Accessibility Guide

We are looking forward to welcoming you to this year’s Reading Festival

Organising this event requires extensive planning, and we hope to provide everything you need to make it as memorable as possible.

Please take the time to read this accessibility guide carefully. It contains essential information, including things to remember to bring, how to access the festival site and the facilities available once inside.

All accessible facilities and locations are marked on the accessibility site map which you can find in this guide and on the Reading App.

Please remember to share this accessibility guide with your essential companion, as they must also know the information in this document.

We hope you have the best weekend!

The Accessibility Team

DOWNLOAD YOUR TICKETS Please download the Ticketmaster app on your phone and preload your ticket before arriving at the festival. This will ensure that you won’t have to worry about having a good signal on your phone at the festival. Please open your phone’s app store and search Ticketmaster UK and then download the app.

We will need to scan the QR code on your digital ticket when you arrive to issue you with your festival wristband. Please remember to make sure you phone is charged.

PRE-APPROVED ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES Please find the email you will have received from us with confirmation of your pre-approved accessible facilities.

For search purposes, the email is sent from accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk, and the subject line is: Reading Festival Accessible Application.

If you have not received an email, please email accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk before leaving home.

CAR PARK / CAMPERVAN / DROP OFF PASSES Where approved, you will receive your car park or drop-off pass, in advance, by email

• Accessible Car Park Pass (showing your pre-allocated car park)
• Accessible Campervan Pass
• Drop Off Pass

Please make sure that the driver has the pass clearly displayed on their dashboard.

Please ensure you bring one of the following forms of identification with you:

• Nimbus Access Card
• Current passport
• Current driving licence
• Reading Festival Digital Access Pass

You will be asked to present your form of identification when collecting your wristbands.

If you’re bringing prescribed medication, please ensure that your medication is in the correct packaging with the dispensary sticker intact and issued in your name.

Please note: If you need to bring in loose medication or medication that’s not in its original packaging, then please contact us in advance (accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk) so that we can provide you with the necessary approval letter. You will be able to show this letter, if questioned by security at any point.

MEDICATION STORAGE All medication must be clearly labelled with the customer’s name and contact details and will only be issued to the named customer or their essential companion, where applicable.

To make storage arrangements, customers are advised to contact accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk in advance.

• Designated medication storage is located within: Campsite: refrigerated storage for medication is available in the accessibility campsite hub.
• Arena: refrigerated storage for medication is available at Welfare in the arena.

If you have been pre-approved to attend Reading Festival with an essential companion, please ensure they arrive with you.

Your essential companion must be present with you at check-in to receive their wristband.

Please ensure that your essential companion must be willing and able to perform all your requirements, as needed, and be able to assist during an evacuation or other emergency.

If Reading Festival finds evidence that your essential companion is not attending for the purpose of supporting your needs, they may be asked to leave the festival. Before taking this action, we will inform you, share the evidence used to reach our decision, and discuss alternative means for your needs to be supported.

Reading Festival is an outdoor event, and most of the terrain is grass farmland. The primary accessible routes are on existing hard standing and pathways.

In the event of heavy rain, please bear in mind that the terrain will likely become muddy and wet, making it harder to navigate.

Whilst we hope for sunshine, please ensure that you are prepared and pack appropriate clothing for all kinds of weather.

We advise all customers with mobility difficulties to use the internal shuttle service. Please note that this service may be busy at peak times. Folding chairs will be provided at the shuttle stops.

Campsites

• Wednesday 21 August 18:00 – Monday 26 August 12:00.

Arena

• Friday 23 August 10:30 – 23:00
• Saturday 24 August 10:30 – 23:00
• Sunday 25 August 10:30 – 23:00

(Please note that opening times may be subject to change at short notice in the event of an emergency or an operational health and safety issue)

FESTIVAL SITE ADDRESS Reading Festival is located at Richfield Avenue, Reading, RG1 8EQ.

BY CAR There will be AA signage on the approach roads to the festival. Please follow the signage for RED (R) which will bring you to the festival site.

TRAINS AND FESTIVAL SHUTTLE BUSES Reading Train Station is approximately 1.2 miles from the festival site. The station has a step-free ticket office, and platforms can be reached via a lift. The station has 24-hour staff assistance, accessible toilets and Blue Badge Parking. You can visit the READING TRAIN STATION WEBSITE for more information.

Shuttle buses run from Reading Train Station and Reading City Centre. The shuttle bus drop-off point is marked on the accessibility site map and is approximately 500m from the accessibility box office.

COACH The official coach partner for Reading Festival is Big Green Coach. Please visit www.biggreencoach.co.uk for coach travel information.

TAXI Taxis are available from Reading Train Station.

