Safety 'What to do if'
Your wellbeing is our number one priority. Use this page to familiarise yourself with the resources available to you onsite if you or your friend…
If a serious or life-threatening crime is being committed, please contact a member of staff in a bright high-vis or police officer immediately. 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 high-vis. Locate a member of staff for any emergencies, who will be able to assist or locate the correct assistance.
In the instance of a mental health emergency, when you or someone else could harm yourself or others, please find a member of staff wearing a high-vis immediately. They can radio for the right assistance. Alternatively, visit a medical tent if you are able.
Festivals can be overwhelming and can take a toll on your mental health. If you need support, a friendly chat, or a comfortable stress-free place to chill out, you can visit:
One of Our Airhubs (24hrs) – 19 across all campsites and arena
In 2023, we introduced AIR Hubs across our campsites at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival. These were staffed by volunteers from local community groups and charities including WAVES, Street Pastors, Salvation Army, Mind, Change Grow Live, SoulScape, Oxfam, Victims First, Trust House Reading and SafeUp. This year, so far the following charities/organisations are coming to join us WAVES, Railway Children, Reading Schools, The Mix, CGL, Berkshire Womens Aid, Trusthouse, GamCare, Sport in Mind, Mind in Haringey, Mind in Berkshire, Reading Street Pastors, Oxfam and Soulscape.
Samaritans (24hrs) – Middle of Green Campsite, next to the Airhub on a lane off Scott Street
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
Reading Street Pastors (24hrs) – Brown Campsite, next to Toilet facilities
The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.
Salvation Army (24hrs) – Scott Street in Green Campsite
The Salvation Army have volunteered at Reading Festival for decades, providing emotional and practical support for festival goers at their popular tea tent.
You can also visit a Welfare tent for confidential chats and chillout time:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew) .
If something is on your mind or you are struggling with the festival environment, you can visit:
One of Our Airhubs (24hrs) – 16 across all campsites
In 2023, we introduced AIR Hubs across our campsites at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival. These were staffed by volunteers from local community groups and charities including WAVES, Street Pastors, Salvation Army, Mind, Change Grow Live, SoulScape, Oxfam, Victims First, Trust House Reading and SafeUp. This year, so far the following charities/organisations are coming to join us WAVES, Railway Children, Reading Schools, The Mix, CGL, Berkshire Womens Aid, Trusthouse, GamCare, Sport in Mind, Mind in Haringey, Mind in Berkshire, Reading Street Pastors, Oxfam and Soulscape.
Samaritans (24hrs) – Middle of Green Campsite, next to the Airhub on a lane off Scott Street
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
Reading Street Pastors (24hrs) – Brown Campsite, next to Toilet facilities
The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.
Salvation Army (24hrs) – Scott Street in Green Campsite
The Salvation Army have volunteered at Reading Festival for decades, providing emotional and practical support for festival goers at their popular tea tent.
You can also visit a Welfare tent for confidential chats and chillout time:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, you can go to any bar or security personnel and Ask for Angela. They will provide discreet help to get out of a situation.
You can also seek support at:
One of Our Airhubs (24hrs) – 16 across all campsites
In 2023, we introduced AIR Hubs across our campsites at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival. These were staffed by volunteers from local community groups and charities including WAVES, Street Pastors, Salvation Army, Mind, Change Grow Live, SoulScape, Oxfam, Victims First, Trust House Reading and SafeUp.This year, so far the following charities/organisations are coming to join us WAVES, Railway Children, Reading Schools, The Mix, CGL, Berkshire Womens Aid, Trusthouse, GamCare, Sport in Mind, Mind in Haringey, Mind in Berkshire, Reading Street Pastors, Oxfam and Soulscape.
Samaritans (24hrs) – Middle of Green Campsite, next to the Airhub on a lane off Scott Street
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
Reading Street Pastors (24hrs) – Brown Campsite, next to Toilet facilities
The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.
