WITH the summer festival season now in full swing, (there are at least ten taking place on our doorstep in Dorset over the next few weeks) here are top ten tips for parents taking their children to a family-friendly event for the first time...

1. Don't try and fit everything into one weekend

Embrace that this will be a completely different festival experience to one you may have had without children. It won't be difficult to entertain them, but it's important they have lots of breaks. On the plus side, you'll make sure to schedule in your favourite acts, and might even discover something new!

2. Hire a cart

Not only can your children take a quick power nap in a cart between sets, it can also carry your belongings safely and keep them dry.

3. Have a safety plan

Write your number on your child's arm or, better yet, make them wear it on T-shirts or a wristband. Have fun making yourself and the rest of your family easy to spot by wearing colourful wigs, feather boas and crazy outfits, and get the kids to decorate the tent in fairy lights and glow-in-the-dark paint.

4. Look after their ears

Good quality ear defenders for kids are an absolute must; children's ears are far more sensitive than adults' and exposure to loud music at festivals can damage their hearing.

5. Only pack the essentials

You may have grand plans of 'glamping' it up with your family, but when you've unloaded all the board-games, gadgets and chargers, you'll be wishing you'd used that space for wet wipes, blankets and a decent 6. 6. Waterproofs

A waterproof poncho should be at the top of your list, but waterproof dungarees are also ideal for children in wet weather and, if they wear leggings underneath, can be whipped off and on to suit our typically unpredictable summer.

7. Sign up to workshops

There are some workshops available for kids and teens. Check the website to see what's on offer and get along to book your favourite choices each day.

8. Bring something from home

All children get homesick, and being in a crowded and noisy environment can make this feeling worse. Bringing their favourite pyjamas, soft toy, blanket or pillow can make them feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.

9. Pack snacks

We've all been guilty of slipping a moaning toddler a bag of sweets on a long country walk, but, if prepared, you can keep your hungry little festival-goers happy and full without inducing a sugar crash.

10. Don't forget the camera

Whether this is your first family festival or one of many, you'll want to make sure you capture the excitement of the weekend with memories that will last a lifetime.