If you are arriving by taxi please ensure you email us to request an Accessible Pick up and Drop off Pass if you do not have one already. This will enable you to be dropped off outside the accessible box office.

Otherwise, you will be dropped off at the central festival taxi pick-up and drop-off point is located across the road, 150m from the accessibility box office.

ACCESSIBLE BOX OFFICE

On arrival, please go to the accessible box office to collect your wristbands.

The box office is located at the Rivermead Leisure Centre on Richfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ and is signposted from the road.

If you are staying with Pink Moon, you will be sent separate instructions on where to go on arrival. Please see the Parking section below, if you are driving.

The accessibility box office is where you will have your mobile festival ticket scanned. Please have the Ticketmaster app open and showing your ticket and QR code. Please also have your I.D ready. You will be given your festival wristband and accessibility wristbands.

If you have a pre-approved essential companion, they must attend the box office with you to collect their wristbands. Please ensure you collect your wristbands before proceeding to the campsite.

Please be aware that it is likely that there will be queues at the box office at peak times.

Seating and accessible toilets will be available close to the box office.

A hearing loop will be installed at the accessibility box office.

Box office opening and closing times are as follows: Please note that times are subject to change.

Early Entry Camping Ticket Holders If you have purchased an Early Entry Ticket you may arrive at the box office from 11:00 on Wednesday 21st August and 08:00 on Thursday 22nd August.The box office will close at 22:00.

Weekend Camping Ticket Holders If you have purchased a Weekend Camping Ticket, you may arrive at the box office from 08:00 on Thursday 22nd August. The box office will close at 22:00.

Day Ticket Holders If you have purchased a Weekend Non-Camping Ticket, you may arrive at the box office from 09:00 on Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August. Box office will close at 21:00 each day.

If you experience any problems in collecting your wristbands or arrive after the box office has shut, please contact the accessibility team on 07386 392 394

Please remember to have your car park pass displayed clearly on your dashboard. Your allocated car park will be printed on your pass.

Camping Ticket Holders Once you have collected your wristbands, please follow the signs to your allocated car park. The locations of all car parks are marked on the accessibility site map. On arrival, a steward will direct you to a parking space.

• The distance from: accessible car park A to the campsite entrance is between 25m and 120m depending upon the location of your car park space
• accessible car park B to the campsite entrance is between 200m and 350m depending upon the location of your car park space

A team of helpers will be available to assist with taking luggage from the car parks to the campsite, if required.

In addition, a shuttle service will run from car park B to the campsite entrance, should you require assistance.

You will be able to access your car throughout the weekend.

Day Ticket Holders Parking for day ticket holders is opposite the accessibility box office.

The distance from the box office to the accessible day entrance is 400m.

Pink Moon Parking If you are a Pink Moon customer and you are arriving by car, you will be able to park in the White Car Park, which is next to the Pink Moon campsite.

If you are staying with Pink Moon and haven’t already requested a car park pass, please email accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk so that we can email you your parking pass in advance.

For security reasons, everyone will be subject to a search of their bags, mobility aids and person.

You may request a female or male member of security to complete the search. Dogs may also be present.

There will be accessible toilets nearby.

To avoid any delays or issues, please review the prohibited items list that you cannot bring to the festival by visiting here.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Pitch your tent When you arrive at the accessible campsite, staff will guide you to the next available space for you to pitch your tent.

A team of campsite helpers known as CATS will roam the campsite, helping you to unload luggage.

Tents will be pitched in lines with a path in front of your tent to ensure you can move freely around the campsite.

Please be mindful of the size of the tent you are bringing.

Please remember to bring your tent with you. We do not offer any tents or pre-pitched accommodation in this campsite.

Gazebos Due to space limitations, you may be asked to move or remove your gazebo if it is taking up too much space.

Please consider fellow campers when pitching your gazebo.

Fire Lanes You are not permitted to camp in the fire lanes. Any tents found in these areas will be moved.

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES Please note that the facilities listed are available to those staying in the accessible campsite only.

Campsite Information Hub Staff in the information hub in the campsite will be available 24-hours a day to help answer any questions you may have during the event.

Critical Power Please note that customers who require critical power will be positioned in a specific area of the site, so please let the team know that you have been approved for this facility as soon as you arrive and they will direct you accordingly.

Medication Fridge A medication fridge is situated in the campsite hub where you can store medication that requires refrigeration.

Charging Tent A charging tent will be located inside the accessible campsite with charging points for electric wheelchairs or medical devices such as 13 nebulisers. Please do not to leave any equipment or valuables inside this tent unattended.

Accessible Toilets and Showers Standard unisex toilets and wheelchair accessible toilets and standard and wheelchair accessible showers are located inside the campsite that are manned by stewards and a sanitation team to ensure they are kept clean and restocked.