Salvation Army (24hrs) – Scott Street in Green Campsite
The Salvation Army have volunteered at Reading Festival for decades, providing emotional and practical support for festival goers at their popular tea tent.
You can also visit a Welfare tent for confidential chats and chillout time:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
You can also visit Safe Gigs for Women (11am-9pm) on Scott Street in Green Campsite. They are an intersectional organisation that works to fight sexual violence at live music events, can provide advice and information about bystander intervention.
If you think you may have been the victim of sexual assault, approach any member of staff wearing a hi viz tabard for assistance. Alternatively, you can visit a Welfare tent where they will be able to provide the care and support you need:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
If you have experienced a crime on site and need support on next steps or simply to talk, please visit Victims First – Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
– Wednesday: 11am-5pm
– Thursday 10am-8pm
– Friday-Sunday: 7am-1am
– Monday: 8am-12pm
Providing emotional and practical support on site to anyone who is a victim of any crime including, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Ask a member of the festival team for us or find us on site in the yellow camp. We will be on hand to help during the festival & offer longer term support if you need it.
You can also visit Safe Gigs for Women (11am-9pm) on Scott Street in Green Campsite. They are an intersectional organisation that works to fight sexual violence at live music events, can provide advice and information about bystander intervention.
We still want our festival-goers to know that you can come to us for help if you or your friends need it, without fear of getting in trouble at any time.
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. We guarantee you will not get in trouble. People who are overdosing can go downhill very quickly so don’t delay in seeking help.
If you take drugs and become ill, depressed or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to our Medical Tent or Welfare Tent.
Always be honest with medics and welfare teams about what you have consumed so that they know how best to help you.
Medical:
Main Medical Centre and Pharmacy (24 hours), Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
Arena Medical Centre and Pharmacy (11am – midnight), to the left of Main Stage
White Campsite Medical Unit (24 hours) , This is a smaller unit staffed by nurses, paramedics and first responders. It is set up to deal with minor injuries and illnesses.
Welfare:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
UK Narcotics Anonymous are situated in Purple Campsite, at the entrance to Green Campsite. Their opening hours are:
Thursday: 2pm-9pm.
Meetings: 4pm and 8pm
Friday-Sunday: 11am-9pm.
Meetings: 12pm, 4pm and 8pm
Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. At Reading, you can drop into their tent for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.
In an emergency: Alert a steward or a security person wearing a high-vis who will know how to contact law enforcement and security services.
If you need to contact Thames Valley Police to report a non-emergency crime or to provide information on a crime while at the festival, please go to a Welfare tent:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
If you have experienced a crime on site and need support on next steps or simply to talk, please visit one of our AIRHUB or Campsite Manager Offices who can refer you to Hope After Harm
Wednesday: 11am-5pm
Thursday 10am-8pm
Friday-Sunday: 7am-1am
Monday: 8am-12pm
Providing emotional and practical support on site to anyone who is a victim of any crime including, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Ask a member of the festival team for us or find us on site in the yellow camp. We will be on hand to help during the festival & offer longer term support if you need.
If you are worried about pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, our Medical centres in Yellow Campsite, the Arena and White Campsite can give you help and advice and emergency contraception if needed:
Main Medical Centre and Pharmacy (24 hours), Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
Arena Medical Centre and Pharmacy (11am – midnight), to the left of Main Stage
White Campsite Medical Unit (24 hours) , This is a smaller unit staffed by nurses, paramedics and first responders. It is set up to deal with minor injuries and illnesses.
Brook
(9am to 6pm, Friday -Sunday) – Purple Campsite, at the entrance to Green Campsite
Brook will be offering judgment-free sexual health advice as well as free condoms at our festival.
If you think you may have been the victim of sexual assault, approach any member of staff wearing a hi viz tabard for assistance. Alternatively, you can visit a Welfare tent where they will be able to provide the care and support you need:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
If you think you or someone you know has been spiked:
If it feels like a medical emergency: Alert a steward or a security person wearing a high-vis who will know the way to the nearest medical facility and will be able to contact Medical by radio.
