Ruth Medjber: Music festivals are all about connection – we can’t afford to let them disappear

Young people deserve a chance to experience the community spirit on offer at indie events

Sing Along Social entertaining the crowd at a music festival. Photo: Ruth Medjber

When I was 14 my parents dropped my friend and I off at Witnness festival in Punchestown for the day. I queued up early and was the first to run through the gate and secure my place at the barrier for Placebo, who weren’t due to go on for another nine hours. I was instantly hooked on festivals.

I started going to Glastonbury when I was 16 and I still have such an immense love for that wonderful place. I’ve been 12 times now, nine as a punter, twice shooting the Pyramid Stage for the BBC (bucket list ticked) and once while touring with Hozier.