Reading Festival

Reading Festival Reading Festival http://www.readingfestival.com/news en Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:40:21 GMT Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:40:21 GMT 5 2011 tickets on sale From 9am Tuesday 31st August As this year's festival comes to a close, we are already working on next year's! For those that joined in this Bank Holiday weekend we hope to see you at the next one and for everyone else - what are you waiting for - come to Reading 2011. Also, our friends at Vodafone tell us that if you’re a Vodafone customer you can sign up to <a href="http://www.Vodafone.co.uk/vip">Vodafone.co.uk/vip</a> for 2011 pre-sale ticket access and other exclusive festival benefits. <a href="http://www.seetickets.com/?c=497770">Tickets</a> are now on sale. <a href="http://www.seetickets.com/?c=497770"><img height="44" alt="" width="92" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/h/a/d/Image/buybutton.jpg" /></a> Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:30:00 GMT 2010-08-31T00:30:00 0a6bea3b-61c3-4214-82a2-96061cff6663 1 Merch offer Spend £40 instore and get £5 off your order! If you missed out on getting official Reading or Leeds merchandise at the festivals, or you'd like a few more items - now's your chance. Plus check out this great offer. Spend £40 instore and get £5 off your order! Just enter RL5OFF at checkout. Offer closes on Thursday 9th September. <a href="http://readingandleedsfestival.firebrandlive.com/">Click here to start shopping!</a> Offer applies to 2010 merchandise only. Offer only open until Thursday 9th September. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-30T00:00:00 9a8be5ca-c979-480d-83e9-7e2e8ec8c968 2 Klaxons ~ NME/Radio 1 Stage And then it was all over... New ravers Klaxons brought the NME/Radio 1 Stage to a close tonight with a headline slot made up of material from new album 'Surfing the Void' and classic tracks from their debut 'Myths of the Near Future'.  Opening with recent free download 'Flashover', keyboardist James Righton told the crowd "It's our third time at Reading, it means a lot to us. Thank you for coming out to see us", whilst bassist and lead singer Jamie Reynolds repeatedly thanked fans for "killing it". 'Magick', 'Gravity's Rainbow' and Grace cover 'It's Not Over Yet' saw fans make the most of their last opportunity to dance and, when the Londoners left the stage after the latter song, roared for more. Rewarded for their eagerness, the audience were treated to two more songs - 'Surfing the Void' and live favourite 'Atlantis to Interzone' - before Klaxons retreat from the stage for a second time signalled the end of the festival. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-29T00:00:00 af4ffe10-29b3-4e0a-bdba-1bc07d73cb9e 3 Arcade Fire ~ Main Stage Arcade Fire produced a memorable headlining set under a full moon to close the Main Stage on Saturday; genuinely sincere and thankful to be performing in front of such a faithful and receptive crowd.  The Canadian outfit treated fans to material spanning three albums, with a narrow emphasis on this year’s highly accredited long-player ‘The Suburbs’. The sing-a-long moments among their disciples were almost deafening throughout the duration of the 90 minute set, culminating in choruses of cheers during live favourite ‘Wake Up’, itself a spectacle to behold.  During the brief intervals between songs, band members could be seen scurrying about the stage and exchanging instruments, before delivering their songs with an equal sense of urgency and prowess. Undeniably, Arcade Fire rose to the occasion and  justifiably filled the role of headliners on the festival’s second day. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:00:00 GMT 2010-08-28T23:00:00 3efd89e9-fd9e-40c3-96cf-8d6e05b3a2dc 4 Blink 182 ~ Main Stage It's good to have them back Hot on the heels of last year’s reunion a triumphant Blink-182 took to Sunday night's Main Stage in their only UK tour date this year. With boyish charm and good humour they smashed through a hit heavy performance, the crowd going predictably wild on ‘What’s My Age Again?’ ‘First Date’ and ‘All the Small Things’.  Punctuating the set we are also treated to an incredible spectacle as Travis Barker thundered out an unbelievable drum solo, all while raised and vertically flipped by a giant hydraulic arm.  With humour, musical prowess and heapings of fun, the final headliner of Reading 2010 gave the festival a worthy send off. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:15:00 GMT 2010-08-29T23:15:00 1525f249-43bd-4f29-b844-2d201825d691 1000000 Metronomy ~ Dance Stage Shaking the tent to its core If during the rainy afternoon of Sunday at Reading you were looking for quirky, playful fun then you need look no further than the Dance Stage with the always effervescent Metronomy.  With crystal sharp synth and floating, dreamy vocals they charmed the gathered thousands opening with the hammering first album classic ‘You Could Easily Have Me’. Most of their set consisted of choice cuts from their breakthrough second album ‘Nights Out’ and with a thankful, energetic crowd they almost shook the tent down before finishing with the immensely danceable ‘A Thing For Me’.  Always ready for a good time, and always ready to deliver one, Metronomy make a lasting impression on the final night of the festival. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:00:00 GMT 2010-08-29T19:00:00 8ebf1897-69de-492c-9f67-d5e4721e450e 1000000 Health ~ Dance Stage A rousing wake up for the final day California's HEALTH shook any of the remaining cobwebs from the early risers on Sunday morning as they subjected the Dance Stage to their unique blend of contemporary noise-rock.   Their set incorporated a balanced blend of tracks from their two previous albums, including the jagged beats and obtuse fits of last year's long-player 'Get Colour'.  After an intriguing 30 minutes of avant-garde offerings, Health bid farewell with their recent dance hit 'USA  boys'; itself acting as an enviable benchmark to set the remaining tone for the festival’s final day. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:45:00 GMT 2010-08-29T16:45:00 693d2c09-c09e-4b03-862a-21aec1a9d5fa 1000000 The Drums ~ Live Louge A secret set and a special cover <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt">Much hyped New York band The Drums played a secret set on the BBC Introducing Stage today. Opening with their recently re-released single ‘Let’s Go Surfing’, the American band were watched by hundreds of eager fans.  Taking a short break to chat to Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens, lead singer Jonathan Pierce thanked UK fans for all their support before explaining the difference between Reading and Leeds and festivals in the US. Saying there was nothing like the two festivals across the Atlantic, Pierce enthused “I don’t think there’s any festival like Reading and Leeds in the rest of Europe. It’s really wild.” The Drums then continued to play a cover of Saturday Main Stage headliners Arcade Fire’s ‘We Used to Wait’ before heading off to prepare for their appearance on the NME/Radio 1 Stage later this afternoon.</div> Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:15:00 GMT 2010-08-29T16:15:00 6781a795-69ee-4894-b5d4-93d5357d498f 1000000 Holy Fuck ~ Dance Stage Hip-shaking super sounds As the heavens opened above Reading festival, those who sought refuge at the Dance Stage were treated to an unrelenting set of hip-shakers delivered at a blistering pace from America’s Holy Fuck.   The Toronto quartet sampled a selection of dizzying effects over their core of drums and bass to provide 40 minutes which delighted those within its shelter.  A near capacity tent urged the band on vehemently throughout, however ever so slightly moreso during outstanding performances of hits ‘Lovely Allen’ and ‘Super Inuit’ – both of which aided to create a rapturous spectacle overall. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:15:00 GMT 2010-08-29T13:15:00 60ede5a6-df42-47cd-a589-367cbceea14f 1000000 Four Tet ~ Dance Stage Kieran and the computer Four Tet’s fluid collection of dance beats provided a perfect accompaniment to the growing anticipation and avidity within the Dance Stage throughout the festival’s final day.  Aided merely by his laptop and an assortment of additional sound altering devices, Kieran Hebden deftly demonstrated why he’s one of the most highly respected dance acts in the country at present. Although he may have been an individual on stage, the unity between artist and audience ensured a snapshot of collective joy on the final day of the weekend. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-29T00:00:00 1ea31411-2937-4224-8860-fadfc59ecbcf 1000000 Weezer ~ Main Stage The stage couldn’t contain Rivers Cuomo as Weezer’s front man ran amok during his band’s early evening set on the Main Stage. Opting for a greatest hits set despite forthcoming album ‘Hurley’, the stalwart American rockers continued the good feeling left by previous act Cypress Hill, hits like ‘Hash Pipe,’ ‘Say It Ain’t So’ and ‘My Name Is Jonas’ bringing the crowd to rapture. Throughout this Cuomo was everywhere, clambering over the side of the stage, running along the front barrier to dance with audience members and security alike and jumping up and down on his on a trampoline set up especially on stage. He also donned a blonde wig during a cover medley of MGMT’s ‘Kids’ and Lady GaGa’s ‘Pokerface’ before escaping the clutches of security and running out to the far end of the arena field during final song ‘Buddy Holly’ where he was soon joined by delighted fans.  Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-29T00:00:00 9ea3de2b-5630-4081-8900-3702c2fbd923 1000000 Pendulum ~ NME/Radio 1 Stage Australian drum and bass group Pendulum headlined a packedNME/Radio 1 Stage tonight, with many fans left battling to get inside - echoing their over-subscribed late afternoon performance on the same stage in 2008. The setlist was mainly made up of material from 2008's 'In Silico' and the recently released 'Immersion'. The sextet applauded their fans' dancing efforts before continuing the set with hits such as 'Propane Nightmares' and 'Hold Your Colour'. After an hour's non stop raving, Pendulum bid the sweaty, day-glo painted crowd goodnight. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-29T00:00:00 9ea3de2b-5630-4081-8900-3702c2fbd923 1000000 The Libertines ~ Main Stage Picking up where they left off Darlings of the early noughties The Libertines completed their four reunion dates at Reading tonight in spectacular form. Coming on stage to Vera Lynn's 'We'll Meet Again' and a video montage of images of the boys past and present, Pete Doherty, Carl Barat, John Hassall and Gary Powell were greeted by roars from the huge crowd gathered before the Main Stage. Only stopping to tell the crowd to look after each other, the four raced through an 18 song showcase of their back catalogue that for many will be one of the picks of the weekend.  'What Became of the Likely Lads' and 'Time for Heroes' saw big reactions. On their return, The Libertines picked up where they left off and finished the set in thunderous fashion. Closing with 'I Get Along', Barat and Doherty kicked over their amps before downing their guitars, embracing and gathering their rhythm section for a final bow. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT 2010-08-28T21:00:00 fe23442c-883c-46f5-bba3-7eb5a3835fc6 1000000 Darwin Deez ~ Festival Republic Stage He is a radar detector The party atmosphere was feverish in the Festival Republic tent as Darwin Deez took to the stage, reinforced by his unique blend of cherry-pop dance and shining guitar jingle.  New York’s Darwin, backed by a trio of equally energetic musicians, delighted those in attendance with songs oozing contemporary melodic hooks filling the intervals between tracks with bespoke dance routines, and encouraging an excitable crowd to move gleefully along in unison.  The smiles of those in attendance were left achingly wide after the performance; overall one which would be the ideal remedy for any form of festival fatigue. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:30:00 GMT 2010-08-28T17:30:00 39567db1-38a8-4795-b0c3-31fffc32c304 1000000 The Cribs ~ Main Stage A fitting farewell The Cribs flew onto the Main Stage with their trademark raucous sing-a-long sound, whipping the audience into a frenzy already warmed up by a barrage of like minded bands including The Maccabees, The Futureheads, and Mystery Jets.  After a selection of songs covering their four studio albums they made the announcement that after a solid two years of gigging, this was to be their final show for some time. With this in mind the fans went full throttle, joining in with hammering classics like ‘Men’s Needs’ and ‘Mirror Kisses’. It was truly a spectacular send off and an affirmation of talent for the lads from Wakefield. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:00:00 GMT 2010-08-28T17:00:00 f44bf0f7-f7fa-4409-9d21-95f2a3394452 1000000 Modest Mouse ~ Main Stage And we'll all float on, ok. Entertaining a vast sea of fans soaking up the midday sun on the Main Stage were Modest Mouse, a band whose extensive back catalogue allowed for an eclectic set of material both new and old.  Utilising a panoply of instruments, the band shone bright in their distinctive rock soundscaping with a delivery far less meek than their title would suggest.  Tried and tested live favourites such as 'Float On' and 'Dashboard' brought immediate cheers of recognition from the thousands in attendance, undeniably reaffirming that Modest Mouse were apt musicians for such a prestigious slot. Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT 2010-08-28T15:00:00 83fd6140-9f22-4834-b4a4-c6f7d4e370df 1000000 Everything Everything ~ Live Lounge Surprise Shakira cover song The BBC Introducing Stage is always a safe bet for a good time and Saturday’s set by Everything Everything was no exception.  The band seemed surprised as they entered, possibly due to the large crowd that had gathered.  Introduced by Huw Stephens live on Radio 1, they gave an earnest acoustic performance of their signature track ‘My Keys, Your Boyfriend’. Their mystery cover was a surprisingly heartfelt rendition of Shakira’s ‘Did It Again’ and despite their tiny two song set, they left the audience thoroughly satisfied. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-28T00:00:00 84cf582d-3e9e-45fb-9b18-e1f840416bbf 1000000 The Walkmen ~ Main Stage Easy New York sounds to ease in Saturday The Walkmen opened the main stage this morning in typical laidback fashion. Showcasing tracks from their soon to be released album ‘Lisbon’ due out in September, the US four piece played to fans eager to savour their new material.  