SAFEGUARDING AT OUR FESTIVAL
We’re so excited for you to join us this summer and want you to have the time of your life. Likewise, if you have someone you know or love attending Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival, let the below be of reassurance to you of how seriously we take Safeguarding.
We want you to know that as well as providing the best possible festival experience, our ticket holders well-being is our number one priority. It’s incredibly important that everyone feels safe and joins together as a community.
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.
We want our festival to be a place of love, happiness and togetherness.
Please see this video below for more info on keeping safe, and how you can help us ensure #RandL25 is the best experience for you and others…
ZERO TOLERANCE
At Rockstar Energy 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. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Harassment or abuse based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, or any other personal characteristic.
- Sexual harassment, unwanted physical contact, or threatening behaviour.
- Any act of violence, intimidation, or aggressive behaviour.
- Anyone failing to comply will be evicted from the festival.
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 Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival is a space where everyone can enjoy themselves in an environment built on respect and inclusion.
SAFEGUARDING LEAD
We are proud to be led by two brilliant Safeguarding Leads who are industry experts operating with an assistant covering both day and night hours throughout the festival. Their aim is to ensure all safeguarding cases are dealt with appropriately, that the correct support is provided and all those operating on-site are inline with Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival are committed to mitigating violence in any forms but recognises the need to focus on Violence Against Women And Girls. The harm caused to victims and society by violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all its forms – including but not limited to harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, murder, honour-based abuse, coercive control – is immeasurable. Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival recognises in order to stop these crimes, we must work together. Therefore, awareness will be formed through staff and volunteer briefings while promoting how to be a ‘Good Bystander’ by following the 4 Ds:
- Direct: This involves directly addressing the situation or behaviour, such as telling someone to stop their harmful actions, or asking the person being targeted if they are okay.
- Distract: This involves creating a diversion to interrupt the situation, like asking a question, starting a conversation, or causing a minor commotion.
- Delegate: This involves involving a third party, such as a supervisor, security, or someone with authority in the situation, to intervene.
- Delay: If direct intervention isn’t safe or appropriate, delaying action and checking in with the person affected afterwards or informing a manager or other authority can be a helpful approach.
Ticket holders are encouraged to report any signs of violence or something that doesn’t look for feel right to any member of staff, volunteer or via one of the help facilities on the above help map.
This year, we have partnered with Safer Spaces who aim to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, against women and girls, at festivals and events through education, training and immediate specialist support.
Also, Safe Gigs For Women who are celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year can be found in the arena. SGFW are an intersectional organisation that work to fight sexual violence at live music events and can provide advice and information about the bystander intervention.
SPIKING
Through partnering with Stamp Out Spiking, Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival recognise that spiking is a crime, and support is required for anyone who feels they may have been spiked. Our staff and volunteers operate from a place of belief, so we encourage anyone who feels they or someone else has been spiked, to report it immediately so we can support as required and get them the required help.
ASK 4 ANGELA
Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival will be supporting the Ask 4 Angela campaign while briefing all staff and volunteers of the procedure and publicising it via posters around the festival. Although, it is important that our ticket holders feel they can report something and ask for help/support via any means while at the festival.
WELLBEING TENTS (WELFARE TENTS)
This year we are re-naming our ‘Welfare’ Tents as ‘Wellbeing’ Tents. This was following a focus group with a group of younger people in Reading who made it clear to us the importance of the word ‘Wellbeing’. So, we want to make sure our help facilities on-site reflect that understanding.
The Wellbeing Tents will be run by Events Wellbeing .There will be 3 wellbeing tents on-site at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival – Purple Campsite, on Baker Lane in the Yellow Campsite and the arena. If you are experiencing anxiety, struggling with any mental health concerns, or having a bad experience with drugs and alcohol then come and see our Wellbeing team who offer confidential support and a place to stay for however long you need. They are non-judgemental and can link in with other agencies on site and in the community to ensure you get the right help. The main aim is for you to be able to return to the festival to enjoy it and feel safe in doing so.
MENTAL HEALTH
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 or Get Ready With Me Tents (24hrs) – across campsites and arena
These tents are staffed by volunteers from local community groups and charities to provide assistant, information and support. Please do get to know your nearest AIRHUB or Get Ready With Me Tent where you are camping and others around site which will be teams from WAVES, Reading Schools, CGL, Berkshire Womens Aid, Soul Scape, Safer Spaces, Sport in Mind, Oxfam and Soulscape.
- Samaritans (24hrs) – who can be found in the middle of Green Campsite.
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
- Reading Street Pastors (24hrs) – who can be found in the Brown and Yellow Campsite
The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.
- Salvation Army (24hrs) – who can be found on Scott Street in the Green Campsite
The Salvation Army have volunteered at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival for decades, providing emotional and practical support for festival goers at their popular tea tent.
You can also visit a Wellbeing Tent for confidential chats and chillout time:
- 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)
You can also visit the sensory calm tent in the arena during arena opening times.
AIR HUBS
Back for 2025, AIR Hubs will be located across our campsites and arena at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival. They will 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. The groups involved with the Reading AIR Hubs to date are WAVES, Reading Schools, CGL, Berkshire Womens Aid, Soul Scape, Safer Spaces, Sport in Mind, Oxfam and Soulscape. You will never be too far away from a friendly face or listening ear when in the campsites.
Air Hubs will be open 24 hours in all campsites, from Wednesday through to Monday morning. Also, in the arena during arena opening times.
Please see below for bios from some of our AIRHUB teams:
CHANGE GROW LIVE
If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol we’re here to help. We can support you through your journey to recovery. We also offer guidance on reducing the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol and living a healthier safer life.
