What You Need to Know Guide - Reading
Pepsi MAX presents Reading Festival takes place in Richfield Avenue, Reading, from the 27th-30th August 2026. If you’ve secured an Early Entry Pass, we’ll see you on Wednesday 26th of August!
If this is your first time attending Reading Festival, or your first festival ever, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From top tips and essential information to a festival checklist, you’ll find everything you need to get festival ready.
The App:
The official Reading app is best place for the latest information, set times, maps and more! Make sure to download the app and switch on your notifications.
Download here: https://www.readingfestival.com/app
My Ticket:
Your phone is your ticket! Download the official festival app and make sure you have your ticket ready in the ticket section.
We welcome all ages to Reading Festival, however, we advise against bringing young children. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied at all times by a ticket holder aged 18 or over.
For information purposes only, age checks may be carried out on the entrance gates.
We operate a Challenge 25 policy. Please be aware that bar staff always reserve the right to ask for proof of age if you look under 25, so remember your physical ID.
The following forms of ID will be accepted:
- A passport (not a photocopy).
- A full driving license or a provisional driving license.
- A Proof of Age Card bearing a PASS hologram.
- A Ministry of Defence identity card.
- A national identity card issued by an EU member state.
The Arena:
The Arena opening times are as follows:
- Wednesday 26th August 2026: Arena closed
- Thursday 27th August 2026: 17:00 - 03:00
- Friday 28th August 2026: 11:00 - 03:00
- Saturday 29th August 2026: 11:00 - 03:00
- Sunday 30th August 2026: 11:00 - 03:00
If you're a Day or Weekend Non-Camping Ticket holder, once you leave the arena you won't be able to re-enter.
Weekend Camping Ticket holders can leave and re-enter both the arena and campsites.
What you can and can't bring into the Arena
- Food for personal consumption only.
- We allow sealed bottles of water up to 500ml, as well as empty reusable plastic or metal bottles of any size. There will be drinking water points throughout the arena, where you can fill up your empty bottles.
- Bags no larger than A4 sized (8.27”x11.69”).
Please check out the full list here.
Bags
All bags that you bring into the Arena will be searched. If you wish to bring a bag into the Arena, please ensure that it is no larger than A4 sized (8.29”x11.69”). There is a limit of one A4 sized bag per person.
We recommend not bringing a bag into the arena if you wish to avoid the bag search queues.
We also recommend that valuable items such as car keys, cash, credit cards, mobile phones, wallets, purses and other valuables should be kept on you at all times.
If you have a lost property enquiry after the event, please contact readinglostproperty@wavesltd.org
Accommodation:
Campsite Opening Times
- Weekend + Early Entry Ticket Holders: 18:00 Wednesday 26th August 2026
- Weekend Ticket holders: 08:00 Thursday 27th August 2026.
Campsite is open 24 Hours, individuals can arrive at any time after the above.
Campsite closes at midday Monday 31st August 2026
If you are leaving and returning after 8pm on Sunday evening, don’t forget to get your hand stamped on your way out to be able to return later on.
Here you can find all the facilities the campsites offer.
LOTUS (Boutique Camping) offers a range of pre-erected accommodation options, ready for you to settle into on arrival.
The campsite features a variety of premium facilities, including a 24-hour staffed reception, 24-hour security, premium showers and toilets, and a dedicated pamper area.
- Pre-Pitched Tent
- Empty Bell Tent
- Classic Bell Tent
- Luxury Bell Tent
This campsite is at an extra cost. For more information on all options follow the link HERE.
ORCHARD (Premium) Camping is the place for if you BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)
The campsite features a variety of premium facilities, including a clubhouse restaurant & bar with DJs, 24-hour staffed reception, 24-hour security, premium showers and toilets, and a dedicated pamper area.
ORCHARD IS NOW SOLD OUT
Charging Points & Battery Pack Exchange
In partnership with Vodafone and Charge Candy, battery pack exchange stations will be available across the festival site to help keep your devices charged throughout the weekend.
- Reading Festival: 5 battery exchange locations across the campsites.
Customers can pre-book a battery pack for an early bird price of £19.95, plus a £10 refundable deposit.
Please note:
- You must bring your own charging cable to use with the battery pack.
- Charging cables will also be available to purchase on site.
- Festival-goers staying in Glades (Accessible Campsite) will be able to collect and exchange battery packs from the hub within that campsite.
Pre-ordering Camping Supplies:
Take some of the weight off…
You can pre-order, click and collect camping supplies with https://www.fatfrankscampingshop.com at Pepsi MAX presents Reading, offering the ultimate convenience for campers who don’t want the hassle of carrying camping kit.
