Safety

If a serious or life-threatening crime is being committed, please contact a member of staff in a tabard or at one of our help facilities marked on the help maps. If in the unlikely event you cannot find someone, please call 999, and/or shout for help to get attention.

There are over a thousand security, stewards and campsite staff on duty, all of which wear our festival tabards. Locate a member of staff for any emergencies, who will be able to assist or locate the correct assistance.

For further information check out our ‘what to do if’ info page.

The Event is produced for the enjoyment of all attendees. We reserve the right to evict anyone from site for the reasons outlined below. The decision whether to evict will be at the discretion of the Eviction Team / Security Coordinator following advice from security personnel.

Reasons for eviction:

Entering or being inside the Event without a ticket or relevant pass/ wristband;
Unacceptable, disruptive or anti-social behaviour; *
Having been arrested or cautioned in connection with a criminal offence, pending or post-hand-over to the Police.
*Unacceptable behaviour that can lead to eviction includes but is not limited to:

Illegal activity;
breaching the terms and conditions of entry;
failing to submit to a search as a condition of entry:
harassing or causing distress to staff or other attendees including (but not limited to) sexual harassment, discrimination, abusive behaviour, and offensive language;
filming or photographing staff in a manner likely to constitute harassment or cause distress
throwing any objects in the direction of people;
encouraging others to behave badly by incitement;
preventing security or emergency responders reacting to a situation;
building or fueling fires including throwing gas canisters onto fires;
committing a criminal offence but not arrested by the police;
in possession of unlawful drugs;
unofficially selling alcohol, tobacco, counterfeit goods or any other unauthorised goods;
ticket touting;
any other behaviour that leaves the Event open to prosecution or is not conducive to maintaining a safe Event.
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All evictees will be processed via Eviction Team / Security Coordinator, and their wristbands / tickets will be removed to prevent them from re-entering the Event.
All persons presented for eviction by security will be interviewed by the Eviction Team / Security Coordinator who are independent of security, and their details will be recorded in a database with their full personal details, a photograph, date and time and the reasons for eviction.
All evictees will be able to make a free telephone call if they do not have a mobile phone to contact members of their group and/or family.
Evictees will need to phone a friend at the Event to collect their belongings before their eviction as they will not be permitted back into the Event to find them. We will not be responsible for ensuring that they leave the Event with their belongings.
Evictees will receive a letter detailing the eviction process.
Evictees are liable to receive a life time ban from purchasing tickets or working/volunteering for any LNE / FR Events.

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If you have lost a child or a person, please contact a member of staff wearing a hi viz tabard immediately. Alternatively, go to a Wellbeing Tent for assistance:

Arena – (11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage
Yellow Campsite – (24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
Purple Campsite – (24hrs)
White Campsite - (hours tbc)

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DRUGS POLICY

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This festival does not condone the use of drugs. It is illegal to buy, sell or take drugs. Drugs enforcement laws are as applicable onsite as anywhere else in the UK.
We want our festival goers to know above all else that we are here to help and you can come to us for help without fear of getting in trouble.

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DRUGS ADVICE

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We do not recommend you take drugs, but if you do please bear the following in mind.

There are drugs in circulation in the UK that can kill with one single pill.
There is no way to know what drugs contain from looking. Even pills that look the same can have different strengths. Know the facts.
If in doubt, get checked out. Do you know the signs of an overdose? Know the facts.
Mixing drugs with other drugs / alcohol / prescription drugs can be very dangerous and mixing is behind many drugs deaths.
Cheap does not mean weak.
Pure does not mean safe.
You don’t know the strength of what you might be taking. You don’t know how your body will react. You can’t tell what you are taking by looking at it. You can’t tell how you will react by the reaction others have had.
You can always up your dose but you can’t reduce it. Wait at least 2 hours before taking any more.
If your powder or pills don’t take effect as quickly as you would expect, don’t assume they are poor quality – they may contain another substance that takes longer to take effect. If you then take more as a result you are at increased risk of overdose when the combined doses do kick in.
Treat all drugs as unknown.
Take regular breaks if you are dancing or exercising or in a hot environment and rehydrate with water or soft drinks – take small sips regularly but don’t have more than one pint an hour.
Having an isotonic drink such as Lucozade can help if you have been drinking a lot of water.
Use in a safe environment, with people you trust, look after each other and make sure you are with someone at all times. Ask for help if you need it.
You can talk to the Wellbeing Team in confidence at any time and they have drugs advisory staff to help you. They are open 24 hours and based in the Village next to the Medical Tent or within the Arena.

