ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

‍

‍

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

READING FESTIVAL 2026

‍Reading Festival, Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8EQ

‍

WELCOME TO READING FESTIVAL 2026

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

‍Please take the time to read this accessibility guide carefully. It contains essential information, including 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, on the Reading Festival website and on the Reading Festival App.

‍Please remember to share this accessibility guide with your essential companion, as it is important that they also read the information in this document.

‍If you have any questions that aren’t answered in the guide, please email the accessibility team at: accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk

‍

A large crowd of people in front of the main stage with fireworks at night.

‍

TICKETS AND VEHICLE PASSES

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.

For information about Essential Companion tickets, please see the Essential Companion section of this guide.

APPROVED ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES

Please find the email you received from us with confirmation of your approved accessible facilities.

‍To help you find this email, it was sent from accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk, and the subject line is Reading Festival Approval Confirmation.

‍If you cannot find the email, please contact us at accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk before leaving home.

CAR PARK, DROP OFF AND CAMPERVAN PASSES

Where approved, you will receive your car park, drop-off pass, or campervan pass in advance, by email.

‍For more details about parking and drop off, please go to the Car Parking section in this guide.

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

FORMS OF ID REQUIRED

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 and photo ID

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

PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

If you're bringing prescribed medication, please ensure that your medication is in the original packaging with the dispensary sticker attached and issued in your name.

If you need to bring in loose medication or medication that’s not in its original packaging, you will need to bring the prescription(s) with you.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Medical marijuana prescribed for daily use may be brought into the event. Please bring the medication in its prescribed form together with the original prescription supporting its use for the entire duration of your time at the event. You may be asked to present this, along with identification matching the name on the prescription, upon entry and at any time during the festival, if requested.

If your marijuana is prescribed in a form that requires either vaping or smoking, please be courteous and mindful of those around you. Please note, vaping and smoking are not permitted on the raised viewing platforms or the ground viewing areas.

STORAGE FOR REFRIGERATED MEDICATION

Storage for refrigerated medication is available at the following locations:

The accessible campsite in the campsite manager’s office.
The welfare tent in the arena (Gate M)
The pharmacy in the Yellow Fields Campsite (Baker Lane)

Please only store medication for the days that you require it at the festival.

STORAGE FOR NON-REFRIGERATED MEDICATION
Storage for non-refrigerated medication is available at the following locations:

The accessible campsite in the campsite manager’s office
The welfare tent in the arena (Gate M)
The pharmacy in the Yellow Fields Campsite (Baker Lane)

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

If you wish to store any controlled substances, they can be stored at the pharmacies in the arena and in the Yellow Fields Campsite (Baker Lane)

Due to licensing regulations, they cannot be stored in the campsite manager’s office in the accessible campsite.

LABELLING

All medication must be clearly labelled with the following:

your full name
your date of birth
your phone number
your essential companion’s full name if you wish for them to collect and store your medication.

‍Medication will be signed in and out by a manager and will only be issued to the named customer or their essential companion, where applicable.

FOOD AND DRINK

FOOD

All Reading customers are permitted to bring a small amount of food for personal consumption into the arena.

Accessibility customers are permitted to bring additional food, in excess of the usual amount, into the arena.

(This increased allowance applies to accessibility customers only and not to essential companions or friends and family).

‍DRINK

All Reading customers are permitted to bring a sealed, unopened 500ml bottle of water or soft drink into the arena.

‍Accessibility customers are permitted to bring one sealed, unopened bottle up to 1.5l of water or soft drink into the arena.

This increased allowance applies to accessibility customers only and not to essential companions or friends and family.

You will be able to refill your water bottles at water points situated around the site.

No alcohol may be taken into the arena.

‍

ON SITE SUPERMARKET – CO-OP

Co-op supermarket will be available on-site in Orange Fields for your convenience.

Co-op opening hours:

Wednesday, 10am – 3am
Thursday – Monday, 7am – 3am

TAKING BAGS INTO THE ARENA

For security reasons, we ordinarily only permit customers to bring a small bag (A4 size) into the arena.

Accessibility customers are entitled to bring a bigger bag into the arena. (One bag only per accessibility customer).