Changing Places Unit (HDU) A changing places unit is available in the accessible campsite and includes a changing bed, toilet, sink and a hoist. Please bring your own sling if required.

Water Point There will be a drinking water point for you to fill up water bottles.

General Campsites
If you plan to stay at one of the general campsites, please go to the accessible box office upon arrival before heading to the campsite. Our team will be available to issue your wristbands and direct you to your campsite.

If you are parking in the accessible car parks, you will then be directed to the general campsites.

Pink Moon
If you are staying with Pink Moon, you will receive separate arrival instructions. See the PARKING section, regarding your car park pass.

An accessible shuttle service will be available for short distance drop offs between:

• the accessible car parks and the accessible campsite
• the accessible campsite and the arena

More information regarding this service will be available at:

• the accessible box office
• the campsite information hub
• the arena information hub

Only you and your essential companion will be able to use this
service, which is subject to availability.

ARENA ENTRANCE The arena entrance for accessible customers is at Gate M and is marked on the accessibility site map.

The distance from:

• the accessible campsite entrance to Gate M is 400m
• the day car park to Gate M is 530m

The internal shuttle service runs to and from these locations.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION HUB There is an accessibility information hub in the arena staffed with a team to help answer any questions you may have during the event. It is open during the arena opening hours.

You will find the hub at the arena AIRHUB located near the green arena entrance (as shown on the accessibility site map).

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS AND CHANGING PLACES UNIT Accessible toilets are located by the accessible viewing areas. Please remember to show your accessibility wristband when a staff member asks to see it.

A Changing Places Unit (HDU) is located next to Gate M.

BARS Accessible bar lanes with lowered service areas are available at the main festival bars for you and your essential companion. Please look out for the wheelchair symbol. The lanes are staffed by security and stewards; please remember to show them your wristband.

MERCHANDISE An accessible lane is available at the merchandise stalls; please look out for the wheelchair signs and lanes provided. Your accessibility wristband will give you access to the accessible merchandise lanes.

FOOD Some food stalls may have accessible serving points.

If a food trader has been unable to adjust their vehicle to allow for a lowered service point, the staff will be available to assist you from the front of the unit. Please just ask if you need assistance and they will be happy to help.

There will be a food trader positioned within the accessible campsite.

CASHLESS PAYMENTS Reading Festival is a fully cashless event. You can pay by debit or with credit card and digitally using your mobile phone if you have Apple Pay or Google Pay setup.

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS Raised Viewing Platform

• The raised viewing platforms are designated for wheelchair users and those with restricted or limited mobility.
• Only the approved customer and their essential companion can access the raised viewing platform.
• A wristband system will control access to the raised viewing platform.
• In cases where a customer does not have an assigned Essential Companion, they can nominate one person to join them on the platform whilst they make use of the facility.
• All raised viewing platforms are equipped with ramped access, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and charging points.
• Viewing platforms are not covered, so customers should dress appropriately for all weather conditions.
• Platforms operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the platform is at capacity a one in, one out policy will be implemented.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes & vapes, is not permitted.
• Staff and security have the right to ask customers to leave the platform if the customer is behaving inappropriately.

Ground-Level Viewing Area

• A designated ground-level viewing area is available for individuals who require a less crowded area and the option of sitting for short periods.
• A wristband system will control access to the ground-level viewing areas.
• Limited seating is available in the ground-level viewing area, and it is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. 16
• All ground-level viewing areas have access to accessible toilets.
• If required, customers may be accompanied by an essential companion in the ground-level viewing area.
• Staff and security have the right to ask customers to leave the ground-level viewing area if the customer is behaving inappropriately.

The main festival bars are at the following distances from the viewing areas:

Main Stage – Stage Right Viewing Area – 50m
Main Stage – Stage Left Viewing Area – 35m

Chevron Stage – Stage Right Viewing Area – 70m
Chevron Stage – Stage Left Viewing Area – 70m

Radio 1 Tent Viewing Area – 80m
Festival Republic Stage Viewing Area – 50m
Aux Stage Viewing Area – 175m

ASSISTANCE DOGS Assistance dogs will be approved in accordance with the requirement indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Reading Digital Access Pass. Spending areas will be available for assistance dogs, located at: the accessible campsite and Gate M. Please ensure you use these spaces only and always clear up after your assistance dog using the bins provided.

BSL INTERPRETING PERFORMANCES A British Sign Language performance interpreting service will be provided on request by fully qualified interpreters from Performance Interpreting.

If you would like to make use of this service, please email us at accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk to make arrangements.