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NPS AND FORMER LEGAL HIGHS

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Our drugs policies include Nitrous Oxide (Nos) and other former legal highs all of which are dangerous. They are not safe or mild because they used to be legal.
Former legal highs are now known as NPS (New Psychoactive Substances) and it is an offence now to sell them. If you take NPS, then keep the packet in case you need to show someone what you have taken but note that what it says on the packet isn’t necessarily what is in the packet. Also chemicals can fall to the bottom of the bag leading to a very high dose.

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DEALERS

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We will take firm action in conjunction with West Yorkshire Police to arrest dealers.
There are covert staff onsite and as a condition of entry you are subject to search at any time. Staff will search for illegal items including drugs.
If someone offers you drugs, please report them to the nearest member of security with as much information as you can.

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ALCOHOL

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Pace yourself.
Try to avoid getting too intoxicated in unfamiliar situations. You can lose control, make risky decisions and become less aware of danger.
Alcohol and other drugs can impair your judgement. Don’t feel pressured into doing anything you aren’t comfortable with.
If you are having a bad time or struggling but don’t feel you need medical attention, visit the Wellbeing Team.
If you need medical attention, visit the Medical Tent or ask the nearest member of staff to help you.
If someone becomes unconscious or unresponsive, put them in the recovery position (on their side) and seek immediate medical attention by alerting the nearest member of security.
Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.
If you are drinking from early in the day, try to stick to drinks with a lower ABV, for example, lager rather than spirits.
Alcohol is the most common substance used to spike drinks. Never leave drinks unattended and don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
Mixing alcohol with drugs has been a common factor in some recent drug-related deaths connected with festivals.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

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wearetheloop.org/crush-dab-wait/
talktofrank.com
bluelight.org
drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-illegal-drugs/
acast.com/saywhytodrugs
prescription-drug.addictionblog.org/mixing-xanax-with-alcohol/
addictioncenter.com/addiction/polydrug-use/
themix.org.uk/drink-and-drugs/drugs-and-your-body/misusing-prescription-drugs-9575.html

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Remember if you take drugs and become ill, depressed or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to our Wellbeing Tent in the Village which is open 24 hours. If you or someone you are with has a bad reaction and needs medical help, talk to the nearest member of staff immediately. Let the medics know what has been taken. You could save your friend’s life. People who are overdosing can go downhill very quickly so don’t delay in seeking help.

MORE INFORMATION ON ECSTASY DEATHS

Ecstasy deaths appear to be rising year on year. There appears to be a link with the amount of MDMA found in tablets more recently. In 2005 each pill contained around 80mg of MDMA. Some recent pills have tested upwards of 250mg MDMA. This could be firmly in the fatal overdose range.  A combination of factors are at play such as bodyweight, hormone levels, mixing with other drugs including alcohol, underlying health and so on. There is no safe dose.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE DANGERS OF MIXING DRUGS

Mixing drugs intensifies the effects of each drug and makes them more dangerous and potentially fatal. Mixing drugs and alcohol is common but alcohol can have a big impact on the way many substances affect you. It could enhance the effects of the first drug but it could also create a dangerous or potentially fatal chemical reaction. Mixing ecstasy with cocaine can increase the high but also increases the risk of cardiac arrest. The more drugs that are used simultaneously including alcohol and including prescription drugs, the greater the risk. DO NOT MIX.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON PARTICULAR COMBINATIONS
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ALCOHOL AND ECSTASY

Alcohol can moderate the high from ecstasy and also increase the intensity of the come down. Both drugs cause dehydration which increases the risk of heatstroke when dancing in a hot environment for hours. There is a greater strain on the liver and kidneys which can lead to feeling / being sick. Both drugs impair judgment. Mixing alcohol with ecstasy has resulted in a number of drugs overdoses at music festivals in recent years.

ALCOHOL AND COCAINE

This combination results in the formation of an entirely new chemical in the body called cocaethylene. This is then associated with liver damage, seizures and immune system damage. Immediate death from cocaethylene is 20 times more likely than from cocaine alone. The impact of alcohol can increase the levels of cocaine in the blood by as much as 30% increasing the strain on the cardiovascular system. There is also an increased likelihood of violent behaviour and suicide.