This larger bag allowance is granted to the accessibility customer only. Please understand that this change to the policy is for the benefit of you, the accessibility customer only, and we cannot extend it to other members of your party.

The bag can be carried by you or someone on your behalf, if preferred.

‍Please remember that your bag will be searched on entry into the arena.

‍

TAKING CHAIRS INTO THE ARENA

Ordinarily customers are not permitted to bring chairs into the arena for crowd management and health and safety reasons.

Accessibility customers are entitled to bring a folding chair into the arena, only if it is required. You will be provided with a tag to attach to the chair which allows security to know it is not prohibited. Please ensure this tag stays on the chair.

Please note, if you are entering through the Main Arena Entrances (Yellow or Green) you will need to enter through the designated Accessible Lane.

Please be mindful of where you position your chair as chairs must not cause an obstruction. You may be asked to move your chair or take it down if it is impacting crowd management or for health and safety reasons.

You will not be allowed to put your chair any closer to the main stage than the viewing platforms.

Chairs are not permitted inside any tent or venue.

Please understand that this change to the policy is for the benefit of you, the accessibility customer only, and we cannot extend it to other members of your party.

The chair can be carried by you or someone on your behalf, if preferred.

ESSENTIAL COMPANIONS

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

You will be sent an email which contains instructions on how to claim your essential companion’s ticket.

Please look out for an email from accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk with the subject title: “Reading Festival Essential Companion Ticket **Action Required**”.

In this email, there will be a link and a passcode. Please click on the link and then use the passcode to unlock the ticket. It will automatically be added to your Ticketmaster account.

Please note, this ticket will appear in your Ticketmaster account as a different event from your main ticket. You may need to scroll down to see it.

If you have any issues with accessing your companion ticket, please speak to a member of the accessibility team at the box office when you arrive.

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

Please ensure that your essential companion is willing and able to fulfil all your requirements, as needed, and will be able to assist during an evacuation or other emergencies.

‍If we find evidence that your essential companion is not attending for the purpose of supporting your needs, they may be asked to leave the event. 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.

GROUND CONDITIONS AND WEATHER

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.

‍We recommend using wheelchairs or mobility scooters suitable for this terrain and bringing the appropriate emergency tire repair kit.

‍Although we have been experiencing a series of heatwaves, please remember that the weather can change., In addition, it can get very cold at night. 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 especially when everyone is leaving the event in and the service may be disrupted. Folding chairs will be provided at the shuttle stops.

FESTIVAL OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES

CAMPSITE OPENING TIMES

Early entry camping ticket holders can enter from 18:00 on Wednesday 26^th August
Weekend camping ticket holders can enter from 08:00 on Thursday 27^th August
Campsites close at 12:00 on Monday 31^st August

‍ARENA OPENING TIMES

Friday 28^th August 11:00 – 00:00
Saturday 29^th August 11:00 – 00:00
Sunday 30^th August 11:00 – 00:00

‍LATE NIGHT ARENA OPENING TIMES

Thursday 27^th August 17:00 - 03:00

Friday 28^th August 00:00 - 03:00
Saturday 29^th August 00:00 - 03:00
Sunday 30^th August 00:00 - 03:00

‍Please note that opening times may be subject to change at short notice.

HOW TO GET TO READING FESTIVAL

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.

Your car park pass will tell you what signage to follow and where to enter to access your allocated car park.

Information on where to collect your wristbands, once you have parked, is in the Collecting Your Wristbands section in this guide.

‍

TRAINS AND FESTIVAL SHUTTLE BUSES

Reading Train Station is approximately 1.2 miles from the festival site. For accessibility and other information at this station, please visit the Reading Train Station website.

Festival shuttle buses run from Reading Train Station and Reading City Centre to the festival site. The festival shuttle bus drop-off point is located at Thames Side Promenade which is marked on the accessibility site map and is approximately 500m from both accessibility box offices and 100m from Red Gate. The post code is RG1 8BD.

Information on where to collect your wristbands once you have been dropped off is in the Collecting Your Wristbands section in this guide.

BY COACH

The official coach partner for Reading Festival is Big Green Coach. Please visit their website for coach travel information.

Coaches will drop passengers at the Rivermead Leisure Centre which is marked on the accessibility site map.