Classic Walkmen track ‘The Rat’, taken from their debut record Bows + Arrows, also made an appearance early on, to an ecstatic response. The band kept interaction with the crowd to polite thank yous between songs and to tell fans about the forthcoming new record. Despite their quiet nature, The Walkmen warmed the early-risers up for a brilliant second day. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-28T00:00:00 ebf78eb6-b4bf-4a6e-a624-ba0586cdef3c 1000000 The Maccabees ~ Main Stage Listen out for a new track Already veterans of the tents, The Maccabees prepare to play the main stage at Reading for the first time today. Guitarist Felix White told Festival Republic that the thought of it was “a little bit overwhelming, to be honest.” White continued to say “I’m going to do my best to take a mental image of it and just enjoy it. It’s not every day you get to do something like this.” The south London band, who released their second album ‘Wall of Arms’ last year to critical acclaim, are currently working on the follow-up record and are aiming to have it completed by the end of the year, debuting a new song during their slot later today.  Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-28T00:00:00 401a877b-f2e0-4ec9-b458-a8f173101271 1000000 Guns N’ Roses ~ Main Stage GN'R greatness Guns N’ Roses crashed onto the stage bringing with them all the drama and theatrics that we would come to associate with the 80’s super group.  Incredible choices of clothing, thundering pyrotechnics and an eyeball warping video display announced the beginning of the set, knocking out the classics ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and ‘You Could Be Mine’ came thick and fast building to a sing-a-long crescendo with ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’.  Despite a career spanning decades and various high profile line up changes, it is beyond doubt that Guns N’ Roses are still relevant and more importantly still know how to rock a crowd. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:30:00 GMT 2010-08-27T23:30:00 b77ef659-50fb-4c2e-b0eb-2567a9f69bd9 1000000 Queens of the Stone Age ~ Main Stage Feel Good Band of the Summer Queens of the Stone Age are in a unique position among bands, with so many hits and best selling albums under their belt it doesn’t take much effort to pick out a set list to wow the heaving crowd at Friday’s Main Stage.  With their customary raunch and swagger, the band enters and blasts the crowd with ‘Feel Good Hit of the Summer’ a song of excess that suits the festival down to the muddy, boot-churned ground.  After keeping the crowd at the peak of excitement for over an hour, the end comes in spectacular fashion with ‘Song for the Dead’. As the sun sets, the crowd thins out safe in the knowledge that Queens of the Stone Age still rank highly among rock royalty. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT 2010-08-27T21:00:00 5ca42c5b-f8a7-4454-8091-2ac30ae5cc2f 1000000 LCD Soundsystem and Phoenix rock Reading Appearing at Reading for possibly the last time under the LCD Soundsystem moniker, James Murphy headlined a packed NME/Radio 1 Stage tonight. Playing what was essentially a greatest hits set, the New Yorker and his band kicked off with fan favourite 'Us vs Them' from beneath the giant mirrorball hung from the lighting rig. 'Daft Punk Is Playing In My House', 'Pow' and 'I Can Change' all saw fans react energetically, with Murphy crowning them the "best Reading crowd we've ever played to." Ending on 'Yeah (Crass Version)', the group made their exit triumphantly, although hopefully not for the last time. Earlier, Phoenix taught the NME/Radio 1 Stage how to clap the Parisian way during their set which was largely culled from their breakthrough album 'Wolfgang Amadeaus Phoenix'. Singles 'Lisztomania' and '1901' bookended the set, the latter seeing frontman Thomas Mars jump into the crowd before climbing back on stage and onto the drum riser to end the set in flamboyant fashion. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:00:00 GMT 2010-08-27T20:00:00 d5cb8b05-cd4e-43fc-967d-2c5a685d6bdd 1000000 Biffy Clyro ~ Main Stage Faithful fans out in force Biffy Clyro performed at Reading for an impressive eighth time in front of easily their largest crowd to date, as the sun set over the first day of this years’ festivities.  Simon Neil’s bleach blonde hair and beard combo echoed an appearance similar to that of Reading legend Kurt Cobain, despite the fluorescent pink jeans he was sporting on stage. The modern guitar icon continued to impress a highly-charged crowd, playing tracks from the band’s Goliath fifth album, ‘Only Revolutions’, with aplomb.  Despite a heavy-weight set of chart hits spanning the 45 minute mark, Biffy also satisfied fans of old when they broke into live favourite ‘There’s No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake’, greeted by, and concluding in, rapturous cheers and applause from their faithful. The bond between band and audience here was almost palpable; giant sing-a-long choruses echoed across the arena both during and long after the set, reaffirming that Biffy Clyro were an overwhelming hit with the crowd at Reading 2010.  Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:00:00 GMT 2010-08-27T19:00:00 2e8bf4ff-a1b6-41a0-9f2b-012813ab1d18 1000000 Yeasayer ~ NME/Radio 1 Stage You'd better dance, otherwise there'll be trouble! Brooklyn based trio Yeasayer brought a piece of the exotic to a muddy Richfield Avenue with their Middle Eastern-tinged pop. Opening their set with 'Tightrope' from recent album 'Odd Blood' and continuing to play a mix of songs from that record and their debut 'All Hour Cymbals', Chris Keating and co. were watched from the sidelines by members of Surfer Blood and The Big Pink. Keeping chat to a minimum, lead singer Chris Keating addressed the crowd only twice during the set, first speaking to them before 'O.N.E.' saying "If you're here at all, you should know this one. So you'd better dance otherwise you might as well be watching the G N'R show!" Touché! Later, before set-closer 'Ambling Alp', he said farewell to the audience before explaining the band "love spending a couple of days in the mud rocking out", assuring fans the weather treated them no differently backstage. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:45:00 GMT 2010-08-27T16:45:00 630af9f9-8bb5-424f-a7fd-9c06ddff32d2 1000000 Billy Talent ~ Main Stage Our only hope is the minds of kids Under grey clouds and the threat of rain, Billy Talent stormed onto Friday’s main stage opening their set with the crowd pleasing classic ‘Red Flag’.  With the arena thoroughly warmed up they maintained the momentum and tempo with a selection of hits both new and old, coming to a close with the sure fire fan favourite ‘Falling Leaves’. This year’s Main Stage performance was a step up in profile from their previous appearance last year on the Lock Up stage, and after witnessing their blistering set and attentive audience it was a step up that they clearly deserved. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT 2010-08-27T15:30:00 5c8685dd-89fe-404a-bf48-503fe85fd99b 1000000 Pulled Apart By Horses ~ Festival Republic Stage Pulled Apart By Horses stormed the Festival Republic stage for a second consecutive year, greeted and consequently perpetuated by a rowdy and raucous Reading crowd.  The Leeds lads showcased material from their acclaimed debut album amidst an electric atmosphere in the sweltering tent, delivering their fierce sound at a breakneck and unrelenting pace.  This energy was reflected ten-fold by the audience, no less during recent single ‘I’ve Got Guestlist to Rory O’Hara’s Funeral’, in which a circle-pit of swelling circumference formed and thrived. There was no indication that guitarist James Brown’s now legendary stage antics were to be toned down as he spent the majority of ‘High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive’ being held aloft by a sea of arms, before launching his guitar 20ft into the air and catching it – carrying on as normal.   Although never in doubt, Pulled Apart By Horses’ enviable live show was more than enough to coax those in attendance into the infectious festival spirit. None left disappointed. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:15:00 GMT 2010-08-27T15:15:00 02dc80a9-3e02-40f3-ba21-0b32ef59df2d 1000000 BBC Live Lounge sets Check them out over the weekend <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt">Young Guns played a surprise set on the BBC Introducing stage earlier this afternoon. Ushered on stage by Greg James of Radio 1 as part of the station’s Live Lounge segment, the stripped back two song set drew a sizeable crowd, many of whom had already seen the five piece open the Main Stage at the start of the day. During a short interview with the radio DJ, the band excitedly described playing the festival as “the most silly experience of our lives”.</div> <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt">Leading the crowd in a rousing sing-along, Young Guns opened with their new single ‘Crystal Clear’ before playing a “mystery cover” of pop starlet Ellie Goulding’s ‘The Writer’.  Having drawn in many curious passers-by during the course of their set, the group left the stage to rapturous applause, urging their fans to “enjoy the rest of the weekend” before heading backstage.</div> Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT 2010-08-27T15:00:00 8f2e70ca-d0e0-4d53-a528-408804096f15 1000000 Young Guns open Main Stage A great opening to the festival Reading Festival 2010 is finally here and despite the mud, fans rushed to the main stage as soon as the gates opened. Opening the day and the festival, Young Guns played tracks from their recently released album 'All Our Kings Are Dead' including 'Weight Of The World', 'Sons Of Apathy' and closed with 'Beneath The Waves' which featured additional drummers joining them on stage for a rioutous end. Young Guns will be heading over to the NME Signing Tent - head over to get stuff signed or have your picture taken with the band. Over on the NME/Radio 1 stage, Frankie & The Heartstrings pulled in the crowds, with new band member Mick Ross, and opened with 'Possibilities'. Another great start to the weekend! Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:15:00 GMT 2010-08-27T12:15:00 ef53f60b-0950-4cb3-9047-ec192edf14fa 1000000 Festival Republic thanks Environment Agency for help at Reading Lowering the levels of the River Thames Managing Director of Festival Republic , Melvin Benn, today thanked the Environment Agency for their assistance with the rainy weather conditions by lowering the levels of The River Thames adjacent to the Reading Festival site.  A quarter of a million gallons of water have been pumped from the site since Wednesday lunchtime by site crew at the festival. This, along with the efforts of the Environment Agency, has meant that the festival will be protected from flooding this weekend. Melvin Benn said: The cooperation and positive response of the Environment Agency has ensured that the thousands of festival fans will continue to have a fantastic weekend here at Reading and I am extremely grateful to them. We have obviously experienced heavy rainfall over the past couple of days but the rest of the weekend is looking good - here's to another great Reading weekend!" Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-26T00:00:00 f62ab8eb-3d8a-4211-a7a2-66df9f7d50dd 1000000 Win your very own Reading or Leeds single-speed bike! 14 Bikes Competition at Reading & Leeds Two bikes were up for grabs from <a href="http://14bikeco.wordpress.com/">14BikeCo</a>, the cyclist’s bike shop of choice.  Karen from Braintree was our lucky winner! Being the proud owner of a Reading or a Leeds single-speed bike you can be safe in the knowledge that this bike is every inch as green as you will be when you cycle around. Being single-speed, fewer materials are used which is therefore less damaging to the environment during production. Riding your bike to the festival will obviously put out the least amount of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. To get in gear and read more about this and how you can get green – go to the <a href="http://www.leedsfestival.com/info/index.aspx?id=414">Travel page</a> for more details   Today, most bikes are little more than a variation on a theme. They come in boxes from factories in the Far East, and when they get to the shop, the handlebars are straightened, the tyres are pumped up, the pedals are fitted and they go onto the sales floor. They’re made to sell, not to inspire. 14 Bike Co was founded by Duncan McNamara and John Wainwright to offer riders, both new and experienced, a different way to get on a bike. The bike frames are exclusively made in Britain, from British steel and using construction techniques that have been perfected over decades. 14 Bike Co are helping to reintroduce the concept of hand made, lightweight, durable – and above all enjoyable – bikes. Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:00:00 GMT 2010-08-23T14:00:00 6b635b0b-3655-45b6-8c2a-e724f9e560cc 1000000 Festival Republic donates to 1st Reading (YMCA) Sea Scout Group and Mapledurham Sports Pavilion Project The 1st Reading Sea Scout Group’s boathouse on the River Thames opposite the Reading Festival site was destroyed by arson in January 2005. After years of fundraising the rebuild has finally started but the Group has insufficient funds to complete the job. Fundraisers approached Festival Republic for help and we are pleased to say we have been able to donate £21k to the rebuild which will pay for the new roof. Kevin Ware, Chairman 1st Reading (YMCA) Sea Scout Group said: “We have been working since 2005 when our old building was destroyed by fire to get a new one. The very generous donation from Festival Republic will pay for the roof of our Water Activity Centre.” Festival Republic has also committed £25k to the Mapledurham Sports Pavilion project this year and £25k from next year’s Reading Festival. Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic said: “Festival Republic makes charity donations each year through guest donations and arena entrance collections across all our events and I’m delighted that we have been able to contribute to the rebuild of the boathouse and the pavilion project which are both just across the water from the Reading Festival site.” For more information on charities and organisations supported by Festival Republic, please see <a href="http://www.festivalrepublic.com/charity">www.festivalrepublic.com/charity</a> Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-23T00:00:00 f86a6db0-a171-41ee-a188-d645159f612c 1000000 No tickets on sale at Reading Please don't turn up if you don't have a ticket. We are not selling any tickets at all on site.  There is no ticket collection point on site either. This is to avoid people turning up and trying unsuccessfully to buy them on the off chance when we are completely sold out . If you do not have a ticket in your hand please do not turn up.   There is no comfortable waiting area or facilities for anyone turning up too early.  