Reading Festival

The Reading Festival is one of the most famous and oldest music festivals in the United Kingdom. It takes place annually in the town of Reading, Berkshire. The event attracts tens of thousands of fans of rock, punk, pop, hip-hop and other genres. Over time, the Reading Festival has become a real ritual for young people in Britain and visitors from abroad.

History of the Reading Festival

The Reading Festival dates back to the early 1960s and is considered one of the oldest music festivals in the world. It started as the National Jazz Festival in 1961, then changed direction and became a platform for rock bands to perform. Since 1971, the festival has been based in Reading and has been known by its current name. Over the decades, legends such as Nirvana, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Eminem, Arctic Monkeys and The 1975 have performed on its stages.

The festival is known for its bold musical experiments, mix of genres, and the special atmosphere of British music culture.

Reading Festival 2025 line-up

The event promises to be one of the highlights of the summer, offering a packed schedule on several stages with world-class artists and new stars. The stage programme is divided into themed areas, each representing a specific style and atmosphere. The programme will be updated until the start of the festival, but the main headliners and genres are already known.

Main Stage East & Main Stage West are the main stages of the festival. Headliners performing here include:

• The Killers. Alternative rock with global hits.
• Doja Cat. Hip-hop, pop and R&B with a spectacular show.
• Sam Fender. British rock with a social message.
• Olivia Rodrigo. The pop-rock sensation of recent years.
• Fred again. Electronic music and live sets.
• Fall Out Boy. Pop punk, the return of legends to the stage.

Both world-class DJs and fresh names conquering the dance floors will be playing here:

• Peggy Gou;
• Sub Focus b2b Dimension;
• Eliza Rose;
• Joy Anonymous.

The BBC Radio 1 Stage is a platform for young and ambitious artists. Here you can enjoy experimental pop and hip-hop. Musicians who perform here often go on to headline the main stage a year later.

There is a platform for new artists selected by the BBC in the form of the BBC Introducing Stage. Ed Sheeran, Florence + the Machine and George Ezra started their careers on this stage in previous years.

The Lock Up / The Pit is an area for fans of punk, hardcore, metalcore and heavy genres. The atmosphere here is more aggressive and energetic, designed for true fans of the scene.

The Festival Republic Stage focuses on indie and alternative music, as well as new international acts. Artists who are gaining momentum on Spotify and TikTok often perform here. There is also a secluded spot called the Alternative Stage (Comedy & Talks). It hosts stand-up shows, interviews with artists, podcasts, satirical performances and other alternative content.

The festival takes place from 21 to 24 August 2025 on Richfield Avenue, Reading.

How to get to Reading Festival

By bus

The festival works with National Express and Big Green Coach. You can buy direct tickets to the venue. Buses run from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other cities.

By train

Reading Station is only a 15-minute walk from the main entrance to the festival. You can get there by direct train from London (Paddington), Oxford, and Bristol.

By car

Parking is available near the festival, but it is paid. It is best to buy a parking pass in advance. Navigation address: Richfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ.

Parking

Parking areas are marked on the festival map. There are also bicycle parking areas and drop-off/pick-up areas for taxis and car sharing.

Where is Reading Festival 2025

The festival is traditionally held in the Richfield Avenue area on the banks of the River Thames in Reading, an hour's drive from London.

Map Reading Festival

An up-to-date map of the festival site can be found closer to the date on the official website, in the ‘Maps’ section or in the official Reading & Leeds app.

Where to stay at Reading Festival

Camping

The organisers provide 5 themed camps, which must be booked in advance free of charge together with a Weekend Ticket or Weekend + Early Entry ticket:

• The Fields (Main Camp). Standard camping: arrive and take a spot, no advance booking required.
• The Garden (Calm Camp). A peaceful space with quiet hours after 1:00 a.m., ideal for rest and sleep.
• The Meadow (Eco Camp). An eco-friendly camp for those who support a sustainable lifestyle and want to participate in eco-activities.
• The Valley (Solo Camp). Designed for singles and couples, with activities for meeting people and social integration.
• The Glitterball Grove (Community Camp). A friendly camp for a creative and inclusive atmosphere.

New improvements for 2025 include modern vacuum toilets, showers and drinking water stations in each camp. There are also themed activities: yoga, master classes, exercise classes, social rooms, etc.

Hotels

There are many apartments, guest houses and hotels in Reading and the surrounding area:

• Premier Inn Reading (Caversham Bridge). The closest, about a 5-minute walk to the festival.
• Crowne Plaza Reading Caversham Bridge. About 0.5 miles away, with good reviews and amenities.
• Malmaison Reading and The Roseate Reading. Stylish and luxurious hotels about 1.3 miles away, with a restaurant and private cinema (The Roseate).
• Also popular are Novotel Reading Centre, ibis Reading Centre, and Travelodge Reading Central. These are centrally located and affordable options.

The University of Reading offers summer accommodation right on campus. Prices start at around £40–50 per night, with bookings available from the end of January 2025.

There are private apartments and hotels in the suburbs. There are many apartments, cottages, and glamping options within 15 miles. Some include a kitchen, bed linen exchange, and convenient access to the festival by car. Other good options include The Faculty Serviced Apartments, Castle Royle Golf & Country Club, and Calcot Hotel & Spa.

Visitor information

Festival dates and schedule

Reading Festival 2025 will take place from Friday 22 August to Sunday 24 August. The campsite will open the day before, on 21 August. The music programme starts around midday and continues until late in the evening.

Reading & Leeds app

Download the official Reading & Leeds Festival app, as it offers the following features:

• site map;
• performance schedule;
• push notifications about changes;
• interactive routes.

Tickets

The Weekend Ticket gives you access to the festival for three days of concerts (22–24 August) and to the campsite from Thursday 21 August until closing on Monday 25 August. You can also arrive on Thursday morning. These tickets are only available with the Early Entry option and are not available separately. There are no refunds for this option if you arrive later than the set time (usually before 8:00 a.m. on Thursday).

Tickets went on sale in October 2024 (first release), and the main sales took place in December along with the announcement of the headliners.

Entry wristbands are issued on site and allow unlimited re-entry to the festival grounds on all days for the ticket holder.

Contact details and postcode

Organiser's contact address: Festival Republic Limited, 2nd Floor, Regent Arcade House, 19–25 Argyll Street, London, UK.

Email for communication: [email protected].

Postcode (venue): RG1 8EQ for Richfield Avenue, Reading

Tips for visitors

Recommendations to help visitors:

1. Plan your trip in advance. Download the app to get the schedule and a real-time map.
2. Prepare your camping gear. Bring a tried and tested tent that is one size larger than you need, a comfortable mat, a change of clothes and a charger. Please note that showers and GRWM stations are available, but their use is limited.
3. Avoid bringing large bags into the arena. Only small backpacks/bags no larger than A4 size are allowed. Bring a reusable water bottle, raincoat, and power bank.
4. Clothing and footwear. Sneakers and a jacket are preferred, and in case of rain, rubber boots (wellies) are recommended.
5. Safety and accessibility. There are ATMs, relaxation areas (Sensory Calm Space), an eco-camp and rest areas, as well as support from the Accessibility Team and Attitude is Everything volunteers to assist visitors with disabilities.

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