Reading Festival has a dedicated Access Team working all year round to constantly improve the experience for access customers.

The Access Application Form is now open. Please click HERE to fill out the form.

If you or anyone in your party is a Guest with access requirements, please apply for the facilities you require, please note you do not need to wait to be approved as a Guest before you apply for access.

Everyone who successfully applies for access at Reading Festival will be sent an Access Guide (via email) prior to the event, including detailed access information.

The Access Guide will include:

• Arrival Information
• Site Changes and Updates
• Access Maps (including route distances, charging points, accessible toilet and platform locations and more)
• Opening Times
• Access Facilities and more

We recommend saving and printing a copy of the Access Guide for your own reference (once available). No hard copies will be available on-site.

A downloadable copy of the Access Guide will also be available here nearer the event.

ADULTS

If a customer is unable to attend Reading Festival without the support from a Companion/PA then we will provide an additional ticket at no extra cost.

You can apply for a Companion/PA Ticket when completing your Access Application Form.

Please note:

• You do not need to purchase a Companion/PA Ticket, however Access Customers will need to purchase a ticket for themselves before applying. We are unable to refund tickets purchased for Companion/PAs.
• Companion/PA tickets are provided with the understanding that the PA is willing and able to assist the access customer throughout their entire stay at the festival. The Companion/PA must be able to perform all requirements as needed by the access customer, and must provide assistance to the access customer during an evacuation or other emergency.
• Companion/PA Tickets must be applied for via the Access Requirements Form, and can only be approved by members of the Access Team.

CHILD (UNDER 12)

If a child under the age of 12 (aged 11 or younger) at the time of the event requires a PA Ticket, please contact us directly so we can advise.

TRAVEL

We strongly advise planning your journey before leaving for Reading Festival. Specific travel information will be sent out via email to Access customers prior to the event.

If driving, please be wary that road restrictions may be in place during the event. Please follow the temporary road signs directing to the Access Car Park, rather than sat nav, near the event location.

For those travelling by public transport, please refer to the Travel Section of this website for more information.

ACCESS CAR PARK

Reading Festival has a dedicated Access Car Park located close to the Access Check-In and Campsite. If you require use of this car park you will need to apply for Access Parking (via the Access Requirements Form).

Please note:

• Blue Badge Holders must register with the Access Team to get an Access Parking Pass.
• Access parking is free of charge, but only when applied for in advance.
• Parking in the accessible car park is limited, so friends and family arriving separately will not be able to use this car park.

DROP OFF PASS

If you are being dropped off at / picked up from Reading Festival, you can apply for a Drop Off Pass through our Access Requirements Form. This will allow entry into the Access Car Park, and for you to drop off luggage close to the Access Campsite.

TRAIN

If you plan on arriving by train, please be aware that Reading Train station is a 20 – 25 minute walk from the festival site. The station has a step-free ticket office and platforms which can be reached via a lift, as well as 24hour staff assistance and accessible toilets.

If attending Reading Festival for the weekend, Access Customers can apply (via our Access Requirements Form) to stay in our Access Campsite containing additional Access facilities. By locating these facilities in one campsite we can ensure that they are serviced, cleaned and maintained regularly.

The Access Campsite is located as close as to the Arena as possible to the Arena, staffed 24 hours, and where our Access Team are based.

Campsite facilities include:

• Wheelchair accessible toilets and showers
• A Changing Places Unit featuring a changing bed, a toilet, sink and a hoist. Please be aware that access customers must bring their own sling. This unit is not for sleeping.
• Standard toilets and showers
• Drinking water points and accessible sink
• Waste-disposal point
• Electrical points for charging wheelchairs or mobility scooters
• Fridge for secure medication storage
• Campsite hub and information (where our Access Team are based)

GROUP SIZE

As well as you and your PA, we also allow up to two friends to camp with you  in the Access Campsite (a maximum of 4 people including you). You must register the number of your group during the application process so that they are issued with the appropriate wristbands to access the Access Campsite.

CAMPERVANS

We can accommodate a limited number of campervans in the Access Campsite. To bring a campervan please select this option in your application. We will then email you the link to purchase an Access Campervan Ticket.

Please note: Campervan Tickets are supplementary (in addition to your festival ticket) and as such will incur an additional charge.

Accessible viewing platforms and toilets are provided within the Arena at Reading Festival. These are controlled by a wristband system, and managed by the Access Arena Manager. To ensure they run smoothly, each location has its own team of stewards and security.

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING PLATFORMS

All platforms have ramp access, wheelchair accessible toilets and charging points. Limited seating is also available at each platform, however access customers are welcome to bring their own (where space allows).

As platforms have a limited capacity these are strictly for access customers, plus one (1) companion.

We operate our platforms on a first come, first served basis and, whilst we try to ensure that we have sufficient space for everyone, demand varies by artist and at times there may be a wait.

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS

Wheelchair accessible and standard toilets are located at all of our viewing platforms.

BSL INTERPRETING SERVICES

A performance interpreting service will be provided by fully qualified interpreters from Performance Interpreting.

Full performance interpreting schedules will be included in our Access Guide, along with details and the location of our information and welfare service available for D/deaf customers at Reading Festival.

HEARING LOOPS

A hearing loop is installed at the Disabled Access Check-In, and at some of our platforms in the Arena. Exact locations will be shown in our Access Guide.

TEMPORARY IMPAIRMENTS

Please note that our Access facilities are unable to cater for people with temporary impairments such as broken bones, healing injuries or pregnant women.

If you have a temporary impairment, please be aware that there will be a lot of walking at Reading Festival. Chairs are not allowed into the festival.

EFFECT LIGHTING

Smoke machines, strobe lights, lasers, fireworks and other effects may be in use at this event. Anyone affected by these should bear this in mind.

MEDICATION

If you need to bring medication with you, we recommend bringing a copy of your doctor’s letter or prescription. Please keep medication in its original boxes. There will also be a fridge available if you require cold storage for your medication.

MEDICAL AND WELFARE

Medical and Welfare Facilities are available 24 hours and can be located in the Arena and Campsites (clearly signposted). Doctors, paramedics, first aiders and fully equipped ambulances are based at all our medical facilities, along with contacts for local pharmacies and emergency dentists.

SECURITY AND STEWARDS

Security and Stewards are on hand in the Arena and in the Campsites.

They have been briefed to offer information, help and support. If you are unwell or require assistance, please approach a member of the Security and Stewarding Team who are clearly identifiable by their numbered tabards/shirts.

In the instance of a site evacuation please ensure that your PA is aware that they are your main point of assistance in an emergency evacuation. Security and stewards located near the viewing platform will assist in moving everybody to a place of safety.

GROUND CONDITIONS / WEATHER

Reading Festival is an outdoor event taking place on farmland used for grazing, which is generally level, but uneven, terrain. The Access Campsite, and Main Arena, are situated entirely on grass.

It is important to be aware that during inclement weather some parts of the site may be muddy, water-logged or dusty, and may be difficult to navigate around.

The majority of our Access Viewing Platforms are uncovered so please dress appropriately, and for all weather conditions.

• Email: access@readingfestival.co.uk
• Post: Access Team, Festival Republic, 30 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY
• Phone: 0207 009 3487
• Fax: 08700949100

Office opening times are: 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Please note: we aim to respond to all email enquiries within two working days, however this may take longer during busy times.