The Performance Interpreting Team will be available at the information point at Gate M. They will be available to assist and answer any queries you may have.

MEDICS Medics, medical care, and supplies are available in the arena by Gate M and by the yellow campsite on Baker Lane. If you require urgent medical attention, please alert a member of staff who can assist you.

WELFARE Welfare tents are located in the arena by Gate M. Experienced and caring staff are on hand to provide confidential advice about drugs, alcohol, sexual health and general assistance, counselling, and advice for anything that is troubling you.

SENSORY ZONE A sensory zone is located outside yellow arena entrance on Baker Lane where it is quieter.

This space provides a safe, low-level stimulation and recalibration zone for any customers who need to use it.

All of the above facilities are marked on the accessibility site map.

LEAVING THE ARENA
When the main headliner concludes each evening, we recommend that
customers on the viewing platform and in the ground-level viewing area
wait until the initial crowd has left the arena.

LEAVING THE FESTIVAL
Please be aware that there may be long queues when leaving the
festival by car or public transport, as vehicle curfews may be necessary
to allow pedestrians to leave the site safely.

ACCESSING YOUR CAR DURING THE FESTIVAL
You will have access to your car throughout the festival. If you wish to
leave, please be aware of road closures and times listed below when
there may be heavy crowd movement and plan trips to your car outside
of these times.

RE-ENTRY
We allow re-entry into the festival if you need to leave to replenish
essential items over the weekend. Please use the same route to exit the
festival as you entered.

ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC CURFEWS
Please be aware that there will be times during the event where we must
enforce strict road closures and traffic curfews. This is to protect the
safety of all our customers. Please be mindful of this and avoid leaving
the festival during these times.
Road curfews will be in place on Richfield Avenue as below:

• Friday 23:00 to 00.0
• Saturday 23:00 to 00:00
• Sunday 23:00 to 00:00

Please be aware that these times may be subject to change at short
notice.

This accessibility guide’s information is also available on the Reading
Festival app.

The app also contains helpful information, including set times, maps,
and important updates by push notification.

Please download the festival app to your mobile phone by visiting the
Apple Store or Google Play and searching for Reading Festival.

Our accessibility team will be on hand to look after you whilst onsite. Accessibility team members can be identified by their purple tabards.

The accessibility box office team will ensure your wristbands and preapproved facilities are provided to you.

The accessibility manager will ensure that all the accessible facilities in the arena run smoothly. We encourage you to report any arena issues to the team at the accessible information hub in the arena. The team is also there to help you with any questions.

A team of security and stewards will be in the accessible viewing areas in the arena. They will be identifiable by their coloured, numbered tabards. They are there to keep you safe and will do their best to help you.

Our accessible campsite managers are on duty, providing 24-hour cover. They will roam the campsites and are there to help, so please feel free to ask them any questions or report issues.

A team of campsite helpers known as CATS roam the campsite, helping unload luggage and assisting the campsite managers. During busier arrival times, the helpers may be helping other customers, so please be patient.

The whole team will work hard to ensure you have a positive experience at Reading Festival and welcome your feedback about any aspect of the festival.

HOW TO GET HELP The best places to seek help are at the campsite or arena hubs, as the team will be stationary and in radio contact with members of the senior management team and event safety should they need support or further escalate the situation.

• If you are a day ticket holder, please visit the accessible information hub next to the arena AIRHUB.
• The accessibility arena manager and team will be available to assist you in the arena.
• The campsite manager and CATS are available to help you in the campsites and arena.
• Security & stewards are located across the arena and campsites and can assist you anytime.
• By Phone: 07386 392394
• Please be aware that the contact number will only be active from 10:00 Wednesday 21st August until 12pm Monday 26th August.

If you find yourself lost, please ask a steward for directions.

If you need assistance, please speak to a team member at one of the following locations:

• Accessible box office (on arrival)
• Campsite accessible information hub, which is open 24 hours
• Arena accessible information hub (open during arena opening hours)
• Accessible Viewing Areas.
• By Phone: 07386 392394 answered by the team.
• By Whatsapp: 07780 934367

Please be aware that phone reception can be temperamental, and the phone reception may not always be the strongest. The phone may become busy at peak times, so please be patient with us. Please also contact us by WhatsApp or Text message and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

By email: accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk

Please note that the arena information hub team will record all feedback or complaints using a central system and, if necessary, will escalate your enquiry to senior event management and event safety control. If you have a serious incident to report, please do so at the arena or campsite hubs.

If you do decide to leave the festival because you are not happy with the experience, we would really appreciate you notifying the team at one of the hubs before you leave.

What3Words is a geocode system designed to identify any location within a resolution of approximately 3m

It is an easy way to find and share exact locations.

We have listed below some key site locations for you.