SAFEGUARDING AT OUR FESTIVAL
We’re so excited for you to join us at Reading 2023, and want you to have the time of your life.
We want you to know that your 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. Read below for more info on keeping safe, and how you can help us ensure #RandL23 is the best experience for others…
AIR HUBS
New for 2023, we’re introducing AIR Hubs across our campsites at 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, Street Pastors, Salvation Army, Number 5 Counseling, Mind, CGL, RBFRS, SoulScape, and Oxfam. There will be 16 of these in total, meaning 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.
#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.
ENOUGH
We’re proud to support the Homeoffice’s campaign to stop violence and any form of harassment against women and girls.
SAFE GIGS FOR WOMEN
Raising awareness for unwanted attention at Gigs using their ‘Bystander Method’
ASK FOR ANGELA
This year we are supporting the Ask for Angela campaign which is operational at all our venues, bars and briefed to all staff members. We want to make sure help is ready and available to those who call upon it. We have seen this simple yet effective campaign prove successful at our festivals so far and want to continue this at Reading Festival.
SPIKING AWARENESS
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.
Drink spiking tests will be available at the pharmacy & medical tent in 2023.
BROOK
Brooks will be offering judgment-free sexual health advice and contraception at our festival. They are active in the campsites.
READING STREET PASTORS
Provide a friendly face and listening ear for festival goers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.
SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army have volunteered at Reading Festival for decades, providing emotional and practical support for festival goers at their popular tea tent.
SAMARITANS
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
TLC WELFARE
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 Welfare 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.
FESTIVAL MEDICAL SERVICES
Providing medical care and additional safeguarding team support.
THE WELFARE CREW
Staff Campsite Welfare, located in Purple and Blue campsites, with their trained staff and volunteers.
SOUTH CENTRAL AMBULANCE SERVICE
Ready to quickly respond to any emergency if someone may need a little more help than is available on-site with us.
#BESAFEBESOUND
Security checks are in place to keep you safe
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
BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR CHILDREN
We will be working with Brighter Futures who are already recognised by Reading’s younger people. Their vision is to unlock resources to help every child and young person to have a happy, healthy and successful life. Reading Festival was highlighted as a great platform for younger people to access this Mental Health and Wellbeing service. It’s important to note this idea was proposed by the younger people themselves.
WAVES
If found breaching our terms and conditions, you may be required to leave site. Our team from WAVES will ensure there is a safe way to return home and loop in any parents/guardians where necessary.
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.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Narcotics Anonymous will be holding meetings at various times from Thursday to Sunday at their confidential tent in Purple Camp. Head to our Personal Safety page for more info.
INFO TENT
A friendly place to go if you are in need of any information during your time at the festival! The experienced info 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!
