100,000 Festivalgoers Expected

The Reading Festival is set to take place from Thursday, August 27, to Sunday, August 30, with around 100,000 people expected to attend. Residents and festivalgoers are being urged to plan ahead for potential disruptions, including parking restrictions and travel arrangements.

Parking restrictions, including no stopping for pick-ups, will be in place around the Richfield Avenue site. However, Hills Meadow Car Park will be the dedicated area for drop-offs and pick-ups. Festival attendees can either walk to the site or use free shuttle buses.

Other festival car parking will be available at Kings Meadow and Mapledurham. A pedestrian bridge has been built to ensure easy and safe access at Mapledurham. Additionally, an official festival boat service will be provided free of charge for people going to the site from Kings Meadow.

The Thames Path will be closed between Scours Lane and the far end of Thameside Promenade from 19:00 to 06:00 on Thursday to Monday. Sound testing will take place on Thursday and each day of the festival before live shows under the direct supervision of council officers.

A special hotline number (020 8080 1518) is available for residents to raise queries or concerns during the event. The hotline will be answered from 09:00 to 17:00 on August 26 and then 24 hours a day from 09:00 on August 27 until 15:00 on August 31. Residents can also use the council-run email address ReadingFestivalHotline@reading.gov.uk.

## Why it matters The Reading Festival's large attendance and travel arrangements may cause disruptions to residents and festivalgoers alike. Planning ahead and being aware of the parking restrictions, travel arrangements, and available resources, such as the hotline, can help minimize the impact of these disruptions. The festival's organizers and the local council have taken steps to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone involved.