Information on where to collect your wristbands once you have been dropped off is in the Collecting Your Wristbands section in this guide.

BY 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 at Rivermead Leisure Centre near Accessible Car Park B.

Otherwise, you will be dropped off at the central festival taxi pick-up and drop-off point which is located across from Rivermead Leisure Centre, in Tessa Road.

‍Information on where to collect your wristbands once you have been dropped off is in the Collecting Your Wristbands section in this guide.

‍

DROPPED OFF BY CAR

If you are being dropped off by car, 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 at Rivermead Leisure Centre near Accessible Car Park B.

Otherwise, you will need to be dropped off at the central festival pick-up and drop-off point which is located at Hills Meadow Car Park (RG4 8DH) and is a 25-minute walk to both Box Offices.

Information on where to collect your wristbands once you have been dropped off is in the Collecting Your Wristbands section in this guide.

PARKING

This section provides information on where to park (cars and campervans) at Reading Festival. If you have been allocated parking as part of your application, you will receive your car park or campervan pass by email.

The Box Office, Campsite and Car Park Map shows the location of all car parks.

For information about the different parking passes and where they let you park, please continue reading this section.

ACCESSIBLE CAR PARK A (Camping and Weekend ticket holders)

If you have been allocated parking in Accessible Car Park A, you will receive your car park pass by email. Your pass has a unique number and will tell you which signage to follow to access the car park.

Please remember to print off your car park pass, fill in your name and vehicle registration, and have it displayed clearly on your dashboard.

ACCESSIBLE CAR PARK B (Day Ticket Holders)

If you have been allocated parking in Accessible Car Park B, you will receive your car park pass by email. Your pass has a unique number and will tell you which signage to follow to access the car park.

Please remember to print off your car park pass, fill in your name and vehicle registration, and have it displayed clearly on your dashboard.

GREEN CAR PARK (Camping, Weekend and Day Ticket Holders)

If you have been allocated parking in the Green Car Park, you will receive your car park pass by email. Your pass has a unique number and will tell you which signage to follow to access the car park.

Please remember to print off your car park pass, fill in your name and vehicle registration, and have it displayed clearly on your dashboard.

There is a designated forward parking area in this car park.

There is a free, wheelchair accessible, shuttle boat to take you from the car park to the Red or Green Gates and wristband exchange.

WHITE CAR PARK (Eco (Willows) and Quiet (Oasis) Camping Ticket Holders)

If you have been allocated parking in the White Car Park, you will receive your car park pass by email. Your pass has a unique number and will tell you which signage to follow to access the car park.

Please remember to print off your car park pass, fill in your name and vehicle registration, and have it displayed clearly on your dashboard.

There is a designated forward parking area in this car park.

PARKING FOR CAMPERVAN TICKET CUSTOMERS

This section provides information on where to park if you are staying in a campervan at Reading.

Staying in the accessible campervan site

Your campervan ticket will be available on the Ticketmaster app. Please have it ready to be scanned on arrival at the campervan field.

To get to the Accessible Campervan site, please follow the Reading Festival AA road signs with the symbol ‘R’ and enter at the Rivermead Leisure Centre on Richfield Avenue.

Your campervan may be searched on arrival.

Staying in the general campervan site (Trailer Park)

Your campervan ticket will be available on the Ticketmaster app. Please have it ready to be scanned on arrival at the campervan field.

To get to the General Campervan Site (Trailer Park) please follow the Reading Festival AA road signs with the symbol [W].

Your campervan may be searched on arrival.

COLLECTING YOUR WRISTBANDS

Where you collect your festival and accessibility wristbands, will depend on where you are arriving at the Festival. Details of each collection point are provided below.

‍When you collect your wristbands, please have the Ticketmaster App open showing your ticket and QR code. Please also have your Photo I.D ready.

If you have been approved to bring an essential companion, they must be with you in order to collect their wristbands. For more information about essential companion tickets, please see the Essential Companions section of the guide.

Please be aware that it is likely there will be queues at the Box Offices and collection points at busy times, particularly on Thursday.

Seating, toilets and water will be available close to the Accessible Box Offices and collection points.

All collection points are marked on the Box Office, Campsite and Car Parks Map.