Our service is free and confidential. Open to anyone experiencing difficulties with drugs or alcohol.
SAFER SPACES
Preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence, against women and girls, at festivals and events through education, training and immediate specialist support.
SCHOOLS
We have four members of staff from King’s Academy Prospect, we are an 11-19 secondary school in west Reading that provides a high standard of education and a wide range of opportunities to the young people of Tilehurst, part of King’s Group Academies. We can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Threads @kaprospect.
BERKSHIRE WOMENS AID
Berkshire Women’s Aid are a specialist provider of domestic abuse prevention and intervention services. Our mission is to provide support and advocacy services to everyone who comes to us experience domestic abuse. Our staff are trained to offer a variety of support, this may include refuge accommodation, outreach support, group work and support for children and young people.
Domestic abuse is defined as any single incident, course of conduct or pattern of abusive behaviour between individuals aged 16 or over who are personally connected to each other as a result of being, or having been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
We aim to listen, support and empower people to act for themselves and we believe everyone should be able to live free from fear and domestic abuse in their lives.
OXFAM
Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive. Our supporters raise vital funds with their generous donations, through our network of high street shops, and by volunteering at festivals and running events.
We believe we can overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it. Our vision is of a kinder, fairer world – a world less divided by borders, money, race, or gender. Come meet us at Orange Campsite AIR Hub 11 and Brown Campsite AIR Hub 16
SOULSCAPE
SoulScape is run by our trained volunteers and staff, who are on hand to chat with anyone who wants to talk. It’s a space to share what’s on your mind, process what you’re feeling, or just to take some time out from the pressure and relax. https://soulscape.org.uk/ come and Meet Nick, Michelle, Andrea and the Team at the White AIR Hub 19 and Brown AIR Hub 17.
SPORT IN MIND
Sport in Mind is an award winning mental health charity (unaffiliated to Mind and not part of the local Mind network) that was formed in Reading, Berkshire in 2010 with a simple mission: “To improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity”
We are the UK’s leading mental health sports charity and deliver physical activity (sport, walking, dance and movement, gardening and exercise sessions) projects in partnership with the amazing NHS in order to aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing, improve physical health, combat social isolation and empower people to move their lives forward in a positive direction.
WAVES
Welfare And Venue Event Services Ltd is a small private company staffed by volunteers, working at various music events. We provide various services at events and have been working at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival in various roles since 1995. We have been able to support various charities over the years including The Midlands Air Ambulance, Prostate Uk, local youth football teams and individuals in various causes. Our volunteers are from all walks of life attending Reading to have a great time whilst also working to ensure everyone else gets the best out of the event possible. We look forward to seeing you at Rockstar Energy Presents Reading 2024
GET READY WITH ME TENTS (GRWM)
New for 2025. While our campsites take on a whole new re-vamp check out details about our new campsites we are creating tents to allow our ticket holders to get insta, tik tok and picture ready. These GRWM tents will have hair dryers, mirrors, straighteners and benches to sit down. While you get ready, our safeguarding support partners are there to check in with you and make sure you know where support is if you require it.
SENSORY TENT
In 2024, we trailed having a calm sensory tent which was extremely popular tent to visit. We totally understand we all need to take a break every now and then, even after watching your favourite artist. So, for 2025, Event Well will be providing The Sensory Calm Tent in the arena for sensory regulation and decompression. Hosted by trained Event Well Hosts, this space offers co-regulation, emotional support, and onsite mental health first aid. Inside you’ll find noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, weighted blankets, sensory dens, and quiet activities like chess, dominoes, colouring, and puzzles. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a moment to pause and reset, this is your safe space to take a breath.
#LOOKOUTFOREACHOTHER
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.
HELP MAP
2025 map coming soon – check back for updates
MEDICAL TEAMS AND TENTS
Festival Medical Services will be providing the full medical provision at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival with a full hospital set up facility with XRAY machines and all your medical needs. We hope no one will need to use these facilities but, if they do, we can get medical help to anyone who requires it quickly and efficiently. We are also partnered with South Central Ambulance Services who are ready to respond to any emergency if someone may need a little more help than is available on-site with us. There will be x3 medical tents at Reading Festival – in white campsite & within the arena during opening times and on Baker Lane in Yellow Campsite.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
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 in Purple Campsite for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.
Their space is open:
- Thursday from 6pm – 9pm with a meeting at 8pm
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday opening times will be 11am till 9pm with meetings 1pm, 4pm and 8pm
ALCOHOL ANOYMOUS
Struggling with drink and want to festival sober? There is a solution.
Alcoholics Anonymous will have a presence at Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival in the Purple Campsite 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.
They live it too. Which is why they can help. Or perhaps you are simply sober curious.? Their purpose is to stay sober themselves and help others who turn to them to get sober too. AA meetings are where you will feel supported, where you can feel you belong.
Each day, AA 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.
AA 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.
CONSENT
Thames Valley Police will be joining us on-site providing a consent tent.
SECURITY TEAMS
At Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival, you will see hundreds of security members patrolling and positioned around the festival. They are all briefed on the above topics including how important it is to operate from a place of belief and treat everyone with kindness and respect. We want our ticket holders to know you can go to any of our security team members to report an incident, find out information, have a friendly chat or find help. Are staff are here to help and not judge.
If you spot something that doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and report it to security staff straight away.
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.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please do check in with one of our AIRHUBS or Campsite Manager hubs if you are in need of any information during your time at the festival! The experienced team can help with general queries, sign posting, what time your fave artist is due on stage to everything else in between.
You can also reach out to the official festival team via social media before, during, and after the festival weekend with any queries you have.
Have fun & be safe. See you in Richfield Avenue on Bank Holiday weekend!