ALCOHOL WITH OTHER STIMULANTS

A combination of alcohol with other stimulants such as ritalin, adderall, amphetamine, some diet pills, some over the counter cold remedies and even some strong energy drinks can also be dangerous. As with cocaine they can obscure the sedating effects of alcohol enabling a person to get dangerously drunk without fully realising. Overheating is more likely which can lead to organ damage. A person taking alcohol with these stimulants can lose their inhibitions but be irritable and aggressive.

MISUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Prescription drugs are not safe if not used according to the issuing doctor’s instructions. The benzodiazepine (benzo’s) group of drugs – valium, xanex, tamazepan etc are often used to come down from other drugs such as ecstasy or speed. This is a dangerous combination as the tranquilizers can be numbing and when taken with alcohol the combined depressant effects can cause fatal overdose by inhibiting breathing or slowing down vital organs.

Mixing drugs intensifies the effects of each drug and makes them more dangerous and potentially fatal. Mixing drugs and alcohol is common but alcohol can have a big impact on the way many substances affect you. It could enhance the effects of the first drug but it could also create a dangerous or potentially fatal chemical reaction. Mixing ecstasy with cocaine can increase the high but also increases the risk of cardiac arrest. The more drugs that are used simultaneously including alcohol and including prescription drugs, the greater the risk. DO NOT MIX.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON PARTICULAR COMBINATIONS

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ALCOHOL AND ECSTASY

Alcohol can moderate the high from ecstasy and also increase the intensity of the come down. Both drugs cause dehydration which increases the risk of heatstroke when dancing in a hot environment for hours. There is a greater strain on the liver and kidneys which can lead to feeling / being sick. Both drugs impair judgment. Mixing alcohol with ecstasy has resulted in a number of drugs overdoses at music festivals in recent years.

ALCOHOL AND COCAINE

This combination results in the formation of an entirely new chemical in the body called cocaethylene. This is then associated with liver damage, seizures and immune system damage. Immediate death from cocaethylene is 20 times more likely than from cocaine alone. The impact of alcohol can increase the levels of cocaine in the blood by as much as 30% increasing the strain on the cardiovascular system. There is also an increased likelihood of violent behaviour and suicide.

ALCOHOL WITH OTHER STIMULANTS

A combination of alcohol with other stimulants such as ritalin, adderall, amphetamine, some diet pills, some over the counter cold remedies and even some strong energy drinks can also be dangerous. As with cocaine they can obscure the sedating effects of alcohol enabling a person to get dangerously drunk without fully realising. Overheating is more likely which can lead to organ damage. A person taking alcohol with these stimulants can lose their inhibitions but be irritable and aggressive.

MISUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Prescription drugs are not safe if not used according to the issuing doctor’s instructions. The benzodiazepine (benzo’s) group of drugs – valium, xanex, tamazepan etc are often used to come down from other drugs such as ecstasy or speed. This is a dangerous combination as the tranquilizers can be numbing and when taken with alcohol the combined depressant effects can cause fatal overdose by inhibiting breathing or slowing down vital organs.

Festival Republic do not condone any usage of drugs.at Reading Festival. Drug Detection Dogs will be operating throughout the event. Please don’t be alarmed; they are here for the safety of everyone.”

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Campfires are not allowed anywhere at the festival, including the campsites. This is to support the Air Quality Action Plan and in consideration of local impacts as set out in our Green Nation Charter. Anyone seen creating or fuelling a fire will be evicted from the festival site. We have to continue to protect our future on this planet.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, highly poisonous gas that can kill in minutes. Never take a portable barbecue – or lit charcoal – into an enclosed space like a tent or caravan. Disposable BBQs and campfires are banned. Make sure exhaust fumes from generators are properly vented away from occupied areas.

If you think you have potentially been exposed to carbon monoxide whilst at the festival, please contact a steward immediately.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tiredness and confusion
• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Bridge jumping is an extremely dangerous thing to do. If you are found attempting to jump off, you will be taken to the police immediately.

In an emergency: Call 999 and alert a steward or a security person wearing a tabard who will know the way to the nearest medical facility and will be able to contact Medical by radio. Depending on the problem, you may be advised to go to a medical point, or a medical response may be sent to you. This could be an ambulance, paramedic or first responder. Our medical centres are located:

• Main Medical Centre and Pharmacy (24 hours), Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite (24 hours), by the Arena Gate, White Campsite (24 hours),
• Arena Medical Centre and Pharmacy (11am – midnight), to the left of Main Stage

Staff at the medical centre are fully qualified medics who are experienced in working at festivals. The centre is equipped to deal with everything from cuts and bruises to major trauma and cardiac arrest.