Click & Collect Service: You pre-order your tents, sleeping bags, cooking sets, and chair packages online, then simply collect them on-site when you arrive. Fat Franks is located on Scott Street by Green Gate, and there will be a small stall located in White camp. Items can then be returned at the end of the festival in return for a 15% voucher which can be used at future shows.
No heavy lifting: Skip hauling your kit across the festival site — just pick it up when you arrive!
All durable tent options on Fat Franks are marked with a green thumb. Please remember to Look Out For Our Planet and take your tent home with you.
Reading Repairium By Berkshire Repair Cafés.
Reading Repairium is a sustainable pop-up repair hub located in Refuel. The initiative focuses on extending the lifespan of campsite gear by fixing items rather than allowing them to be discarded.
The service is run in collaboration with volunteers from the Reading Repairium. Festival-goers can bring broken or damaged items to the hub, including campsite gear and clothing.
Reading Repairium will collect donations, with 100% of the proceeds going to Berkshire Youth, a local charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people across the county.
Wi-Fi availability and details
Free Wifi Hubs will be available on site at Reading - you can locate them via the map on the app, or look out for the signs. Locations are:
- 5 x Campsite Hubs in The Fields Campsites
- 1 x The Glades (Accessibility Campsite)
- 1 x Orchard (Premium) - VIP Nation
- 1 x Lotus (Boutique) - VIP Nation
- 1 x The Lounge
- 1 x Street Feast / Tap House
- 1 x seating by Bar 4
Three easy steps to access free wifi!:
STEP 1: Open on your phone connect to WI-FI settings
STEP 2: Choose “READING FREE-WIFI” network
STEP 3: Add your email and click submit
WEEKEND CAMPING TICKET HOLDERS
Camping Tips:
If it’s your first time camping at a festival, don’t worry — follow our tips below to make the most of your experience at Pepsi MAX presents Reading Festival.
TOP TIPS
- Check our the map so you know where to go on arrival.
- Pack light but smart. Only bring what you need - bags will be searched on entry.
- Avoid setting up your tent near the pathway.
- We recommend keeping your camping chair inside your tent when you leave your camp, you don’t want it getting wet if it rains.
- Check the weather forecast before leaving - always prepare for rain, wind, or cold nights even if the daytime looks sunny.
- Make sure to bring a sleeping bag.
- Keep a torch or headlamp nearby in your tent so you can see during late-night trips.
- Charge your devices and always carry a power bank with you.
Pre-arrival checklist:
You can find the ultimate tent buying guide here
https://www.readingfestival.com/news/reading-tent-gear-guide-2026
WEEKEND CAMPING TICKET HOLDERS
- Tent - If you are thinking of bringing a pop-up tent, have a look at this handy guide to help you pop-up and put down your tent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1Or8THf5QY
- Sleeping bag, roll mat or airbed, airbed pump, and a small pillow.
- Camping chair.
- Clothes. Layer up, it gets cold at night. Bring a waterproof jacket, and of course standout outfits for the arena! Aim for one outfit a day.
- Footwear: Wellies and comfy trainers. Mud may happen.
- Portable charger.
- Sunglasses and a hat.
- A bag no larger than A4 to take into the arena and a refillable water bottle.
- Toiletries: shower gel, shampoo, conditioner (we recommend travel size) Insect repellent, sun cream, deodorant, hand sanitiser, toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Towel.
- Torch.
- Portable fan.
For Pepsi MAX Presents Reading 2026, our aim is for no single tent to be behind after the end of the festival. Let’s do it. No Tent Left Behind.
Medical and Welfare:
What to do in an emergency
There are over a thousand security, stewards, and campsite staff on duty, all of whom wear our festival tabards. Locate a member of staff for all emergencies. In the unlikely event you cannot find a member of staff, please call 999, and/or shout for attention.
Drug Use Policy
Festival Republic does not condone the use of drugs. Drug enforcement laws are as applicable onsite as anywhere else in the UK and it is, therefore, illegal to buy, sell or possess drugs. All drugs are potentially dangerous — there are no harmless drugs.
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 Wellbeing Tent. Always be honest with medics and wellbeing teams about what you have consumed so that they know how best to help you.
Where to locate medical and wellbeing centres;
‘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 The Main Stage.
‘Wellbeing
- Arena: 11am to midnight Fri - Sun – To the left of The Main Stage.
- Yellow Campsite: 24 hrs – Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite, by the Arena Gate
- Purple Campsite: 24 hrs – Near the entrance to Brown Campsite
- White Campsite: 24 hrs - Near to the bridge connecting White and Brown campsites
AIR Hub Locations
Assistance, Information and Response Hubs will operate 24 hours a day and will be located across the campsites and arena at Pepsi MAX presents Reading Festival. These hubs will provide an additional welfare service alongside the existing security and stewarding teams, which are positioned throughout the camping areas.