If you are able, get to your nearest Welfare or Medical facility. They will be able to advise and support. If you still have your drink, they will be able to test it for spiking:
Welfare:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite – (24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite – (24hrs) Opposite the Campsite Manager’s Office (The Welfare Crew)
Purple Campsite – (24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
Medical
Main Medical Centre and Pharmacy (24 hours), Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
Arena Medical Centre and Pharmacy (11am – midnight), to the left of Main Stage
White Campsite Medical Unit (24 hours)
In partnership with our bar provider, we are ensuring all staff (including our security teams) are briefed on what to be aware of with regards to spiking. Please report any suspicious activity to security or bar staff.
UK Narcotics Anonymous are situated in Purple Campsite, at the entrance to Green Campsite. Their opening hours are:
Thursday: 2pm-9pm. Meetings: 4pm and 8pm
Friday-Sunday: 11am-9pm. Meetings: 12pm, 4pm and 8pm
Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. At Reading, you can drop into their tent for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.
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. We guarantee you will not get in trouble. People who are overdosing can go downhill very quickly so don’t delay in seeking help.
if you take drugs and become ill, depressed or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to our Medical Tent or Welfare Tent.
Always be honest with medics and welfare teams about what you have consumed so that they know how best to help you.
Medical:
Main Medical Centre and Pharmacy (24 hours), Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
Arena Medical Centre and Pharmacy (11am – midnight), to the left of Main Stage
White Campsite Medical Unit (24 hours) , This is a smaller unit staffed by nurses, paramedics and first responders. It is set up to deal with minor injuries and illnesses.
Welfare:
Arena –
(11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite –
(24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite –
(24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite –
(24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
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.
Security checks are in place to protect you in conjunction with Action Counter Terrorism. If you spot something that doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and report it to security staff straight away. Follow advice from @TerrorismPolice and #BeSafeBeSound
If you have lost a child or a person, please contact a member of staff or police officer wearing a hi viz tabard immediately. Alternatively, go to a Welfare Tent for assistance:
Arena – (11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite – (24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite – (24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite – (24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
Our campaign to promote safety around drugs and alcohol, consent and keeping an eye out for one another. We want to create an environment where everyone feels safe.
We want to create an environment where everyone feels safe. Remember:
- There is no safe level of drug use.
- Tolerance can vary depending on person, what you have eaten and done in a day.
- Get help if someone feels unsafe or unwell.
- Our staff are here to help, not judge.
- Don’t be a state – hydrate. Alternate alcohol with water. If your head is not in the right place, get out of the crowd and tell someone how you feel.
- Leave the mixing to the DJ.Mixing substances is always risky.
- Eat, sleep, rehydrate, check in with your mates.
- Don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do.
- Someone can’t consent if they are drunk or high.
- Stick together. Don’t leave anyone behind.
For parents/guardians
We know it can be nerve-wracking when your young person is heading to a festival on their own. We hope these tips will help your peace of mind. And please see the Full List of Resources below, to put your mind at ease that there are plenty of people onsite looking out for your young person:
- Hills Meadow Car Park is the dedicated drop off/pick up area.
- Make sure they have all the essentials before they head off: ticket, money, IDs, comfortable footwear, water bottle.
- It is always a good idea to have warm clothing and bedding if they are a weekend camper.
- Sun cream and hats will be a life saver in a heatwave!
- Make sure they can stick with their mates and have a meeting point in case they do get separated.
- Encourage them to lock their valuables in our safe storage facilities at Reapers Street or the lockers at Baker Lane.
- They can get a Reading phone pouch from one of the AIRHUBS.
- Make sure they know how to pace themselves if they are over 18 and will be drinking alcohol: plenty of water, food and a safe space to hang out.