Whenever it can be done safely, people are treated on site and very few have to be sent to hospital. As well as doctors and nurses, the medical team includes physiotherapists, podiatrists, a mental health team and an X ray unit.

Teams of first responders patrol the arena, providing first aid, advice and basic life support.

Being found in possession of a flare or firework at a music event is now a criminal offence. Anyone found in possession will be removed from site and could face up to 3 months in prison and/or a fine.

Thames Valley Police will be running the Consent Conversations tent, a safe, welcoming space where we’ll be engaging with young people to raise awareness and understanding around consent. Through honest, open chats, interactive tools, and short activities, we’ll explore topics like boundaries, healthy relationships, intoxication, sexting, and how consent can be given and withdrawn. It’s all about giving festival-goers the confidence to have respectful, informed conversations around sex and relationships.

#LOOKOUTFOREACHOTHER

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We operate a Challenge 25 policy at the festival. Although legal, alcohol still has harmful impacts on your body. Remember:

Pace yourself.

• Try to avoid getting too intoxicated in unfamiliar situations. You can lose control, make risky decisions and become less aware of danger.
• Alcohol and other drugs can impair your judgement. Don’t feel pressured into doing anything you aren’t comfortable with.
• If you are having a bad time or struggling but don’t feel you need medical attention, visit the Wellbeing  Team.
• If you need medical attention, visit the Medical Tent or ask the nearest member of staff to help you.
• If someone becomes unconscious or unresponsive, put them in the recovery position (on their side) and seek immediate medical attention by alerting the nearest member of security.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.
• If you are drinking from early in the day, try to stick to drinks with a lower ABV, for example, lager rather than spirits.
• Alcohol is the most common substance used to spike drinks. Never leave drinks unattended and don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
• Mixing alcohol with drugs has been a common factor in some recent drug-related deaths connected with festivals.

Children at Reading Festival

Whilst we do allow under 13s to attend for free, we do suggest that this event is not suitable for young children. If you do want to bring children along, we advise camping in the White Campsite which is expected to be our quietest campsite.

On entering the event, children will be given Tyvek wristbands which have space for you to write your telephone number (as a parent or guardian). We can use this as a primary contact to reunite you. Replacements can be picked up at the Wellbeing Tent.

If you do bring young children, please ensure that on entry you get a child’s wristband to write your contact number on so that if you are separated you can be quickly reunited.

Set an obvious meeting point in the instance you get separated.

Struggling with Drink and Want to Festival Sober?

There is a solution.

Alcoholics Anonymous will have a presence at Reading Festival from 11am to 9pm each day to support your needs. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been drinking, or how much you drink. Alcoholism is an illness.

We live it too. Which is why we can help. Or perhaps you are simply sober curious? Our purpose is to stay sober ourselves and help others who turn to us to get sober too. AA meetings are where you will feel supported, where you can feel you belong.

Each day, we will have meetings that last for one hour at 12 noon and 6pm where we will share our experience, strength, and hope. Teas and coffees will also be available throughout.

We welcome you, whatever your gender, sexual orientation, income, religion, or race. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking, one day at a time, is welcome.

It is free to attend AA. You can just come and listen. Or you can talk and share. It’s up to you.

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Do not bring a weapon as you will pose a risk to yourself and others.

Do not bring anything that could reasonably be considered for use as a weapon including oversized lighters or any item which may cause danger, offence or disruption to any other person.

Please refer to our prohibited items list here under the “what you can and can’t bring section”

Reading Festival does not condone the use of drugs. It is illegal to buy, sell or take drugs. Drugs enforcement laws are as applicable onsite as anywhere else in the UK but we want our festival goers to know above all else that you can come to us for help without fear of getting in trouble at any time.

Read our policy on drugs and NPS (New Psychoactive Substances)

Remember if you take drugs and become ill, depressed or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to one of our Wellbeing Tents which are open 24 hours. If you or someone you are with has a bad reaction and needs medical help, talk to the nearest member of staff immediately. Let the medics know what has been taken. You could save your friend’s life. People who are overdosing can go downhill very quickly so don’t delay in seeking help.