‍

CUSTOMERS ENTERING AT RIVERMEAD LEISURE CENTRE BY CAR OR TAXI OR BIG GREEN COACH

Accessible Car Park A

For customers who are parking in Accessible Car Park A, you will collect your wristbands from the box office located next to the Accessible Campsite Entrance.

Once you have parked your car, please make your way to the box office. There will be a shuttle available to assist you, if you require it.

Accessible Car Park B

For customers who are parking in Accessible Car Park B, you will collect your wristbands from the box office located in the car park.

There will be a shuttle available to take you to the Accessibility Arena entrance at Gate M, should you require it.

Accessible Pick Up/Drop Off

For customers who have been sent an accessible pick up/drop off pass, please collect your wristbands from the box office next to the Accessible Campsite if you are camping, or the box office in the Accessible Car Park B, if you are a day customer.

There will be a shuttle available to take you to either the Accessible Campsite or the Accessibility Arena entrance at Gate M, should you require it.

Big Green Coach

For customers arriving by Big Green Coach, please collect your wristbands from the box office next to the Accessible Campsite if you are camping, or the box office in the Accessible Car Park B, if you are a day customer.

There will be a shuttle available to take you to either the Accessible Campsite or the Accessibility Arena entrance at Gate M, should you require it.

CUSTOMERS ARRIVING AT GREEN CAR PARK OR WHITE CAR PARK

You can collect your festival and accessibility wristbands from any public entrance when you arrive at the festival.

Green Car Park

If you are parking in the Green Car Park, you can collect your wristbands from the wristband exchange at the Red or Green Gate.

There is a free, wheelchair accessible, shuttle boat to take you from the car park to the Red or Green Gate.

Please go to the Accessibility Wristband Collection Point in the wristband exchange to have your ticket scanned and receive your festival and accessibility wristbands.

White Car Park

If you are parking in White Car Park, you can collect your wristbands from the wristband exchange at White Gate.

Please go to the Accessibility Wristband Collection Point in the wristband exchange to have your ticket scanned and receive your festival and accessibility wristbands.

‍CUSTOMERS ARRIVING BY FESTIVAL SHUTTLE BUS

Camping Customers

If you are staying in the Accessible Campsite and arriving by festival shuttle bus, please make your way to the box office located next to the Accessible Campsite entrance to collect your wristbands.

‍If you are staying in a Standard Campsite, you can collect your wristbands from the wristband exchange at Red or Green Gate. Please go to the Accessibility Wristband Collection Point in the wristband exchange to have your ticket scanned and collect your festival and accessibility wristbands.

‍Non-Camping Customers

If you are a weekend or day ticket holder and arriving by festival shuttle bus, please make your way to the Accessible day box office, which is located in Accessible Car Park B, at the Rivermead Leisure Centre entrance.

‍A shuttle service will run from this box office to the Accessibility Arena entrance at Gate M, should you require assistance.

BOX OFFICE OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES

Weekend Accessibility Box Office

Wednesday 26th (Early Entry Ticket only): 18:00 – 22:00
Thursday 27th: 09:00 – 22:30
Friday 28th: 09:00 – 22:30
Saturday 29th: 09:00 – 22:30
Sunday 30th: CLOSED

Accessibility Day Box Office

Friday 28th: 09:00 – 22:30
Saturday 29th: 09:00 – 22:30
Sunday 30th: 09:00 – 22:30

Please note that times are subject to change.

If you experience any problems in collecting your wristbands or arrive after the accessible box office has shut, please speak to the campsite manager in the accessible campsite.

ROUTINE SEARCHES

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 the Reading Festival essential information page.

INTERNAL SHUTTLE BUS AND BUGGY SERVICE

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

Accessible Car parks A and B and the accessible campsite
Accessible Car Park B and the arena

More information regarding this service will be available at:

the accessible weekend and day box office
the accessible campsite manager’s hub
the arena information hub

If you are staying in White Fields, Pink Fields, Oasis, Willows or Trailer Park, you will be able to use the free shuttle boat which will take you closer to the arena. You must show your accessibility wristbands to use the shuttle boat.

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

ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITE AND FACILITIES

GENERAL INFORMATION

This year, all campsites have been given individual names and the name of the accessible campsite is “Glades”.

