And while Leigha has many live performances chalked up over the years, Mollie isn’t the only one experiencing Glastonbury for the first time. All three will be making their debut attendance at the 2025 festival.
“I have always wanted to do it,” said Leigha. “But it was so hard to get tickets, but we managed to do it this year.”
Praising the festival for its child-friendliness, Leigha believes its inclusive ethos helps ensure no one has to miss out – and certainly not for the lack of childcare.
“That’s why I think it’s really good that kids do go free. It nearly like pushes you to take them,” she said. “You don’t pay for anything for them the entire weekend. Her ticket was free and the glamping tent that we are staying in didn’t include her in the price either.
“I’m a big believer in having happy memories and when she’s older and looking back – even though she’s only four – I think it’s something she will always remember.”
On the build-up to the getaway, Leigha has been showing Mollie clips online of previous years’ festivals and has been rifling through Instagram for pictures of their digs. Leigha also hopes the clips will help prepare Mollie for what’s to come.
But, Mollie – coming from a dance music-loving household – just can’t wait to see ‘Money Talks’ by Pawsa when they hit the stage on the Sunday evening.
And – getting to grips with the lingo – she evens tells her mum out on shopping trips to pick stuff up for “Glasto!”
Once there in the midst of the crowds, Mollie will stand out loud and proud in her sequined jacket, glitter and sparkle outfits with a brand new pair of cowboy boots to go with her festival vibe.
Not completely unaware of the challenges that come with taking a four-year-old to the UK’s largest music festival, Leigha said her and Aaron have a few “non-negotiables” in place to help things run smoothly.
“We are going to pick a few people we really want to see because there is a lot of walking, there’s no routine and we know Mollie will get tired.
“We will just have to compromise on the later night stuff. I really want to see Fatboy Slim, Kneecap and Rod Stewart. I think they will all be amazing. So I’ll maybe get to them and Aaron might have to head back to the tent with Mollie. Then I’ll swap a night he wants to stay out later. There will just have to be a lot of compromise.”
Unperturbed by the “what ifs”, Leigha is looking forward to five days of fun and to building long lasting memories with her family.
“A few people have said good luck to you taking a child, but I couldn’t imagine doing it without her.”
