The Reading Festival, one of the UK's largest and most beloved music events, continues to draw tens of thousands of festival-goers each year with its rich lineup and vibrant atmosphere. Recently, however, the focus has shifted towards the environmental impact of this annual event, with organisers facing scrutiny over the waste generated and the number of tents left behind by attendees.
Held at Little John's Farm in Reading, Berkshire, during the August bank holiday weekend, the festival has a storied history. According to Festival Republic, which manages both the Reading and Leeds festivals, the 2024 edition of the event produced a total of 702 tonnes of waste, a substantial decrease from the 780 tonnes seen in 2023. Notably, 71 tonnes of tents were abandoned at the 2024 festival—also a reduction from 80 tonnes the prior year. “It seemed to me that there was a vast number of tents left, as there is year after year,” remarked Labour Councillor Jan Gavin, expressing her concerns during a recent meeting with the festival’s organisers.
Coming up in 2025, the Reading Festival will again set the stage for numerous performances, running from August 21 to August 24. This year's lineup includes notable artists such as Chappell Roan, Hozier, Travis Scott, and Bring Me The Horizon, promising an exciting experience for festival-goers.
As preparations ramp up, many attendees are keen to know how to navigate their way to the festival. Festival directors strongly advise using public transport due to the venue's accessibility from Reading train station, which is only a 15 to 20-minute walk from the festival site. Those planning to drive are encouraged to pay attention to the AA signage rather than relying solely on GPS. Physical car park passes are mandatory, and designated drop-off/pick-up points will be established to streamline the flow of traffic during peak times.
A special shuttle bus service will operate throughout the event, with single tickets priced at £1.50 and a weekend pass costing £6.50, available exclusively through the Reading Buses app to facilitate smoother access to the festival grounds.
For those unable to camp, a variety of accommodation options emerge, including nearby hotels and luxury camping villages, addressing the needs of attendees who prefer comfort over the traditional camping experience.
Nonetheless, prospective attendees should take care to adhere to guidelines regarding prohibited items. The festival has issued an extensive list of banned items, including aerosols over 250ml, megaphones, and anything that may be considered a weapon. Attendees are also reminded that drinking vessels larger than 500ml are not allowed into the arena. “The message is front and foremost 'take your tent home',” stated a representative from Festival Republic, highlighting the importance of individual accountability in managing waste.
In light of the recurring issue of waste, councillors including Adele Barnett-Ward have raised concerns about misconceptions surrounding abandoned tents. “One of the most pernicious misconceptions is that if you leave your tent, it will be donated, reused, it will go to a homeless person,” she noted, emphasizing the festival's need to continue educating attendees about responsible practices.
The campsite for both Weekend and Early Entry ticket holders will open at 6 pm GMT on August 20, 2025, with weekend ticket holders requiring access beginning on August 21 from 8 am GMT. The main arena will open at 11 am GMT. Attendees are also permitted to leave the main arena to return to campsites as desired, offering some flexibility in the festival experience.
As the local community and festival organisers work hand in hand to ensure a sustainable event, the 2025 Reading Festival is expected to be a demonstration of both musical talent and environmental responsibility. With historical weather averages predicting highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C during the festival weekend, attendees should come prepared to enjoy a variety of acts, all while being mindful of their impact on the countryside.
In this way, the Reading Festival aims not just to entertain but to educate and instill a sense of duty among its visitors, encouraging them to participate actively in fostering a more sustainable festival experience for years to come.