The hubs will be staffed by a range of charities and organisations, including but not limited to WAVES, Reading Schools, CGL, Berkshire Women's Aid, Soulscape, Aurora New Dawn, Sport in Mind, Oxfam and Andy's Man Club.
Please see the map below. No matter where you are in the campsites, you will never be too far from a friendly face or a listening ear.
Maps will be revealed soon. Keep an eye on our website!
Eviction Policy
We reserve the right to evict anyone from the site for the reasons outlined below. The decision to evict will be at the discretion of the Eviction Team / Security Coordinator.
Reasons for eviction.
- Entering the Event without a ticket or relevant pass / wristband.
- Unacceptable or anti-social and/or criminal behaviour.
- Having been arrested or cautioned in connection with a criminal offence.
Examples of unacceptable, disruptive, anti-social or criminal behaviour that may lead to eviction can be found on our website under the Eviction Policy section.
Your enjoyment is just as important to us as your wellbeing. There are several initiatives that offer support and guidance in both the campsites and the arena, and we’re proud to be partnering with some amazing organisations on some forward thinking campaigns.
For more information, please see here Reading Festival | SAFEGUARDING AT OUR FESTIVAL and Info | 27-30 Aug 2026 | Richfield Avenue, Reading.
Violence Against Women & Girls
At Pepsi MAX presents Reading Festival, we are committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and safe. We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence. Likewise, we will not tolerate violence against women and girls.
If you see something, say something and intervene where safe to do so. Our staff are here to help, and are never too far away.
We encourage everyone to look out for each other and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. If you see or experience inappropriate behaviour, report it to festival staff, security, or your nearest AIR Hub. Let’s work together to ensure Pepsi MAX presents Reading Festival is a space where everyone can enjoy themselves in an environment built on respect and inclusion.
For more information on safeguarding and how to be an active bystander, please see here Reading Festival | SAFEGUARDING AT OUR FESTIVAL.
Care and Safety Tips
- Decide on a meeting point with your friends. Choose a time and place to meet up later in case you get separated from each other.
- Learn the layout of the site – particularly your camping area so you can easily find toilets and stewards.
- Pick out memorable points near your campsite to help remember where your camping spot is located. Are there landmarks nearby that can help you find it?
- Get to know the people who are camped around you. It makes for a nicer environment and it means you’ll be familiar with who should be coming and going in your area.
- Keep your phone charged in case you’re separated from your friend.
- Stay hydrated. There are tested drinking water points throughout the arena which are free to use.
- For a full list of what you can and can’t bring into the campsite, please visit Information: The Essentials.
- Keep your wits about you. Drink responsibly and know your limits.
- Carry a torch with you or enable the torch on your phone to use for when it gets dark.
- Festival stewards are here to help you. Don’t be worried about asking for help in any situation, whether it’s asking for directions or to report something or someone you’re worried about.
- Don’t leave valuables like your phone, purse or car keys in your tent or unattended vehicles. Lockers are available to rent to store your belongings via our Tickets page.
- The Wellbeing Tent is open 24 hours and is staffed by experienced and supportive people. They can provide confidential advice about drugs, alcohol, legal highs and sexual health, and offer support if you need to talk. They offer a monitored rest and recovery area if you’ve overdone it. Please go to the WellbeingTent if you experience any problems or need to talk to someone for any reason.
- Please take guidance from the stewards on where is best to pitch your tent, if your tent is found blocking the fire lanes and emergency exits your tent may be removed for safety reasons.
- Those with chronic conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and diabetes should bring all their usual medications to cover the festival period, and to be aware they may require hospital treatment if they don’t take it.
- Strobe lighting – pyrotechnics, lasers, smoke machines, strobe lighting/special effects may take place during some performances.
Accessibility:
At Pepsi MAX presents Reading Festival we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our customers. There is no separate Accessible Ticket type, so please buy a standard ticket first and then apply for additional accessible facilities. There is no need to buy a ticket for your essential companion.
Steps when applying for the use of accessible facilities.
- Buy your Pepsi MAX presents Reading Festival ticket.
- Do not buy a ticket for your essential companion - essential companion tickets are allocated through the application process.
- Ensure you have a Nimbus Access Card or Digital Access Pass from one of the Live Nation events listed on the Nimbus website.
- Complete the application form once you have your Nimbus Access Pass or Digital Access Pass.
- The Reading Accessibility Team will review your application.
- You’ll receive an email within 5 working days. The email will tell you what facilities you are approved to use.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Reading Accessibility Team
And if there’s anything we haven’t covered, or you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us HERE!