The basics
Head to Reading or Leeds to spend August Bank Holiday with a stellar line-up of guitar heroes.
The festival
Reading Festival was once the end of the summer. It called time on what was then a sparse collection of summer parties.
Nowadays it and second venue, Leeds, are like the grand old dames of rock, to which anyone who has a vague interest in guitars needs to dance with at least once. More a passing out ceremony for the younger generation (expect plenty of teenagers off the parental leash for the first time), Reading and Leeds still pull in the biggest rock line up in the UK, supported by stages from NME and Radio 1.
This is big budget rock, sponsored up to the hilt. Nevertheless there’s something very English about spending the day moshing in a field of mud (probably) before heading back to a B&B (you can also camp) for a nice cuppa (or something stronger).
Our tip
Pay an extra GBP30 for luxury toilets complete with hot water, vanity mirrors (to keep the emo make up in check) and perfume.
Watch
Lineup
Full lineup here.
Getting there
How do I get there?
Shuttle Buses: The Reading shuttle bus stops on Caversham Road [98 service] and only costs £1. Please visit the Reading Buses website for further information and their timetable: www.reading-buses.co.uk
Travelling by Bus: RailAir operate a direct Reading to London Heathrow bus service which uses Reading Train Station as a drop off and pick up point. This service is best when pre-booked, which can be done at www.railair.com
Pick up/Drop off point: There is a dedicated pick up/drop off point which is located within Green car park (in Kings Meadow playing fields).
Shuttle Boat Service: The service runs between our Green car park in Kings Meadow straight to and from the Green pedestrian gate. It only takes five minutes. On Wed, for Early bird holders only, the service runs from when the campsites open until 12 midnight. On the Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun the service will run from 8am until 2am. On Monday the service will run from 8am until 12 noon.
Travelling by Car: If you do decide to drive and book a car parking pass, please ensure you follow the directions on the car pass and not your Sat Nav. These directions minimise the impact on the local residents and businesses and avoid traffic. For detailed directions click here
Car sharing: Bla Bla car
Travelling by Train: Reading Station is a 15-20 minute walk from the festival site (or you can make use of the shuttle bus from just outside the station to Richfield Avenue for £1 each way). It is well served by major commuter lines to London as well as Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, etc. Please ensure you check all your train journeys in advance and leave at least 1.5 hours to catch your train (2 hours on Bank Holiday Monday).
Tickets
Pricing
Full Price Weekend Ticket: £213
Day ticket: £66.50
When can I get them?
Tickets on sale now
Where can I get them?
Tickets are available via Festicket.
More info