- Remind them that there is no safe way to take drugs and they will be refused entry or ejected if found with them. However, they or their friends do have a bad experiences with substances, we encourage them to go to a Welfare or Medical tent as soon possible and be honest with our staff. They will not get in trouble and will be given the right care.
- Please watch this video created by our local partners, Brighter Futures:
Full list of Safeguarding and Wellbeing Resources
Airhubs (24hrs) – 18 across all campsites
In 2023, we introduced AIR Hubs across our campsites at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival. They provide a facility over and above the existing security and stewarding teams situated in multiple locations in and amongst the camping areas. AIR is an acronym for ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION & RESPONSE and we will be working with local community groups and charities to run these hubs for us, with the support of our existing safeguarding and welfare partners at the festival.This year, so far the following charities/organisations are coming to join us to run our AIRHUBs: WAVES, Local Schools, Change Grow Live, Trusthouse, Lady Garden, Mind in Berkshire, Sport In Mind, Mind in Haringey, Soulscape, Gamcare and Oxfam . There will be 18 of these in total across campsites and the arena, meaning you will never be too far away from a friendly face or listening ear. Air Hubs will be open 24 hours in all campsites and when the arena is open.
Brook (9am to 6pm, Friday -Sunday)– Purple Campsite, at the entrance to Green Campsite
Brook will be offering judgment-free sexual health advice as well as free condoms at our festival.
‘Ask for Angela’ – At any bar or any member of staff in a bright tabard
Approach a member of staff and ask for ‘Angela’ if you feel uncomfortable and need discreet help getting out of a situation.
Reading Street Pastors (24hrs) – Brown Campsite, next to Toilet facilities
The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.
Salvation Army (24hrs) – Scott Street in Green Campsite
The Salvation Army have volunteered at Reading Festival for decades, providing emotional and practical support for festival goers at their popular tea tent.
Samaritans (24hrs)– Middle of Green Campsite, next to the Airhub on a lane off Scott Street
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
Safe Gigs for Women (11am-9pm) – Scott Street in Green Campsite
An intersectional organisation that works to fight sexual violence at live music events, can provide advice and information about bystander intervention.
Medical
Main Medical Centre (24 hours)– Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
Arena Medical Centre (11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage
White Camp (24 hours) – Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls
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. They also operate an on-site pharmacy. Provided by Festival Medical Services.
Welfare
Arena – (11am to midnight) – To the left of Main Stage (TLC)
Yellow Campsite – (24hrs) Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate (TLC)
White Campsite – (24hrs) Between the Campsite Manager Office and Food Stalls (TLC)
Purple Campsite – (24hrs) Near the entrance to Green Campsite (The Welfare Crew)
If you are struggling with any mental health concerns, having a bad experience with substances or other people then come and see our Welfare team who offer confidential support and a place to stay for however long you need.
Victims First – Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
Wednesday: 11am-5pm
Thursday 10am-8pm
Friday-Sunday: 7am-1am
Monday: 8am-12pm
Providing emotional and practical support on site to anyone who is a victim of any crime including, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Ask a member of the festival team for us or find us on site in the yellow camp. We will be on hand to help during the festival & offer longer term support if you need it.
Lost Property (WAVES) – Scott Street in Green Campsite
Wednesday and Thursday: 11am-1pm
Friday – Sunday: 24hrs
Monday: closes at 12pm
WAVES provide lost property and information services, and will have some teams located at AIRHubs to provide support.
UK Narcotics Anonymous– Purple Campsite, at the entrance to Green Campsite
Thursday: 2pm-9pm, 2 meetings
Friday-Sunday: 11am-9pm, 3 meetings
Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. At Reading, you can drop into their tent for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.
Security
Security are trained to keep you safe. You can report issues to them and they can radio for the correct assistance.
Thames Valley Police
We will be working alongside police officers throughout the festival to ensure everyone attending can have a good time and stay safe. Officers are specially trained and are ready to respond to any incidents quickly. Please feel free to say hello and stop them for a chat if you see them out and about.