The festival is based adjacent to a main road and so please bear your safety, our staff’s safety and the safety of the road users in mind.  Please do not turn up too early. We open the campsites on Wednesday for those with early bird + weekend ticket holders only.  All early birds tickets have sold out so please do not turn up to site without one, as you will be turned away.  The campsites open Thursday 8am for other weeked ticket holders.  There are no event tickets on sale on site this year and so please do not turn up to site without one as you will be turned away. Day ticket holders are not able to camp in our campsites, even if they have 3 separate day tickets.  Anyone seen in the campsites without a weekend wristband will face eviction from site. International tickets - the location of your ticket collection point off site will be advised by the ticket company you bought from. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-23T00:00:00 24f65ac2-5196-4160-9ae3-fb9eb22c4ff7 1000000 Rivermead at Reading Hot showers, a pool and a cafe. What more could you want?! There won't be a club night on Thursday evening at Reading this year - however the Rivermead Centre will be open as normal. The Rivermead Centre’s pool and showers are open to festival goers from 8am - 3pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a small charge.  There is also a café for a big fry up if you fancy a change of scenery.  Access to the centre is via red wristband tent or O’Malley Alley and then in off Richfield Ave entrance.  Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-20T00:00:00 912f94a7-e605-4d99-854b-7a4d50d7401c 1000000 KIT KAT Chunky Music Break Stage Need a break from the sea of bodies? Tired of staring at the back of your mate's head as you march between stages? Have a break and unwind at the KIT KAT Chunky Music Break Stage.  Enjoy live performances and DJ sets from the likes of Jaguar Skills and Street Life DJ's. Get your swagger on with a bout of Rockaoke, enjoy a free KIT KAT Chunky bar, or just sit back and soak it all up. The KIT KAT Chunky Music Break Stage brings you the perfect place to have a break and unwind with your mates. You’ll find them in the festival village. Need a music break and aren’t able to join KIT KAT? If so visit <a href="http://www.kitkat.co.uk/musicbreak">www.kitkat.co.uk/musicbreak</a> Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-08-19T10:00:00 0951741d-60ba-47cc-9b04-536b75de4e72 1000000 Limited Edition Reading tshirt Order now and get it before the festival! An exclusive design and limited edition for Reading Festival fans out there. Get your hands on a 2010 t-shirt - the first printed before the festival begins. If you order before Monday 23rd August, you will receive it before the festival. The rest of the merchandise range is shaping up to be the best yet and will be on sale at Reading. <a href="http://readingandleedsfestival.firebrandlive.com/">Click here to get yours now!</a> Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-19T00:00:00 e2579299-af18-464d-9aea-e88b792538c7 1000000 Neil Hamburger added to The Alternative Stage The creation of Gregg Turkington, Neil Hamburger is a stand-up comic who clears his throat nonstop through his entire routine, often to keep overzealous fans from shouting out his well-known and loved punchlines. He has appeared as opening act for many rock/punk bands including recent shows with NOFX, Bad Religion, Puscifer, and Faith No More and will be appearing on The Alternative Stage at Reading. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-18T00:00:00 195612fd-5332-4394-8350-614d906f9a7f 1000000 Additions to The Alternative Stage, free downloads and more Plus a Human Car Wash and SilentArena The final preparations are being made for the greatest festival in the world, the legendary Reading and Leeds Festival.  The bands are getting set to play to the best audiences of the summer and lots of other activities are being lined up at both sites to keep everybody entertained. ALTERNATIVE STAGE    Comedy on the Alternative Stage: Best know for his hysterical appearances as burger van owner ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU on the TV series Shooting Stars; this is actually just one creation of the talented comedian Renton Skinner. He has appeared on radio, TV and film as a comedian and actor, performed stand up and written for various shows.  We can only pray he brings along his ‘bag’ to show us what’s in it. As seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock The Week, TOM STADE brings his magnetic stage presence and distinctive laid back style to Reading and Leeds Festivals. In demand around the globe, this clever and controversial Canadian is not to be missed. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tomstadecomedian">www.myspace.com/tomstadecomedian</a>  “King of the surreal one liners” MILTON JONES is a former Perrier Award winner at Edinburgh and constantly touring around the UK and had his own show on Radio 4.  Don’t miss this respected and raved about set. <a href="http://www.thebigfatcat.co.uk/MJ/">www.thebigfatcat.co.uk/MJ/</a>  Recognisable as the face of BBC’s Switch, TOM DEACON is one of comedy’s bright new hopes.  The 24 year old host of  a regular  Radio 1 show on Sunday evenings made his solo debut at last year's Edinburgh Festival having previously stared in the Fringe's longest running group comedy show 'The Comedy Zone' and, despite his relative youth is already an award-winning stand up. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tomdeaconcomedy">www.myspace.com/tomdeaconcomedy</a>  Nominated for last year’s Chortle Awards, heavy metal fan ANDREW O’NEILL has brought his own unique brand of occult comedy to the Edinburgh festival over the past six years and is a vegan to boot. He is not a Goth! <a href="http://www.andrewoneill.co.uk/">www.andrewoneill.co.uk/</a>  Famed as one half of the Eighties comedy duo Skint Video, STEVE GRIBBIN has established himself as one of  the stalwarts on the comedy circuit and since going solo in the early nineties has performed  almost annually at Reading/Leeds festivals. <a href="http://www.stevegribbin.com/">www.stevegribbin.com/</a>  Bristol based comedian MARK OLVER has not updated his website for a while as he’s too busy doing stand up around the country and his warm up acts on TV (including Deal or No Deal, so be sure to ask him to show you his box).  When he’s not doing that he’s catching up on The Wire.  <a href="http://markolver.com">http://markolver.com</a>  Time Out Magazine once described STEPHEN GRANT as “Britain’s best comedy compere and odd job man” and he’s also been said to be the hardest working comedian in the country. A regular at the infamous Komedia clubs he’s been gaining fans wherever he goes for over a decade now. <a href="http://www.stephengrant.com">www.stephengrant.com</a>  Only a few years ago BRIAN GITTINS owned "the best roadside cafe in a 12-mile radius of Pyecombe" but he was determined to make it to the London Palladium.  He’s luckily stopped off at Reading (or rather creator David Earl has) to bring his quirky and giggle-some set to us at the festival. Comedian, actor and writer BARRY CASTAGNOLA has firmly established himself as an accomplished comic performer.   His easy-going (yet very physical) style, mixing personal anecdotes with some sharp topical and political comment has tickled fans all over the world and we are thrilled to welcome him back to Reading. SILENTARENA  Coming to Reading and Leeds for the first time SilentArena present the world’s largest concurrent silent disco featuring a total capacity of 9000 people across the festival.  Having travelled around the world this summer visiting some of the biggest festivals and events they plan to end the summer in style. The party will on go on into the small hours long after the headline acts have finished, featuring some of the UK’s top DJs competing head-to-head for the crowds attention. Don’t miss your chance to be part an unforgettable experience for you and thousands of others. Reading will be over two sites from 10.30pm – 4am with Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Bethan Elfyn and the Vinyl Vendettas, My Ex Boyfriends Records and more names to be confirmed. <a href="http://www.silentarena.com/">www.silentarena.com</a>   The Salvation Army If anybody has any problems, are worried about anything or just need a friendly chat the Salvation Army marquee is close to its usual location in Reading on G4 road, near the Green camping area and between the river and the main area. They will be serving hot drinks and can even help with blankets if anything gets lost.   Last year in Reading they initiated a ‘Food Drive’ where they collected any non perishable food they have left after the weekend.   This resulted in over a tonne of food being collected from the recycling areas and at the marquee which was then distributed for those in need in the Reading area.  Save yourself from having to carry heavy tins home and drop them off here Get Fresh For The Weekend with SEAT  While at this world famous festival make sure you check out the SEAT Human Car Wash.  Whether you’re mucky from the mosh-pit or just feel like a freshen-up, this free-to-use service will lather you up, hose you down and give you a thorough air drying – just like a real carwash! Check it out in the Village. One Water One Water is the official water supplier for Reading and Leeds festivals and will be onsite to give away One Festival survival packs which can be won by entering the competition detailed on the One water bottles sold on site. ActionAid  ActionAid will be returning to Reading festival with their infamous tent just outside the main arena. With comfy seating, giant games and table football by day and feel good DJs until 3am, the friendly crew will keep you smiling all weekend.  This year ActionAid are asking you to say Bollocks to Poverty by putting hunger back in the headlines. It’s outrageous that one billion people are hungry and politicians could end it if they put their minds to it, so the Reading crowd can help out by making hunger front page news. You and your mates will be able to put yourself on the cover of specially created magazine NMH by posing with hunger-busting headlines.  Dress up, strike a rock star pose, and say bollocks to poverty by demanding a HungerFREE world. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-08-17T10:00:00 1bd42844-cbbc-4c65-9b3e-0cc540e8d0ea 1000000 Win festival tickets with SEAT SEAT have been named the Car Partner of the Reading and Leeds Festivals. With both festivals well and truly sold out, they’ve kept their tickets to give away just for you. This means they’ve got over 90 tickets up for grabs! Want to win some? Go to <a title="http://velocityuk.livenation.co.uk/ea-cgiUK/dtchttp.dll?vm_fetchLink:C=3423&T=QWB80Z4V047" href="http://velocityuk.livenation.co.uk/ea-cgiUK/dtchttp.dll?vm_fetchLink:C=3423&T=QWB80Z4V047">www.club-seat.co.uk/music</a> to score a group pass for you and a carload of friends. Already going to the festival? Check out the SEAT Human Carwash while you’re there. Yep, you guessed right – it’s a carwash for humans! The SEAT Soapers will lather you up, hose you down and give you a thorough air drying – just like a real carwash. Whether you’re mucky from the mosh pit or just feel like a freshen-up, this’ll be the place. Just for fun, they’ll also be taking snaps at the Human Carwash. They will be easy to download so you can email them to your friends and remember your Human Carwash at Reading or Leeds Festival forever! Plus, there’ll be loads of other exclusive footage from around the festivals. For more information or to grab your pics,  head to <a title="http://velocityuk.livenation.co.uk/ea-cgiUK/dtchttp.dll?vm_fetchLink:C=3423&T=QWB80Z4V047" href="http://velocityuk.livenation.co.uk/ea-cgiUK/dtchttp.dll?vm_fetchLink:C=3423&T=QWB80Z4V047">www.club-seat.co.uk/music</a> Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-17T00:00:00 c6f6d1bd-494b-42cb-86cc-5451a02630de 1000000 Ticket Collection Points For Overseas and Viagogo customers only We are not selling any tickets at all on site.   This is to avoid people turning up and trying unsuccessfully to buy them on the off chance when we are completely sold out.   There is no ticket collection point on site either, as all tickets will have been sent out already.   Overseas customers who need to collect tickets should, before making their way to the festival, go to the collection point as instructed by the ticket agent they bought tickets from. Viagogo Customers will be instructed as to their collection point separately. If you do not have a ticket in your hand please do not turn up.  There is no comfortable waiting area or facilities for anyone turning up too early.  The festival is based adjacent to a main road and so please bear your safety, our staff’s safety and the safety of the road users in mind.  Please do not turn up too early. We open the campsites on Wednesday (6pm) for early bird ticket and weekend ticket holders only.  There are no early birds tickets on sale on site this year at all, and so please do not turn up to site without one, as you will be turned away.  The campsites open Thursday 8am for other weeked ticket holders.  There are no event tickets on sale on site this year and so please do not turn up to site without one as you will be turned away. Day ticket holders are not able to camp in our campsites, even if they have 3 separate day tickets. Anyone seen in the campsites after the arena has closed for that day without a weekend wristband will face eviction from site. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-16T00:00:00 5aa0f15f-947f-4b69-895e-8fc2c4a24cbb 1000000 G N'R still playing Don't believe the rumours... Festival Republic are informed by GN’R management that Guns N’ Roses have NOT cancelled their performances at Reading & Leeds and that Axl Rose’s twitter account was hacked into and all claims of dates being cancelled are unfounded. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-16T00:00:00 c9b69c51-17ca-416d-b7b2-ed63a4f866a9 1000000 LIFTSHARE TO READING Fill up the car and do your bit for the environment. If you must bring your car, please consider the following in the interests of the environment and also to reduce congestion: •  Transport as many people as possible with you •  Travel at off peak times (the peak time for arriving onsite is 08.00 to 14.00 on the Thursday) •  Consider car sharing.  <a href="http://www.liftshare.com/v3/pages/quickreg.asp?eid=5"><img alt="" width="313" height="86" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/k/f/f/Image/liftshare-budi.jpg" /></a> Find someone travelling your way to save yourself some money, be kind to the planet and have fun travelling with other festival goers. Visit our Liftshare partner Festival Budi and go together: <a href="http://www.liftshare.com/v3/pages/quickreg.asp?eid=5">www.liftshare.com</a> Remember to travel safely. Please read this practical safety guide on liftsharing put together by A Greener Festival: <a href="http://www.agreenerfestival.com/Lift_Sharing.pdf">www.agreenerfestival.com/Lift_Sharing.pdf</a>  Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-12T00:00:00 6c68362c-b094-4e9c-8792-562e66ae76de 1000000 Oxfam at Reading Oxfam is the only high street retail brand with a festival shop. Oxfam heads back to Reading for the 9th time this year and will be bringing with them over 600 volunteer stewards and shop staff. Stewarding Oxfam provides volunteer stewards for many of the major music festivals across the UK, including RockNess, Glastonbury, WOMAD, Latitude, Bestival and of course Leeds and Reading. Stewarding with Oxfam is a great way to see the festival from a different side, make new friends and at the same time helping Oxfam to fight poverty. This year at Reading, we will have just under 600 stewards working throughout the arena, at the gates and at other strategic locations around the site.  Stewarding generated £1.1 million for Oxfam in 2009, for more information head to <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.uk/stewards">www.oxfam.org.uk/stewards</a>. Festival shop Oxfam is the only high street retail brand with a festival shop. Over the past 16 years, Oxfam has raised £650,000 through its festival shops. This year, shoppers will also have the chance to get their Fair Deal henna tattoo at the Oxfam Festival Shop. Once there, they’ll have the perfect opportunity to get creative and customise their own Fair Deal T-shirt. In 2009 the Oxfam festival shop made £130,000, more than double what it raised in the previous festival season, including a record-breaking high of £32,000 at Leeds festival.  Popular items are the colourful blankets knitted by volunteers to raise awareness of Oxfam’s maternal mortality campaign. Waterproofs, wellies and warm jumpers sold very well, as did sparkley tops, glamorous frocks and fake furs. The Oxfam Festival Shop caters for every taste; from wedding dresses, ponchos, hats and suits, to complete hippy, disco and punk rock outfits. The shop is always well stocked with festival essentials to survive whatever the British weather decides to do, such as knitted blankets, sleeping bags and warm coats or raincoats and wellies or sun hats, sunglasses and sun dresses. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-11T00:00:00 05942d92-2778-471f-aef1-cfb55ff16f9c 1000000 Film Oxford Cinema Tent Sherlock Holmes, Shaun Of The Dead, Green Zone, Zombieland, Avatar Showing films from midnight to 04:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Cinema Tent will screen the following: FRIDAY 00:00 SHORTS:   Nobody Beats The Drum: Grindin’ (Rogier van der Zwaag) + Three and a Half Seconds About LIfe (Eran Hilleli) + Ataque de Panico (Fede Alvarez) + Rhett & Link T-Shirt War (Joe Penna) + Miles Fisher: This Must Be The Place (David Green) + Nuit Blanche (Arev Manoukian) (12) 00:20 FEATURE:  SHERLOCK HOLMES (12A) 02:30 FEATURE:  SHAUN OF THE DEAD (15) SATURDAY 00:00 SHORTS:    Wax Tailor: I Own You (Romain Chassaing) + Pixels (Patrick Jean) + Crash! Bang! Wallow? (Jon Dunleavy /Keith Wilson-Singer) + Light Warfare (Freddie Wong) + Au Bout Du Rouleau (The Artaban Filmance & Mandri) + Brett Domino: Justin Timberlake Medley (Rob Madin) + TUB (Bobby Miller) (15) 00:35 FEATURE:  GREEN ZONE (15) 02:20 FEATURE:  ZOMBIELAND (15) SUNDAY 00:00 SHORTS:   Sonar (Renaud Hallée) + SWITCH (Tyson Hesse) Pivot (Kevin Megens, Floris Vos, Arno de Grijs, André Bergs) + Neurosonics Audio Medical Labs Inc. (Chris Cairns) + The Subway Time (Dongzhen.Li) + Cotton Stones (Jonathan Entwistle) (15) 00:30 FEATURE:  AVATAR (12A) 03:10 SHORTS: Ramona Falls: I Say Fever (Stefan Nadelman) + Music Matters: Kate Bush (Elliot Dear) + Franco DanCoolo: Paranormal Drug Dealer (Andrew W. Jones) + Music Matters: The Jam (Show & Tell) + Clutchy Hopkins: Verbal Headlock (Christian Borstlap) The Cat Piano (Eddie White / Ari Gibson) + Music Matters: Nick Cave (Sarah Cox / Emma Lazenby) + Leader Of The Pack (Jason Roberts) (15) Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-08-11T00:00:00 bea56d40-ccd8-4dbb-b3c9-8be6207dc669 1000000 The Libertines play London show Festival Republic by arrangement with WME and Primary Talent International proudly present THE LIBERTINES + guests. We are pleased to announce that The Libertines will play a Reading & Leeds festival warm up show at the HMV Forum, London on Wednesday 25th August. To register for the chance to be able to purchase up to 2 tickets please visit  <a href="http://www.thelibertines.com">www.thelibertines.com</a> Deadline for registering is Friday 13th August AT 6pm (GMT) Succesful applicants, chosen at random, will be notified by email on Monday 16th August and will have until midday on Wednesday 18th August to purchase their tickets. For full details and terms and conditions, visit <a href="http://www.thelibertines.com">www.thelibertines.com</a> Festival Republic by arrangement with WME and Primary Talent International proudly present THE LIBERTINES + guests. Doors will open at 19.00. Strictly 14+ Tickets will cost £30.00 (subject to booking fee) Please note no tickets will be sent out for this show. The card holder/purchaser must be attending the show. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-08-10T10:00:00 3ba0726c-d6fc-4f29-bcd2-9181e7af6fd5 1000000 BBC Introducing Stage Announced The best brand new talent for you to hear before anyone else This is where the very best brand new talent from the UK gets its first chance to appear in front of the greatest tastemakers in the country – the audience at Reading and Leeds Festivals.  This is the third year both sites have enjoyed this popular stage. The bands that play are chosen through a combination of the BBC’s countrywide Introducing shows, Leeds promoters Futuresound and festival promoters Festival Republic. In the past the likes of Everything Everything, General Fiasco, Pulled Apart My Horses and Goldheart Assembly have made their debuts at Reading and Leeds on this stage and gone onto great things.  Several bands have gained their place at the festival through winning highly fought competitions including local boys Kasiuss who bring their intelligent modern rock to the Festival Republic Stage (Friday Leeds, Saturday Reading). Kvelertak won their spot via a national TV search in their native Norway and Penguin were worthy champions of the Martin House Children’s Hospice battle of the bands – the Centre Stage competition.  With all stages now announced (Main, NME/Radio 1, Lock Up/Dance, Festival Republic and Alternative) the countdown begins with less than a month to go.  Amy's Ghost, Arcs And Trauma, Blacklisters, Club Smith, End Of Level Baddie, Exit International, G.A.N.G., Gallops, Kverlertak, Lady Fortune, Lafaro, Little Fish, Love Ends Disaster, Midi Midis, Motion Picture Soundtrack, Mr Fogg, My Forever, Nerves, Our Fold, Peers, Penguin,Reaper In Sicily, Redtrack, Rotating Leslie, Runaround Kids, Shockparade, Sketches, Soul Circus, Stagecoach, The Brilliant Things, The Invasion Of, The Law, The Mighty Stef, We’re Only Afraid Of NYC, Wilder, Wot Gorilla For the line-up click <a href="http://www.readingfestival.com/lineup/index.aspx">HERE</a> Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-07-29T10:00:00 7bd9dbdc-cd34-4664-9580-948136aeceee 1000000 SilentArena at Reading The best silent party around Coming to Reading and Leeds for the first time SilentArena present the world’s largest concurrent silent disco featuring a total capacity of 9000 people across the festival.  Having travelled around the world this summer visiting some of the biggest festivals and events they plan to end the summer in style.  The party will on go on well into the small hours long after the headline acts have finished, featuring some of the UK’s top DJs competing head-to-head for the crowd’s attention. Performing to sell out crowds across Europe this summer don’t miss your chance to be part of the world largest silent disco, that’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for you and thousands of others. <a href="http://www.silentarena.com">www.silentarena.com</a> Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-07-29T00:00:00 59817243-368c-4931-895d-0a75eaf0cdbc 1000000 CrossCountry trains Tickets now on sale Train times, prices and availability are available from CrossCountry trains on <a href="http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk">www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk</a>  Train tickets to Reading are on sale now. Book your tickets from any station to Reading in advance at <a href="http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk">crosscountrytrains.co.uk</a> to get the best deal, plus there's no booking fee! Make the most of your weekend and save your cash for the beer tent. Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-07-29T00:00:00 56145190-873e-4d9e-8b1b-7374038a529b 1000000 Chinese Lanterns are banned Please don't bring them on site. We have taken the decision to ban chinese lanterns from Reading Festival. These will be confiscated if found during the search when you arrive. Please also note the following also won't be allowed into the festival at all: o Glass – no glass is allowed onsite for safety reasons o Gas canisters, Petrol cookers/burners [this includes nitrous oxide, or similar, capsules] o Aerosols over 250ml o Illegal substances o Lighter fuel o Portable Laser Equipment and Pens o Unauthorised Professional Film or Video Equipment o Audio Recorders o Air Horns o Spray Cans o Fireworks o Flares o Any item which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon (pen knives etc) All items will be confiscated. Then once in the campsite, you won't be allowed to bring the following into the arena: o Cans, alcohol, opened plastic bottles, drinks bottles. o Bottles of drink over 500ml in size. o Flags Only sealed plastic bottles of water 500ml or under and sealed cartons of juice will be permitted into the arena. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-07-26T00:00:00 cba20da7-a5b3-4cce-98c1-1396c77282d8 1000000 The Salvation Army Returning to Reading The Salvation Army are here at Reading Festival as usual – and they have been here every festival (except one) since it moved to Reading way back in 1971! Once again they will be offering their non-stop 24-hour service and are always ready to offer you any help that they can - free counselling, advice, problem sharing, blankets, sleeping bags and even clothes!  In addition, they offer tea, coffee, soup (with plain rolls) and a service with a large smile and a small price. The staff are all volunteers and all money raised goes to helping people in the UK and the 121 other countries where they work, where the demand for help from The Salvation Army is continually needed. Although primarily a church they are renowned throughout the world for their goodwill and aid to disadvantaged countries and people. At last year’s festival The Salvation Army and Festival Republic joined together to launch the FOOD DRIVE. This new venture was an amazing success thanks to you the fans. Last year we collected over a tonne of non perishable food. We are repeating the same process this year and we want to double what we achieved last year. So, any unwanted, non-perishable food in packets, bottles, tins or cartons can be placed in the donation bins at the Recycle Exchanges or at The Salvation Army marquee during the show and in the donation points on Monday. All the food donated will be collected by The Salvation Army and made into food parcels which will be distributed locally to needy families and individuals. Over the years, The Salvation Army have raised thousands of pounds for good causes thanks to the fans and their generosity each year. The Salvation Army marquee is close to its usual location on G4 road, near the Green camping area and between the river and the main area. Why not pay them a visit? <a href="http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf">www.readingcentral.org.uk</a> Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-07-26T00:00:00 6494ed81-f948-470c-9ec9-7b31ee774b7e 1000000 Reading Festival Capacity Increase Increase of 3,500 for 2010 Reading Borough Council have agreed that a further 3,500 tickets can be sold for Reading Festival 2010.  This takes the 2010 capacity to 82,000 public, plus 4,999 guests (86,999). This capacity increase was applied for and agreed as part of the 2009 premises licence variation for Reading Festival and is year 2 of a 3-year arrangement of a staggered increase of 10,000 in total.  In July 2009 Reading Borough Council agreed to increase capacity for the 2009 event by 3,500 with a further 3,500 tickets for the 2010 event and a further proposed increase of 3,000 in 2011.   Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic, said:  “Once again I would like to thank the council for its continued support of Reading Festival and for its help in ensuring Reading Festival maintains its pole position as the greatest rock festival in the world.  I am aware that there is a large waiting list via See Tickets and this will go some way to meet some of that demand albeit there are absolutely no early birds left.” Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:00:00 GMT 2010-07-23T11:00:00 31acdf5b-5fbf-4b0b-befb-ba0fa92309ec 1000000 The Alternative Stage Emo Philips, Jason Byrne, Stephen K.Amos, Kevin Bridges, Russell Kane and Rufus Hound With five stages full of the biggest artists in the world and the best music you can hear, the Reading and Leeds Festival provides something for everybody, but if you are looking for a break from the tunes fear not, as the ALTERNATIVE STAGE hosts the finest names in comedy, performance art, cabaret, film and plenty to keep you dancing after the main stages have closed for the night. The headliners of this stage are as ever, some of the funniest comedians in the world – EMO PHILIPS, JASON BYRNE, STEPHEN K AMOS, KEVIN BRIDGES, RUSSELL KANE and RUFUS HOUND are set to perform at both sites and each bring their inimitable and unique brand of humour.   They are joined by a mix of the best established and new names on the block including ROBIN INCE, POPCORN COMEDY, ABANDOMAN, MIDNIGHT BEAST, ADAM BLOOM, MATT KIRSCHEN, MC DAVE TWENTYMAN, GLENN WOOL, CHRISTIAN REILLY and CHARLIE BAKER. Between the laughs there will also be some amazing artists appearing including human beatbox supremo BEARDYMAN, the lyrical talents of rappers RINSE, WARIKO and AFRIKANBOY and indie superstar EDDIE ARGOS plus LAURA DOCKRILL, INSTIGATE DEBATE . Later in the day, the Alternative Stage shows films for those wanting to relax before the club action starts. Needless to say, this is where the ravers and rockers unite to dance until 2.30am with the coolest DJ’s, so save some energy till the wee hours.  SMASH N GRAB, SWAP-A-RAMA and DJ GOLDIEROCKS will all host nights to round off your festival. The BBC Introducing Stage is still to be announced, which will be the sixth and final stage.Tickets for this event are now sold out.   Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:00:00 GMT 2010-07-20T11:00:00 86f3ce22-8c6d-4378-acd0-4eb6c07ae554 1000000 Vodafone joins Reading The official communications partner Vodafone is proud to be the official communications partner of Reading Festival 2010. To say thank you, Vodafone is giving all its UK customers unrivalled access to some of Britain’s best summer festivals, along with other great events.  It’s called ‘Vodafone VIP’ and all you need to do is register at <a href="http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vip">www.vodafone.co.uk/vip</a> for access to tickets, unique ‘money can’t buy’ experiences and more.   So visit the website for more information and to join in now. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-23T00:00:00 57b2d461-0a1c-451b-8cf6-3daf6f067bbe 1000000 Work it! with ActionAid Wanted! Backstage reporter for Reading festival to spread the global hunger campaign message! As the UK festival season kicks off around the country, Bollocks to Poverty, the youth arm of anti-poverty charity ActionAid, is urging motivated young people to get involved in spreading the Bollocks to Poverty message backstage at the Reading Festival 2010.  Through the Work it! competition, one lucky winner can live the dream of being an intrepid backstage reporter interviewing bands like Guns n’ Roses, Arcade Fire, LCDSoundsystem and Klaxons. You'll also need to be passionate and articulate about spreading the anti-hunger word- because it will also be your job to get the musicians you interview on board with the campaign. The ideal candidate will be brimming with confidence and totally comfortable about approaching famous people. Applicants are invited to enter the competition by making a video of themselves – showing just how gutsy and up for it they are.  The winner will need to be available to be part of the Bollocks to Poverty team during the Reading Festival 2010 during August 27th, 28th, 29th. Find out more about the competition <a href="http://www.actionaid.org.uk/102462/work_it_competition.html">HERE</a>. Last year's winner Gavin met Dinosaur Pile Up's Matt Bigland at Reading Photograph by Aubrey Wade / ActionAid Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-22T00:00:00 ccd9741d-5461-48fc-bdd0-a665281fdc0b 1000000 Win with Macbeth Footwear Follow them @macbeth_uk Macbeth Footwear was co-founded by Tom DeLonge, best known for fronting Blink-182 who will be headlining the main stage of the Reading and Leeds Festival this year.  With rock music as his muse, DeLonge assembled a team of talented individuals to develop a range of shoes inspired by the music scene. Since 2002, Macbeth has been at the forefront of collaborative efforts with musicians and works with a family of artists well known to fans of Reading and Leeds. Bands such as Lostprophets, Bloc Party, Greenday, Kids In Glass Houses, You Me At Six, Bring Me The Horizon, Young Guns and Taking Back Sunday have all worked with Macbeth. In celebration of Blink 182's appearance at Reading and Leeds this year, Macbeth will be running a series of competitions with the festivals in the build up to the August Bank holiday weekend.  First up, Macbeth have a pair of shoes and t-shirt to give away to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is follow Macbeth on Twitter. Go to <a href="http://www.twitter.com/macbeth_uk">www.twitter.com/macbeth_uk</a>  and one lucky follower will be chosen at random before the end of the month. Good luck! Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-21T00:00:00 84a5eddb-1a27-4442-a8c7-d21088343e5f 1000000 Them Crooked Vultures announce Brixton O2 Academy gig Tickets on sale this Friday 18th June at 9am. Them Crooked Vultures aka Dave Grohl, Joshua Homme and John Paul Jones have announced the addition of a London date to their July festival run.  The new show, to be held July 5th at Brixton O2 Academy, has been organized to provide aid to TCV friend and Homme collaborator, Brian O’Connor. Brian O’Connor, best known as the bass player for the Eagles of Death Metal, has been diagnosed with cancer, and is without medical insurance.  Net Proceeds from the Brixton O2 Academy show will be contributed to a fund which has been established to assist with Brian’s medical aid. Tickets for the July 5th performance will be available beginning 9:00 am Friday, June 18th here <a href="http://www.gigsandtours.com/?a=them+crooked+vultures&site=themcrookedvultures">Click</a> <a href="http://www.gigsandtours.com/?a=them+crooked+vultures&site=themcrookedvultures">here to buy tickets</a>   The July 5th performance at Brixton expands an itinerary that includes appearances at Hove, Peace and Love, Roskilde and Werchter festivals. If you are unable to attend O2 Academy Brixton, but would still like to aid in Brian's treatment, please visit <a href="http://www.pablove.org">www.pablove.org</a>, reference “Brian” in the memo section of Paypal. Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-17T00:00:00 d8ba1393-977b-4e27-89fb-7187055313dc 1000000 10:10 Support 10:10 at Reading Festival Reading Festival is pleased to be working alongside with 10:10 to reduce the carbon footprint of Reading Festival by 10% through efficiency in onsite energy use, waste and water consumption.  By switching to cleaner sources of energy, we are able to reduce carbon emissions and still power the stages, speakers and refreshment stands that make Reading such a great festival. Our ongoing efforts to reduce landfill waste and ensure minimal impact on the environment include zero waste campaigning, reducing material use, comprehensive recycling, switching to biodegradable materials and composting them as well as collecting re-usable goods for charity.  Working alongside, Reading Festival, Julie’s Bicycle and 10:10 look forward to seeing you onsite and enjoying an amazing weekend, and receiving your pledge to support our efforts at <a href="http://www.1010uk.org">www.1010uk.org</a>. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-16T00:00:00 c87e044a-b9db-4d0c-b0b7-c289bf55a674 1000000 The Festival Republic stage is announced Marina & the Diamonds, Ash and British Sea Power The Festival Republic Stage is the place to see the headliners of tomorrow with the hottest up and coming names in music lined up for the Reading & Leeds Festival.   This is the place Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Muse first appeared and more recently Hot Chip, Florence + the Machine, Glasvegas, La Roux and Foals.  This really is the place for anybody looking to be the first to spot the next wave of important artists. Headliners for 2010 are the irrepressible MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS, Irish heroes ASH and the acclaimed BRITISH SEA POWER. On the NME/Radio 1 Stage Welsh trio THE JOY FORMIDABLE have been added to the line up after Miike Snow was sadly forced to pull out. Full details of all the new names are below. There are still lots more names to be announced including the full line up for the BBC Introducing Stage and the Alternative Stage.  More news will follow soon.  The READING & LEEDS FESTIVAL is held on 27th – 29th August 2010 at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds.  Tickets for this event are now sold out. Friday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 29th August at Leeds Festival MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS <a href="http://www.marinaandthediamonds.com/">www.marinaandthediamonds.com</a>  THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thesunshineunderground">www.myspace.com/thesunshineunderground</a>        BLOOD RED SHOES <a href="http://www.bloodredshoes.co.uk/">www.bloodredshoes.co.uk</a>  ADAM GREEN  <a href="http://www.adamgreen.net/">www.adamgreen.net</a> Warpaint   <a href="http://www.warpaintwarpaint.com/">www.warpaintwarpaint.com</a>             Avi Buffalo  <a href="http://www.avibuffalomusic.com/music">www.avibuffalomusic.com/music</a>  Egyptian Hip Hop <a href="http://www.myspace.com/egyptianhiphop">www.myspace.com/egyptianhiphop</a> Pulled Apart By Horses   <a href="http://www.myspace.com/pulledapartbyhorses">www.myspace.com/pulledapartbyhorses</a>  Summer Camp  <a href="http://www.myspace.com/summercampmusic">www.myspace.com/summercampmusic</a>  Funeral Party <a href="http://www.myspace.com/funeralparty">www.myspace.com/funeralparty</a>  Harlem <a href="http://www.myspace.com/harlemduh">www.myspace.com/harlemduh</a>  The Cheek   <a href="http://www.myspace.com/wearethecheek">www.myspace.com/wearethecheek</a>  Gaggle     <a href="http://www.myspace.com/gagglespace">www.myspace.com/gagglespace</a>       Saturday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 27th August at Leeds Festival ASH  <a href="http://www.ash-official.com/">www.ash-official.com</a> ATARI TEENAGE RIOT  <a href="http://www.myspace.com/atr922000">www.myspace.com/atr922000</a>  THE BLACK ANGELS   <a href="http://www.theblackangels.com/">www.theblackangels.com</a> Fight Like Apes <a href="http://www.fightlikeapesmusic.com/">www.fightlikeapesmusic.com</a>  Giggs <a href="http://www.myspace.com/trapstargiggs">www.myspace.com/trapstargiggs</a>  Darwin Deez <a href="http://www.darwindeez.com/">www.darwindeez.com</a>  Chapel Club <a href="http://www.chapelclub.com/">www.chapelclub.com</a>  Villagers <a href="http://www.myspace.com/villagers">www.myspace.com/villagers</a>  Alberta Cross  <a href="http://www.albertacross.net/">www.albertacross.net</a>  I Blame Coco <a href="http://www.iblamecoco.co.uk/">www.iblamecoco.co.uk</a> Freelance Whales  <a href="http://www.myspace.com/freelancewhales">www.myspace.com/freelancewhales</a>  Chief  <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chieftheband">www.myspace.com/chieftheband</a>  Yuck <a href="http://www.myspace.com/yuckband">www.myspace.com/yuckband</a>  The Crookes <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thecrookesmusic">www.myspace.com/thecrookesmusic</a>  Sunday 29th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 28th August at Leeds Festival  BRITISH SEA POWER <a href="http://www.britishseapower.co.uk/">www.britishseapower.co.uk</a>  CARIBOU <a href="http://www.caribou.fm/">www.caribou.fm</a>  ONE NIGHT ONLY  <a href="http://www.onenightonlyonline.com/">www.onenightonlyonline.com</a>  Minus The Bear  <a href="http://www.minusthebear.com/">www.minusthebear.com</a>  Tame Impala <a href="http://www.tameimpala.com/">www.tameimpala.com</a>  The Like <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thelike">www.myspace.com/thelike</a>  Free Energy <a href="http://www.freeenergymusic.com/">www.freeenergymusic.com</a>  Fools Gold <a href="http://www.myspace.com/foolsgold">www.myspace.com/foolsgold</a>  General Fiasco <a href="http://www.generalfiasco.co.uk/">www.generalfiasco.co.uk</a>  Sound of Guns <a href="http://www.myspace.com/soundofguns">www.myspace.com/soundofguns</a> Foxy Shazam <a href="http://www.myspace.com/foxyshazam">www.myspace.com/foxyshazam</a>  Goldhawks <a href="http://www.goldhawks.co.uk/">www.goldhawks.co.uk</a>  Kassidy <a href="http://www.kassidymusic.com/">www.kassidymusic.com</a> Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-15T00:00:00 2531096e-60ff-4490-8200-4723e4ce7469 1000000 Lostprophets announce new London date Wednesday 25th August at the 02 Shepherds Bush Empire Festival Republic present LOSTPROPHETS + Attack! Attack! + Foxy Shazam Just before they take to the Main Stage at the Reading and Leeds Festival, Welsh rockers Lostprophets will play a show in London as they get ready to play the greatest rock festival this August Bank holiday weekend. The Pontypridd boys gave Reading and Leeds the first preview of their fourth album ‘The Betrayed’ last year when they made a special appearance headlining the NME/Radio 1 tent.   The shows at both sites were legendary with crowds packed in for exhilarating performances. The record went top three on release and now everybody will have heard the hits ‘It’s Not the End of The World’, ‘Where We Belong’ and ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Felon’ to sing along to alongside their enviable back catalogue of festival favourites. Click <a href="http://www.seetickets.com/?c=479339">HERE</a> to buy tickets. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT 2010-06-08T09:00:00 4e3301af-37a7-48e0-b236-e6b873e11baa 1000000 Merchandise sale Up to 50% off - tshirts, hoodies, programmes... We're having a sale - up to 50% off. Remember the good times with a Reading tshirt, a hoodie, a programme or a tote bag!  Last few items left... <a href="http://readingandleedsfestival.firebrandlive.com">GO HERE</a> Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-07T00:00:00 8e28d7e2-734a-4570-a150-7001e3f12d5a 1000000 ActionAid tent announces DJ line-up Returning to Reading with their infamous tent. ActionAid will be returning to Reading festival with their infamous tent just outside the main arena. With comfy seating, giant games and table football by day and feel good DJs until 3am, the friendly crew will keep you smiling all weekend. This year Club de Fromage are back after a rapturous reception in 2009, serving up top quality cheese that takes you back to the glory days of rock.  And brand new for 2010, Buttoned Down Disco will be sharing the stage bringing you eclectic indie and mash ups beyond your wildest dreams. This year ActionAid are asking you to say Bollocks to Poverty by putting hunger back in the headlines. It’s outrageous that one billion people are hungry and politicians could end it if they put their minds to it, so the Reading crowd can help out by making hunger front page news. You and your mates will be able to put yourself on the cover of specially created magazine NMH by posing with hunger-busting headlines. Dress up, strike a rock star pose, and say bollocks to poverty by demanding a HungerFREE world. Photo: Aubrey Wade/ActionAid Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-06-03T00:00:00 c2e7e655-48dd-4b00-b6f5-67f40b32aaf7 1000000 Yet more great bands added plus the Dance Stage The King Blues, Kids In Glass Houses, Miike Snow, Hadouken!, Roots Manuva and Magnetic Man.... Even more names have joined the already incredible line-up. The King Blues are the final name to be added to The Main Stage. Kids In Glass Houses, Hadouken!, 3OH!3, Band Of Skulls, Everything Everything, Rolo Tomassi have joined the Saturday line-up on the NME/Radio 1 Stage along with Miike Snow, Los Campesinos!, Local Natives and Goldheart Assembly who all play on Sunday. The Dance Stage has also been unveiled for Sunday and will host Roots Manuva, Magnetic Man, Metronomy, Four Tet, Chiddy Bang, Holy Fuck, Health, Lights, Rusko (DJ) , Sub Focus (DJ) There are still lots more names to be announced including the full line-up for the Festival Republic Stage, BBC Introducing Stage and The Alternative Stage.  More announcements will follow soon.... Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 25 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-05-25T10:00:00 0b98056b-f113-4258-bfb0-189195dc5d89 1000000 The Lock Up Stage is announced Alkaline Trio, Bad Religion, Sick Of It All, The Get Up Kids and more... One of the most popular stages at the festival, The Lock Up Stage bill has finally been revealed. Headlined by Alkaline Trio and Bad Religion, there are plenty of old and new faces for fans. Friday 27th August Alkaline Trio, Sick Of It All, Against Me!, Hatebreed, Streetlight Manifesto, Strike Anywhere, This Is Hell, Static Thought, Civet, The Skints, Crazy Arm and Blood Or Whiskey. Saturday 28th August Bad Religion, The Get Up Kids, Cancer Bats, Zebrahead,  Trash Talk, The Rats, Paint It Black, Off With Their Heads, Random Hand and Moral Dilemma. The Lock-Up Stage returns to the twin sites for another two days that are sure to see huge crowds from start to finish.  A well loved permanent fixture of Reading and Leeds, The Lock-Up Stage always delivers a host of top names in their genres year on year and this time is no exception with two classic headliners at the front of a bill that is a run down of the best punk, hardcore, ska and rock ‘n’ roll names you could hope to see. “The highlight of my year is always Reading and Leeds. It's the perfect way to end the summer. To be able to be a part of it and have a stage there still blows my mind. We've worked long and we've worked hard to come up with a bill that everyone will enjoy and I think we've done a great job. If you're a fan of punk rock, hardcore, ska and rock'n'roll then you're going to want to get to the tent early and be prepared to spend the whole day/night there. That's how good a line-up it is.” MIKE DAVIES, THE LOCK-UP, RADIO 1 Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 25 May 2010 01:30:00 GMT 2010-05-25T02:30:00 43f72abe-1f65-42a7-9c66-2430fba90848 1000000 Tangerine Fields Imagine not lugging tents and camping gear around for hours Leave your tent at home with this boutique camping option The camper’s dream that is Tangerine Fields returns to Reading Festival. So leave your camping gear at home and start the party early. Book a ready-pitched and fully equipped tent. Choose from 2, 4 and 6 man tents and all the kit you need to camp – from sleeping bags to head torches. And for that added bit of luxury and piece of mind, we have our own toilets and showers in a secure area with 24 hour stewarding. Visit <a href="http://www.tangerinefields.co.uk/">www.tangerinefields.co.uk</a> for more information and bookings. Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-05-14T00:00:00 b50e9f1b-0309-4a07-a08c-734e83be1068 1000000 Podpads at Reading Eco-friendly, the ‘podpads’’ are solar-powered by the fabulous iconic sunflower solar panels. Set up in a bespoke village area (with security and private facilities/services) the ‘podpads’ offer that touch of luxury and style whilst at the same time taking away all the hassles of carrying, erecting and breaking down your camp when you’re there. It is the future of alternative accommodation for the discerning Festival-goerYour own little hobbit-house built from weatherproof plywood all ready and furnished for your arrival. Your 'podpad' is situated in a secure area with 24hr stewards. Your ‘podpad’ comes decorated and with a solid floor, fitted carpet, shelving, interior strip-light and additional 12v power socket, a vanity mirror and a lock on the front door. Single, double or twin beds (with airbeds) are standard for increased comfort, so creating useful storage space underneath. Three sliding tinted windows with curtains provide for ventilation and light, allowing you to look out whilst restricting vision in. ‘Podpads’ are weatherproof, relatively soundproof, secure, safe and cosy. For more info and booking online, visit <a href="http://www.podpads.com">www.podpads.com</a> [This accommodation package does not include a weekend camping ticket - one of which must have been previously bought by each occupant of the Podpad] Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-05-12T00:00:00 e915dd32-cf6a-4779-b6d7-672fbe6d47b8 1000000 Festival fashion with tent fabric Withintent have made items of clothing and accessories out of tent fabric. From all of the tents that were left at Reading 2009, Withintent have found a very clever way of making new things out of the fabric. The tent fabric found a new life as Withintent products such as clothing and bags. Kate Benton and her friends joined the salvage at Reading 2009 to collect broken tents and have used the fabrics of those tents as materials for new, funky printed, showerproof products to wear and use, ideally at festivals! The first Withintent stall will take place on Friday 30th April 2010 at Spitalfields Market, London. Come and see the new recycling innovation and get yourself unique and clever goods to wear at upcoming festivals this summer. Learn more about the brand: <a href="http://www.withintent.co.uk">www.withintent.co.uk</a>   Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-04-26T00:00:00 87b4ad7a-a10d-4621-a9f0-a73106788f06 1000000 Festival Republic presents The Walkmen special guests Avi Buffalo Tickets on sale Monday 26th April at 9am Wednesday 25th August 2010 ~ doors 7pm ~ £12 in advance plus booking fees ~ O2 Academy, Islington, London The Walkmen have an excellent pedigree and a well earned reputation for being one of the most exciting bands on the circuit.  Their debut album ‘Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone’ was lauded by the critics and the band are currently holed up in a New York recording studio working on album number four. In preparation for their performances on the Main Stage at Reading & Leeds, this show is not to be missed. <a href="http://www.seetickets.com/see/event.asp?e%7Cartist=THE+WALKMEN&n|artist=null&resultsperpage=20&filler1=see&filler2=art-srch&orderby=date,time">Tickets are now on sale</a> Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-04-19T00:00:00 1b753c71-c7d5-4bdb-ae7d-dda55a1c0710 1000000 Urgent Scam Website Warning If you bought from Worldwideticketstore.com and JustTheTicket.uk.com please read this info We have just been notified that two of the websites we have issued warning about on our unauthorised outlet list have disappeared from the internet. Worldwideticketstore.com and Justtheticket.uk.com were offering Reading & Leeds Tickets for sale but were not allocated tickets by Festival Republic and were not authorised to sell tickets on our behalf. We would urge anyone who used these sites to contact their credit card issuer immediately and to also report the matter to their Local Trading Standards office and the Police. If you have used this site and been told to collect tickets on site please DO NOT TURN UP AT THE EVENT. There are no on site collection points at either event and no tickets are held on behalf of either of the above companies for collection. For further advise please visit Consumer Direct at <a href="http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/">http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/</a> Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-04-16T00:00:00 41d4364a-556d-4698-9ffa-4c776f2d1f90 1000000 More great bands join the line up The world famous Reading Festival enters a new decade with the biggest names in music set to play Joining our headliners, GUNS N’ ROSES, ARCADE FIRE and BLINK-182 on the Main Stage are some of the hottest names around which will excite all music fans.   A DAY TO REMEMBER, MYSTERY JETS, THRICE, YOUNG GUNS, THE FUTUREHEADS, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK and THE WALKMEN will all join the best festival bill of the summer.   At the NME/Radio 1 Stage GIRLS, SERJ TANKIAN, NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB, SURFER BLOOD, WILD BEASTS and FRANKIE & THE HEARTSTRINGS will all appear over the weekend. Tickets for this event are now sold out. There are still lots more names to be announced as well as the full line up for the Lock-Up Stage, Dance Stage, Festival Republic Stage, BBC Introducing Stage and the Alternative Stage.   More announcements will follow soon. Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT 2010-04-13T12:00:00 d0496ee8-3256-4f7b-942e-83cd83840396 1000000 Watch out for scams Do not give away any personal details. There are a number of fake websites claiming to have free tickets as part of a giveaway / competition - this is just a scam to collect your personal data.  Please do not be fooled and DO NOT click on any of their links or give away any personal data. We are not in any way affiliated with them. Please let everyone know that these sites are completely fake and do not have free tickets. <a href="http://readingfestival.co.uk/news/?aid=bc0d4ed7-a041-4b52-8862-b35e85f2fa03">Click here for more information and for a list of fake sites we are aware of.</a> Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-04-13T00:00:00 5056e4a4-ae32-482d-9bc2-297cd5abdd1b 1000000 CAMPERVANS AND CARAVANS Permits cost £20 in advance. Campervan and caravan tickets cost £20 in advance and £30 on the gate.  <a href="http://www.seetickets.com/readingandleeds">Please click here to buy your campervan and caravan ticket.</a> You will need to purchase your full weekend ticket first. Every occupant of the campervan or caravan must be in possession of a valid weekend ticket with camping. This is simply a supplementary ticket sold per vehicle. If you intend to sleep in your campervan or caravan, you need to pre purchase a campervan supplement permit assuring you of a place in the campervan site. No vehicles are permitted in the standard campsite and you will not be permitted to sleep in the car park. <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/e/o/g/CC T&Cs READING FESTIVAL 2010.pdf">Click here to read T&Cs and ensure your vehicle complies</a> FOR GUESTS & DISABLED CUSTOMERS All caravans / campervans require a pass which you will need to purchase from us in advance. Please email <a href="mailto:guestcampervans@festivalrepublic.com?subject=Leeds%20Guest%20Campervan%2FCaravan%20Permit%20Request&body=Name%3A%0D%0AAddress%3A%0D%0ACampervan%20Registration%3A">guestcampervans@festivalrepublic.com</a>   <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/e/o/g/GUEST C&C T&Cs READING FESTIVAL 2010.pdf">Click here for Campervan & Caravan Terms and Conditions</a> Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2010-03-31T00:00:00 fb88c438-af56-4523-b132-0dac6b55b35f 1000000 VIAGOGO - Official fan-to-fan ticket resale We have formed a partnership with viagogo making viagogo the official ticket resale partner of Reading Festival. Festival Republic has formed a partnership with viagogo making viagogo the official ticket resale partner of Reading Festival. Once the festivals are sold out, viagogo will be the only official place for fans to buy <a href="http://www.viagogo.co.uk/Concert-Tickets/Festivals/Reading-Festival-Tickets">Reading</a> tickets <a href="http://www.viagogo.co.uk/Concert-Tickets/Festivals/Reading-Festival-Tickets">Buy Reading Tickets here </a>Why buy from viagogo?  - viagogo is the ONLY OFFICIAL ticket resale partner of Reading Festival. - viagogo allows customers to buy and sell tickets in a secure way and GUARANTEES customers who buy, will get their tickets, and customers who sell, will get paid. - Customers should not buy from unauthorised agents or other ticket exchanges as they risk being defrauded and not getting their tickets. <a href="http://www.viagogo.co.uk/Concert-Tickets/Festivals/Reading-Festival-Tickets">Get your Reading 2010 tickets now</a> If you were unlucky getting tickets for Reading Festival, try our official fan-to-fan ticket resale partner <a href="http://www.viagogo.co.uk">viagogo</a>.  Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-03-30T10:00:00 0f1279ba-c696-492b-8b2e-29d525809956 1000000 It's what you've been waiting for Three amazing headliners...and so much more. The world famous Reading Festival enters a new decade with the biggest names in music set to play.  From across the Atlantic we welcome our three headliners on the main stage all playing exclusive UK festival appearances.   Arguably the biggest rock band of its generation GUNS N’ ROSES kick off proceedings in Reading and close the show in Leeds, the adored and acclaimed ARCADE FIRE make their eagerly awaited headline debut at the festival and the feverishly anticipated return of BLINK-182 will excite all rock fans. Other incredible names appearing on the main stage over the weekend include special guests THE LIBERTINES who reunite for their only two shows anywhere in the world, Also featured are the hottest new rock stars on the planet PARAMORE and kings of cool QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. The full line up is enhanced with some of the biggest and best names in rock and alternative music: Main Stage on Friday: Guns N'Roses, Queens of the Stones Age, Biffy Clyro, Lostprophets, NOFX, Gogol Bordello, Billy Talent. NME/Radio1 Stage on Friday: LCD Soundsystem, Phoenix, Mumford & Sons, Delphic, Yeasayer, The Big Pink, Two Door Cinema Club. Main Stage on Saturday: Arcade Fire, The Libertines, Dizzee Rascal, The Cribs, The Maccabees, Modest Mouse, The Gaslight Anthem. NME/Radio1 Stage on Saturday: Pendulum, Enter Shikari, Crystal Castles, Frank Turner. Main Stage on Sunday: Blink-182, Paramore, Weezer, Cypress Hill, Limp Bizkit, You Me At Six, All Time Low NME/Radio1 Stage on Sunday: Klaxons, We Are Scientists, Foals, Band Of Horses, Kele, The Drums Plus many, many more acts to be announced on all days across seven stages. Weekend tickets have sold out, day tickets and coach packages (travel and weekend ticket) are still available. Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT 2010-03-29T19:30:00 0de06b3f-a9ff-457b-8ee6-7eefb30510b5 1000000 NO GAS CANISTERS AND AEROSOLS OVER 250ML We recommend GreenHeat cookers We suggest that if you want to cook outside your tent that you bring disposable bbq’s only.   Anyone seen with canisters or cylinders will be ejected from site.  