‍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 be at the campsite and will be available to help you unload luggage.

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

Due to space limitations, please be mindful of the size of any tents or gazebos you are bringing. You may be asked to move them if they are taking up too much space. Please consider fellow campers when setting up your pitch.

You are not permitted to camp in the fire lanes, hard standing or areas without grass.

Disposable BBQs are strictly prohibited. Details on cooking equipment and prohibited items are on the festival website. Please be extra vigilant in view of the dry ground conditions.

CAMPSITE MANAGER HUB

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

CRITICAL POWER

Customers who have been approved for critical power will be positioned in a designated area. The power connections will be supplied to the approved customers’ tent at specific pitches in this area.

Please let the team know that you have been approved for this facility and they will direct you to a pitch on arrival.

Please note that this area is for critical power users only.

ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

Accessible routes are available from the campsite entrance.

MEDICATION FRIDGE

Refrigerated storage for medication is available in the campsite manager’s office.

All medication must be clearly labelled with the following:

your full name
your date of birth
your phone number
your essential companion’s full name if you wish for them to collect and store your medication.

Medication will be signed in and out by a manager and will only be issued to the named customer or their essential companion, where applicable.

If you wish to store any controlled substances, they can only be stored at the Pharmacy in The Yellow Fields Campsite (Baker Lane). Due to licensing regulations, they cannot be stored in the campsite manager’s office in the accessible campsite.

Please be mindful that it can take time to get around the festival site. Ensure that you have access to any emergency medication at all times.

CHARGING TENT

A charging tent is located inside the accessible campsite. It is equipped with charging points for electric wheelchairs and medical devices such as nebulisers. Please note that, although security is present on the campsite, this is not a supervised space. We suggest you do not leave any equipment or valuables inside this tent unattended.

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS AND SHOWERS

Standard and wheelchair accessible toilets and standard and wheelchair accessible showers are located inside the campsite.

CHANGING PLACES UNIT

The changing places unit includes a changing bed, toilet, sink and a hoist. Please bring your own sling if required.

WASHING FACILITIES

Sinks are available for you to wash your hands, face, and brush your teeth.

DRINKING WATER POINT

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

FOOD TRADER

There will be a food trader in the Accessible Campsite.

GET READY WITH ME (GRWM) TENT

A ‘Get Ready With Me’ tent will be in the campsite with free hair tools and mirrors for your use.

ACTIVITIES

This year, 2 charities will be organising activities in the accessible campsite. Sport in Mind will be running the Get Ready with Me tent, as well as delivering a daily 1 hour mindfulness journalling session.

Boccia England will also be based in the campsite and will organise a range of accessible games and sports matches, every day between 12pm and 4pm.

There will be drop-in and sign-up football sessions for all accessibility customers to take part in.

GENERAL CAMPSITES

All General Campsites have accessible toilets.

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES IN THE ARENA

ARENA ENTRANCES

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

The distance from:

the accessible campsite entrance to Gate M is 100m.
the day car park to Gate M is 530m.

The internal shuttle service runs to and from these locations.

If you are entering through the Green Arena Entrance or the Yellow Arena Entrance, there will be dedicated accessible queuing lanes. Please be ready to show your accessibility wristband to the staff at the lane.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION POINT AT THE AIRHUB

The accessibility information point is located within the arena AIRHUB, which you will find near the Green Arena Entrance.

It is staffed with a team to help answer any questions you may have during the event and is open during the arena opening hours.

The AIRHUB is marked on the accessibility site map.

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS AND CHANGING PLACES UNIT

Accessible toilets are located by the accessible viewing areas and at every toilet block in the arena. Please remember to show your accessibility wristband when a staff member asks to see it.

We respectfully ask that all customers be considerate of one another. Please be aware that toilet facilities will be busier during peak times such as artist changeovers.

A Changing Places Unit (HDU) is located next to Gate M and is marked on the accessibility site map. Please note, this is only open when the arena is open.

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 stewards; please remember to show them your wristband.

MERCHANDISE

An accessible lane or service area 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.

CASHLESS PAYMENTS

Reading Festival is a fully cashless event. You can pay by debit or credit card. You can also use Apple or Google pay if you have those set up on your phone.