Please help up with this, plan ahead and have a great camping experience. The caravan and campervan ticket holders in the campervan field only will be permitted to bring in fitted gas containers up to the limit of 7kg. In addition to our new gas canister and cylinder policy above we will also not be permitting aerosols over 250ml in size onto site. This is for the same reasons as above and please also help us with this and keep the campsites a safer place. NOT ALLOWED: GAS CANISTERS (any size) PETROL BURNER ANY FORM OF AEROSOL OVER 250ml ALLOWED: GREENHEAT Base Camp Cooker SOLID FUEL STOVES DISPOSABLE BARBEQUES FIRELIGHTERS / FIRELIGHTER STOVES METHYLATED / “TRANGIA” SPIRIT STOVES We recommend the GreenHeat base camp cookers and fuels: <img alt="" width="189" height="185" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/f/d/c/Image/greenheat.jpg" /> Buy from camping shops or online, including here -  <a href="http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/greenheat-backpacker-stove/HEROAGBAGH04">http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/greenheat-backpacker-stove/HEROAGBAGH04</a> Jennifer Roberts General Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-27T00:00:00 ea9eed05-e763-4cdc-9c94-b9626422bc81 1000000 Where to buy tickets Get tickets for the only place to be and be seen this summer Tickets for Reading Festival 2010 will go on sale at 18:45 on Monday 29th March, with the all-important first line up announcement from 7pm. Weekend tickets (which include camping) will cost £180 plus booking fees. Day tickets will cost £75 each plus booking fees Lockers cost £14.50 plus booking fees, Campervan & Caravan permits cost £20 plus booking fees Early entry passes cost £15 plus booking fees. Online from 6.45pm Monday 29th March You can buy from our online outlets whereby an online transaction booking fee will be charged. Different agents will charge different fees, please check them before you buy. Maximum of 4 tickets per household. SEEtickets.com HMV.com Ticketmaster.co.uk NME.com HMV.com Ticketline.co.uk Gigantic.com Stargreen.com Ticketqueen.com Lastminute.com NationalExpress.co.uk VoyagenBus.com (France) In person from 7am Tuesday 30th March Selected HMV stores: Reading Oracle (weekend and day tickets available) Southampton (weekend tickets only) Alternatively, tickets will be available from The Hexagon, Reading at 7am Tuesday 30th March at face value for cash (maximum of 2 tickets per person). Credit cards will incur a booking charge. Do not get scammed.  Beware! LEEDS-FESTIVAL.NET and  READINGFESTIVALONLINE.NET are NOT authorised agents and do NOT have any connection to the Reading & Leeds Festivals. They have NOT been issued with tickets - please do not buy from them. Only the websites listed above are authorised. If any of the unauthorised sites are claiming to sell tickets, they are not an official agent and have not received tickets legitimately from us. For information on how to protect yourself from fake ticket websites, please go <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/p/w/y/Authorised Ticket Agents(1).pdf">HERE</a> Reading Festival will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 27th, 28th, and 29th August. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-26T00:00:00 8de81629-6a70-4df6-90c8-911dfaad1f92 1000000 Beware of Touts Tickets issued by Seatmaster.co.uk and Festivalticketstore.com are not authorised. The list of websites below are not authorised agent of Reading or Leeds Festivals and have no connection to the events.  There are a number of others out there that sell fake tickets or sell tickets that don't even exist and you'll only find out when it's too late. There are also others claiming to have free tickets as part of a giveaway / competition - this is just a scam to collect your personal data. Please be aware and DO NOT click on any of their links or give away any personal data. We are not in any way affiliated with them. SafeConcerts.com is an independent website and has no commercial connection with Festival Republic. For a totally independent check on ticket agents please check on the Safe Concert’s Ticket safe section.It contains a list of independently and impartially researched primary and secondary ticket agents and customer reviews. <a href="http://www.safeconcerts.com/tickets/">www.safeconcerts.com/tickets/</a> You can also read the information below on what to do if you have attempted to buy a ticket from them. Beware of unauthorised ticket agencies including eBay, buying from them can be a lot of trouble - You are likely to pay over the odds for a ticket that will have never existed or might never materialise. If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft please click on the link below for further advice. <a href="http://www.cifas.org.uk/default.asp?edit_id=552-56#Advice_for_Victims">www.cifas.org.uk/default.asp?edit_id=552-56#Advice_for_Victims</a> BELOW ARE LISTED MANY OF THE WEBSITES THAT WE KNOW HAVE NOT BEEN SUPPLIED WITH TICKETS BY US, FESTIVAL REPUBLIC: www,facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Reading-Festival-Ticket-Giveaway-Limited-Offer/117857968229072?v=app_4949752878&ref=search wwwfestivalgiveaways.com/reading/ Leeds-festival.net, Readingfestivalonline.net 1st4londontheatre.co.uk, anyticket.com, anyworldwideevent.com, bakerageLTD, bookfestivalsonline, bookmetickets.com, britevents.com, britishconcerts.com, clickfortickets.co.uk, clickitticket.com, coasttocoasttickets.com, contactmusic.com, cosmictickets.com, craigslist.org, double8tickets.com, Ebay.co.uk, Ebay.com, euroteam.net, euroticketfinder.co.uk, euticketshop.com, everysell.com, exciteticket.com, festivalnews.co.uk, Festivalticketstore.com, festivalz.org, frontrowtickets.com, Getmein.com, getmetickets.com, getmetickets.net, getmetickets.org, gigsport.com, goldstarttickets.co.uk, goodtimeentertainments.co.uk, gotickets.com, gumtree.com, hertsboxoffice.co.uk, independentticketexchange, justtheticket.co.uk, justtheticket.uk.com, lastsecondtickets.co.uk, leeds-festival.com, leedsfestival.net, leeds-festival.net, leedsfestival2009.com, leeds-festival-2010.com, leedsfestivaltickets2010.com, londonnet.co.uk, londonticketbrokers.co.uk, londonticketexchange.com, londonticketmarket.com, londonticketsexpress.com, londonticketshop.co.uk, londonticketshop.com, luckyseventickets.com, lunatickets.com, mostwantedtickets.co.uk, no1eventsltd.co.uk, no1soldoutevents.com, Offthewalltickets.com, onlineseats.com, onlineticketexchange.com, onlineticketexpress.com, onlineticketexpress.net, onlinetravelshops.co.uk, paperticket.co.uk, play.com, premierevents.co.uk, premier-ticket.co.uk, reading-festival.com, readingfestival.net, reading-festival.net, reading-festival.net, readingfestival.org, readingfestival2009.com, reading-festival-2010.com, readingfestivalonline.co.uk, readingfestivalonline.com, readingfestivaltickets.co.uk, readingfestivaltickets2010.com, readingfesty.org, readingleeds.co.uk, reading-leedsfestival.com, redcircletickets.com, seatexchange.co.uk, seatmaster.co.uk, seatwave.com, showtimetickets.co.uk, skiddle.com, sohotickets.com, soldoutentertainments.com, soldoutevents.co.uk, soldouteventtickets.com, soldoutticketmarket.com, songkick.com, SOSmasterticket.com, SOSticketmaster.co.uk, sostickets.com, splendidtickets.com, sportscityevents.com, stagediveonline.com, stereoboard.com, stubhub.com, stubhub.com, stubpass.com, summerfestivaltickets.com, summerfestivetickets.com, superticketshop.com, ThelondonTicketshop.co.uk, theonlineticketshop.com, therealticketcompany.co.uk, Theticketsite.co.uk , threechings.com, tickco.com, ticket2bethere.co.uk, ticket2ride.net, ticket4-you.com, ticketbande.co.uk, ticketeasy.uk.com,  ticketgallery.co.uk, tickethold.com, ticketliquidator.com, Ticketlister.com, ticketloot.com, ticketluck.com, ticketnest.net, ticketnetwork.com, ticketnova.com, tickets.telegraph.co.uk, tickets4readingfestival.com, ticketsinventory.com, TicketsMarket.co.uk, ticketsnow.com, ticketsocial.com, ticketsolutions.co.uk, ticketsolutionsltd.com, tickets-scotland.com, ticketssoldout.co.uk, ticketssoldout.net, ticketstub.com, ticketsukltd.com, tickettout.com, tickettriangle.com, TicketUK.com, Ticketwiz, tickex.com, tix2event.com, TixDaq.com, Tix-On-Sale.com, totaltickets.co.uk, trustedtickets.com, ukticketfactory.com, vipblocktickets.com, vividseats.com, warnfestivals.co.uk, welovefestivals.com, westminsterevents.com, worldticketshop.com, worldwideticketing.com, worldwidetickets.com, worldwideticketstore.com, xclusiveticket.com, yourticketmarket.com, ztickets.com ...and these are just the ones we know about. There are many more, and new ones popping up every day. Please read the Authorised list below to be sure just who has genuine tickets. Please let us know if you see any others. If you would like confirmation that a website is real or not, you can call our Information Line on 020 7009 3001. <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/p/w/y/Authorised Ticket Agents(1).pdf">Info on Authorised agents</a> <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/m/f/k/Unauthorised Ticket Agents(1).pdf">List of Unauthorised touts</a> <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/m/f/k/Unauthorised Ticket Agents and Ticket Touting Info.pdf">Info on Ticket Touting</a> <a href="http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/consumer_protection/ticketagentquestions.pdf">More tout info from Office of Fair Trading - please read</a>                                      ~ . ~ We are currently looking into companies selling 'touted' tickets and we are doing what we can to stop fraudulent activity. FURTHER INFORMATION & CONTACTS: If you feel a victim of these companies we suggest a number of actions: 1.Call the police; if your money has been taken and no product delivered, this is theft. 2.Report the company to the Trading Standards 3.Contact the BBC's watchdog programme 4.Contact the websites' Internet Service Providers as they have obligations to ensure they are not publishing fraudulent and illegal activity. HELPFUL LINKS: <a href="http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/Commonscams/ticketscams">CONSUMER DIRECT WEBSITE</a> <a href="http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/before_you_buy/thinking_about/whosellstickets/">Who Sells Tickets</a> <a href="http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/Commonscams/ticketscams/index/">Scam Ticket site example</a> <a href="http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/scams/OFT_-_Last_Thing_-_40_Radio1.mp3">Consumer Direct Radio Ad</a> <a href="http://www.oft.gov.uk/news/campaigns/scams/just-tick-it">OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING WEBSITE: Just Tick It campaign</a> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/">Watchdog </a> Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-25T00:00:00 bc0d4ed7-a041-4b52-8862-b35e85f2fa03 1000000 Myhabs Boutique camping with Myhab The funky and new innovation for luxury camping at festivals is back for 2010.  They are made from recycled plastic and waterproof cardboard with plenty of space to kick back and relax... YOU BOOK. WE SETUP. YOU USE. WE RECYCLE. Why are they so good? - Your myhab will be set up waiting for you Toilets and Showers in the area  - Comes with king size foam bedding Built in locker for your valuables. - Raised off the ground; no damp nights - Two way access; great ventilation All this for only £250 inc vat , that’s only £125 each split between two. Please ensure you have full weekend festival tickets before booking. Click <a href="http://www.myhab.com">here</a> to book your myhab Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-25T00:00:00 cbb9ee21-9d56-4d41-b79b-c9b289dcc918 1000000 Ejection Policy Those evicted will not be readmitted to the event and tickets will not be refunded. We have two ejection tents on site and a formal ejection policy for festival goers that are seen displaying, or inciting, inappropriate, offensive or illegal activity.   Those evicted will not be readmitted to the event and tickets will not be refunded.  Unacceptable behaviour that can lead to eviction includes -   • Illegal activity • Offensive behaviour • Throwing hard objects in the direction of people • Encouraging others to behave badly by incitement • Preventing our security or emergency services reacting to a situation • taking tents with the intent of burning them • building large bonfires • any fire in the campsites after 8pm on Sunday night    Security staff will take the ejectee to one of the ejection tents, where they will give our independent staff based in the tent their report.  The evictee will then have their photo and personal details taken.  They will be given the opportunity to make a statement, before any decision on their eviction is made.  Our staff will then assess the situation and decide whether to issue a warning and let them back in, or whether to take their wristband and get security to eject them from the event, or pass them to the police if appropriate.  If they are ejected from our site they will then have to make their own way home, and they will not be permitted back into the event. We will be recording any such behaviour for evidential purpose using CCTV cameras around site and other recording devices.    Your coming to site will be deemed as your acceptance of this and the footage will be given to the police for court purposes. Shane Freer General Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-25T00:00:00 0989def5-15b3-448b-b19d-db61f116a446 1000000 The Green Tent Company Environmentally and festival friendly Here at ReadingFestival we are very excited to announce the arrival of THE GREEN TENT COMPANY. Each year we are faced with the mammoth task of cleaning up the fields which are usually strewn with huge amounts of used camping equipment including TENTS, SLEEPING BAGS and CAMPING MATS.  Until now we have only been able to work with charities in the main to collect good equipment and a vast majority of the remainder end up going straight to LANDFILL because a traditional tent is made up of many different components such as FIBRE GLASS POLES, NYLON ZIPS and METAL PEGS which makes them un-economical to separate for recycling. We are working closely with THE GREEN TENT COMPANY who are the first company in the world to design a stylish, competitively priced tent range made solely from ONE PRODUCT and incorporating a new peg system which prevents them from being left in the ground all with one focus of being environmentally and festival friendly.  Their ground breaking range starts with a 2 man dome tent and is topped by a deluxe 6 man, 3 bedroom version which is tall enough to stand up in.They have even manufactured their SLEEPING BAGS and CAMPING MATS from the same single product making them more festival friendly.  So if you’re going to be purchasing a new tent for this year’s Reading festival please visit <a href="http://www.thegreententcompany.co.uk/festivalchoose.asp?mychosenfestival=5">www.thegreententcompany.co.uk</a> and help us to reduce our carbon footprint, thus SAVING THE PLANET. The collection point will be in Piccadilly Circus. <a href="http://www.thegreententcompany.co.uk/webpage.asp?menuitemcode=123&main=yes&mainmenu=Main+Products+"> Click here for more information and to buy a Green Tent</a> Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-24T00:00:00 54c9b7e4-0d91-4cc5-b15a-b2d291b1b79d 1000000 Changes for 2010 Please read the changes at Reading this year. In addition to the changes made last year, the following changes will be made: - Crowd Surfing. The policy was revised last year and remains the same for this year - if you come over for fun, you will be put back onto road G4 and made to walk back down to the arena entrance to come back into the arena that way, the long way.  - NO aerosols (over 250ml) or gas canisters. We suggest that if you want to cook outside your tent that you bring disposable bbq’s, trangias or solid fuel stoves.  Disposable barbecues are also available at the nearby supermarkets.  Anyone seen with canisters or cylinders will be ejected from site.   - Small clean, campfires only are allowed in the campsites - below knee height and less than one pace wide. They will be monitored and extinguished if otherwise. A new policy this year means that all campfires will be extinguished after 8pm on Sunday. There will be a firewood trader onsite to buy clean wood for your small campfires - clean firewood will be on sale until 6pm Sunday evening. - Sunday Pass-out System: There will be no re-entry to the festival after 8pm if you didn't get a pass-out on your way out of the festival. - Alcohol limit on Sunday: On Sunday, the amount of alcohol you will be allowed to bring into the campsite will be a maximum of two cases per person until 8pm, and then after 8pm, alcohol will not be allowed through the entrance gates at all. - There will be an increase in Police and Security in the campsites. There will be an onsite Police Station at Piccadilly Circus open from Wednesday. The Information Tent will be located at road G4 and a second one will be in the arena in between the Alternative and Festival Republic stages. - The trial last year for the Over 18's wristband was very successful and although optional, it allows those that look young to not have to carry ID around all the time. - Confiscation policy has extended to aerosols (over 250ml) and gas canisters. There are new confiscation policies, go <a href="http://readingfestival.com/info/index.aspx?id=400">HERE</a> to find out more. - The Information Tent will be located at road G4 and a second one will be in the arena in between the Alternative and Festival Republic stages. NOT CHANGES, JUST REMINDERS: NO BOX OFFICE ON SITE There will be no tickest on sale at Reading this year. Any overseas customers with pre-booked tickets to collect from one of our authorised agents will be contacted by their point of purchase to advise ont he collection location and opening hours. AGE RESTRICTIONS Please note that we do not admit unaccompanied under 16.  Any under 16s must be accompanied by a ticket holder over 18 years old. Under 13 (12 and under) are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult. YOUNG CHILDREN We would suggest that this event is not suitable for young children.  There are no facilities on site for them, nor any family camping area.  Large crowds can be disorientating for adults, let alone for small children. PICK UP/DROP OFF POINT Please do not attempt to access Richfield Avenue by car to get to site as you will not be permitted to stop here.  The pick up/drop off point for cars is Tessa Road for taxis/private hires, and then Hills Meadow for parents/friends. WALKING TO WHITE CAMPSITE BY ROAD Please do not walk to white campsite from Reading town centre, the station or Kings Meadow/green car park as it is a four mile walk by road. If you have parked, or been dropped off, in Hills Meadow car park and you want to camp in white zone please get the shuttle boat to the main site green wristband exchange, then walk down through the campsites and cross the pedestrian bridge in brown camp straight into white camp. This is a much shorter and manageable route. If you arrive by shuttle bus from the station, or are walking from the town centre, go into the main site via the red wristband exchange, then walk through the campsites and cross the pedestrian bridge in brown camp straight into white camp.  This is a much shorter and manageable route. RIVERMEAD CENTRE The Rivermead Centre’s pool and showers are open to festival goers from 8am - 3pm on Thursday ,Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   EVICTION POLICY Please note that, as well as for inappropriate/anti social behaviour,  anyone seen on site without a valid wristband will be ejected. We have two ejection tents on site and a formal ejection policy for festival goers that are seen displaying, or inciting, inappropriate, offensive or illegal activity.  Those evicted will not be readmitted to the event and tickets will not be refunded. For our full eviction policy, please go <a href="http://readingfestival.com/info/index.aspx?id=404">HERE</a> WHITE CAMPSITE White campsite has histrorically been our quiet campsite and so those who wish for somewhere away from the hub may wish to get the bridge across the Thames and camp there.  There are showers, a bar and food traders based over there and a footbridge over the river for very easy access. Jennifer Roberts General Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-22T00:00:00 cc3eaa8e-77a5-481d-a8ae-956ea2af1909 1000000 Reading Residents Tickets for residents will be on sale prior to the general release date. Residents’ tickets will go on sale 48 hours before the general on sale date on Saturday 27 March at 6.45pm.   Residents will have until midnight on Sunday 28 March to make their booking. Residents’ tickets are for use only by residents and will become invalid if they are sold or transferred.  They are only for use by people who are residents living within the eligible area at the time of the festival. Residents’ tickets can be purchased from <a href="http://www.seetickets.com/readingresidents">www.seetickets.com/readingresidents</a> The link will go live at 6.45pm on Saturday 27 March and expire at midnight on Sunday 28 March.  If you are unable to book your tickets during this period, everyone will have an opportunity to buy tickets when they go on general sale on Monday 29 March at 6.45pm. To buy residents’ tickets, you must first enter your postcode.  Only valid postcodes matching those given to us by the council will be accepted by the booking system.  If your postcode is not recognised, it’s because you live outside of the area of eligibility. We have obtained a list of valid postcodes from Reading Borough Council and South Oxon Council.  Valid postcodes are those beginning RG1, RG2, RG4, RG6, RG30 & RG31 which fall under Reading Borough Council and postcodes beginning RG4 within Mapledurham Village which fall under South Oxon Council. If your postcode is accepted you will be able to book a maximum of 2 tickets per cardholder.  Both ticket holders must have an eligible postcode and corresponding identification.   In the booking system, the postcode field will auto-populate and cannot be changed.  Tickets will only be sent to the address with the valid postcode specified.  You cannot change the address details once you have booked residents tickets.  Tickets will be printed with the name and postcode of the customer.  In order to use your residents’ tickets you must bring the ticket and a form of photo ID (passport, driving licence etc) and a form of postal address ID (utility bill, bank statement etc) to the festival wristband exchange.  Your photo and address ID must match the name and postcode printed on the ticket.  If you purchase 2 tickets, both attendees must have valid ID matching the name and postcode on the tickets.   If you are a resident with a valid postcode please do not purchase tickets for non-residents – if you do, the tickets will be invalid and we will be unable to offer a refund.   If you move house between booking your tickets and receiving your tickets: - If you move to another address within the valid postcode area, you must send us proof of your old & new postal address (utility bill, bank statement etc) and we will arrange for your details to be amended on your ticket. - If you move to an address outside the valid postcode area, we’re sorry but you are no longer eligible for Reading residents’ tickets and your booking will be cancelled and refunded. Festival Republic requests that all residents’ ticket holders please use public transport or if they need to come by car, to use the Garrard St NCP car park. Jennifer Roberts General Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-19T00:00:00 977b70f9-eed6-439a-9370-ab00bd5988c0 1000000 Information for Disabled Customers Application forms for Reading must be received at our office by Friday 23rd July 2010 This is the annual guide to disabled access and facilities at Reading Festival. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our events, participate, feel safe, and be part of the crowd and hope to help you make an informed decision about attending. <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/content/a/t/t/Reading%20Festival%20-%20disabled%20info(2).pdf">Click here to read Reading information</a> Please note application forms for Reading must be received at our office by Friday 23rd July 2010. <a href="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido/publishing/news/i/t/y/Copy of DISAB_APP 10.xls">Click here for the application form</a> Jennifer Roberts General Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-03-10T00:00:00 284c473c-1b0e-4134-bca2-96e208f4fa8c 1000000 THE SALVATION ARMY Annual guides for our disabled customers at 2010 festivals next summer. At Reading Festival this year, organisers Festival Republic and The Salvation Army worked together to introduce a new food donation scheme.   Festival goers were asked to donate any unwanted, non-perishable food at dedicated drop-off points around the site.  Over a tonne of food was donated and collected by The Salvation Army which volunteers are using to make up and distribute over 500 food parcels to single people and families, nominated by local community groups, in time for Christmas. On Monday 7 December The Salvation Army are hosting a Food Parcel Packing day, with volunteers including Festival Republic staff who worked at the festival, including MD, Melvin Benn, and possibly a couple of festival goers for good measure.  Reading Festival enjoys a long-standing relationship with The Salvation Army.  The Salvation Army has been involved in every Reading Festival (except just one) since it moved to Reading in 1971.  This year they were on hand to provide their usual 24-hour service to Reading Festival goers, many of whom are away from home for their first festival experience.  Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic said:  “I am proud to say that the modern Reading Festival has secured its legacy forever in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.  This is something for the whole of Reading to be proud of. I have enormous gratitude for the huge contribution made by the local community in making the event a continuing success and I am particularly delighted with our ongoing relationship with The Salvation Army, who I consider to be an essential part of the Reading line up! This year The Salvation Army were as popular as ever on site at Reading and we look forward to developing the food donation scheme in future years.” Stuart Scott of The Salvation Army said: “2009 saw yet again another first in the now long standing relationship with the Salvation Army and the Reading Festival: The Food Drive. We were overwhelmed at the generosity of the fans and the help and cooperation from Festival Republic. The amount of non perishable food that we received was way above our expectations and we look forward to further successful years in the future. “ If you would like to volunteer your services to help pack food parcels on December 7th, please email your contact details to <a href="mailto:info@festivalrepublic.com?subject=Food%20Parcels&body=Name%3A%0D%0A%0D%0AMobile%3A">info@festivalrepublic.com</a>  Date: Monday 7 December from 10am -2pm Venue: The Salvation Army, Reading Central Corps, RG1 7JR Jennifer Roberts General Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT 2009-11-17T00:00:00 3cf92872-9aff-4df6-b390-2a2cd52f5b98 1000000 Economic Business Impact Assessment Reading Festival invites local businesses to take part Surveys have already been carried out at this year’s event with festival goers and traders.  Students from the University of Reading conducted over 2000 face to face surveys with festival goers which explored demographic profile, festival attendance and spending patterns. A face to face survey with traders, suppliers and promoters on site at the festival was also conducted by Baker Associates to understand business types, expenditure, staffing levels and supply chains. The next step of the assessment is to ask local businesses how Reading Festival affects them in terms of employment, trading and turnover. We have commissioned Bristol based consultants Baker Associates to assess the festival’s economic impact.  The data derived from each of the above components will be fed into an economic impact model which estimates the impact of Reading Festival in terms of the investment it brings to the town and the jobs it helps to secure.  The results of the survey will be used to ensure the economic benefits of the Reading Festival are fully understood and capitalised on. Baker Associates, Festival Republic and Reading UK CIC, the economic development company for Reading, are now inviting Reading businesses to take part in a short survey.  The more businesses that complete the short survey, the more accurate the results will be.  The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and businesses will also have the chance to win 2 race passes at Teamworks Karting. Businesses can complete the survey by visiting: <a href="http://www.bakerassocs.com/reading_survey.php">http://www.bakerassocs.com/reading_survey.php</a>.   The deadline for completing the survey is 9 November. Jennifer Roberts General Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT 2009-10-19T00:00:00 d85ac9e4-a3d7-4b20-9c5b-e66c75190dc9 1000000 Nirvana Live At Reading Nirvana's legendary never-before-released 1992 Reading performance Ranked #1 in Kerrang Magazine’s “100 Gigs That Shook The World” and voted as “Nirvana’s #1 Greatest Moment” by fans in an NME poll, Nirvana’s historic August 30, 1992 headlining appearance at the UK’s Reading Festival is one of the most bootlegged concerts in the annals of rock’n’roll.   Now, fans will have an opportunity to own a pristine copy of that entire performance -- colour-corrected video from the original film with audio sourced from the original multi-track masters.   Nirvana Live At Reading will be issued in a limited edition DVD+CD Deluxe Edition as well as DVD-only, CD-only configurations on November 2, 2009, followed by a 2 LP version on November 16, 2009.  For more information go <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Nirvana">HERE</a> and to pre-order go <a href="http://playcom.at/Universalmusicuk?CTY=37&LID=universalcatalogue&DURL=http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/11850833/Nirvana-Live-At-Reading/Product.html">HERE</a>    <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rwvpaXXG34A&hl=en&fs=1&" width="425" height="344" quality="1" wmode="Window" menu="menu" loop="loop" scale="ShowAll" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed> Jennifer Roberts General Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT 2009-10-16T00:00:00 44671011-0264-45a2-be0c-5b610b35a536 1000000