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS

There are raised viewing platforms and ground viewing areas at the following stages:

The Grid
The Gallery
The Warehouse
The Ballroom
The Canopy

Raised Viewing Platform

The raised viewing platforms are equipped with ramped access, wheelchair-accessible toilets, standard toilets, and charging points.
If you have been approved for the raised viewing platform, you will receive a wristband that lets you on.
You can bring your essential companion on to the raised viewing platform with you.
If you have not been approved for an Essential Companion, you can bring someone else with you.
Viewing platforms are not covered. Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions.
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 you to leave the platform if you are behaving inappropriately.

Ground Viewing Area

Ground viewing areas are available to those who need a less crowded area and the option of sitting for short periods of time.
The ground viewing areas are situated in front of the raised viewing platforms and are separated from the main crowds by a barrier.
The ground viewing areas are primarily standing areas, although limited seating is available.
If you are in the ground viewing area, you can use the accessible toilets located behind the raised viewing platform.
If you have been approved for the ground viewing areas, you will have received a wristband that gives you access.
Once the area is at capacity, a one in one out policy will be implemented.
Only you and your Essential Companion (or friend) will have access to the ground viewing areas. This allows us to accommodate as many customers, who require the use of this facility, as possible.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes & vapes, is not permitted.
Staff and security have the right to ask you to leave the ground viewing areas if you are behaving inappropriately.

We will be providing chairs that have a load-bearing capacity of 250 pounds (approximately 18 stone). If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact the accessibility team at accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk.

ASSISTANCE DOGS

ASSISTANCE DOGS

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.

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE: PERFORMANCE INTERPRETING SERVICE

BSL INTERPRETING PERFORMANCES

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

If you have indicated that you require this service and have given consent for your contact details to be shared with the interpreters, they will contact you directly. This is so that you can liaise with them about what performances you want interpreted.

‍If you would like to be contacted by the interpreters and have not yet given your consent, please contact us at accessibility@readingfestival.co.uk

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.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND WELFARE

MEDICS

Medics, medical care, and supplies are available in the arena by Gate M and by the Yellow Fields campsite on Baker Lane.

If you require urgent medical attention, please alert a member of staff who can assist you.

WELFARE

Wellbeing 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 CALM TENT

A sensory calm tent is located in the arena near Gate M.

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, LEAVING THE FESTIVAL AND RE-ENTRY

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL VEHICLE CURFEWS

Please be aware that at the end of each day, we must enforce strict vehicle curfews to protect the safety of everyone leaving the arena. This will impact those people wishing to leave from the Rivermead Leisure Centre along Richfield Avenue, when the arena closes.

‍If you are parking in Accessible Car Park A or B or are being picked up in a taxi you will be permitted to leave the car park as soon as pedestrian egress is complete and it is safe to do so.

If you wish to avoid waiting until the vehicle curfew has been lifted, you will need to leave before the curfew begins. This will mean leaving before the headliner has finished.

Vehicle curfews will be in place as below:

Friday 23:00 to 00.15
Saturday 23:00 to 00:15
Sunday 23:00 to 00:15

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

LEAVING THE ARENA

When the main headliner concludes each evening, we recommend that customers on the viewing platforms and in the ground viewing areas wait until the initial crowd has left the arena.

If you wish to avoid the road closures, you will need to leave prior to the curfew times. This will mean leaving before the headliner has finished.

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. If you need to get out quickly, please leave before the road closures take effect.

If you are being picked up after the festival, please ensure your friends or family arrive before the road closures take effect.

ACCESSING YOUR CAR DURING THE FESTIVAL

You will have access to your car throughout the festival if you are parked in either Car Park A or B.

RE-ENTRY

We allow re-entry for weekend camping ticket holders 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. On Sunday, we operate a pass out system. If you plan on leaving the festival site and returning after 8pm, please ensure you get a hand stamp from security before leaving.

There is no re-entry for day ticket holders or Weekend Arena only ticket holders.

READING FESTIVAL APP

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

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

THE ACCESSIBILITY TEAM

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

Our accessible campsite managers are on duty, providing 24-hour cover. 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 assist the campsite managers. During busier arrival times, the helpers may be assisting other customers and will appreciate your patience.

‍