Reading Festival
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27 August - 30 August 2026
Get ready for the ultimate summer party at Reading Festival from 27–30 August 2026! This legendary four-day music festival returns to the scenic farmland of Richfield Avenue in Reading, Berkshire. With decades of history as one of the UK’s most iconic festivals, Reading Festival guarantees an unforgettable weekend of live music and good vibes. Fans from all over the country (and beyond) flock to Reading each year to sing along to chart-topping hits and discover new favorites in an atmosphere charged with excitement.
The festival lineup is eclectic and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, hip-hop, or electronic music, there’s something for everyone. Big-name artists share the bill with rising stars across multiple stages, creating a buzzing program of non-stop shows. The main stages crank up stadium-worthy sounds and high-energy performances, while the smaller tents showcase up-and-coming bands and DJs spinning dance beats late into the night. With so much variety, every day brings a chance to discover new favorite acts and sing along to beloved anthems.
Reading Festival isn’t just about the music – it’s a full weekend experience. The grounds stretch across green fields beside the River Thames, with open skies and plenty of space to relax between sets. Many attendees make the most of the weekend by camping on-site; waking up just steps from the stages means you can dive right back into the action each day. In the daytime, explore the festival village: discover global street food stalls, craft bars serving local beers and cocktails, and quirky markets filled with artisan crafts. Enjoy fairground rides, activity tents, or an outdoor cinema screening. As night falls, DJ tents and pop-up bars keep the party going under the stars, turning the site into a lively festival of lights and music.
The crowd at Reading Festival is famously diverse and friendly. People of all ages come together – from teenagers experiencing live music for the first time to long-time festival lovers and families with kids in tow. Everyone camps side by side, dancing and singing under the summer sky. Throughout the weekend, spontaneous dance-offs and sing-alongs break out among the crowd, creating a warm, inclusive vibe. Special family areas ensure even the little ones can enjoy the fun safely. By the time the festival ends, you’ll have made new friends and memories that last long after the stage lights go dark.
It’s worth noting that Reading Festival has a serious legacy. For nearly 60 years, artists from every corner of the music world have played on its stages. It started in the 1960s and has grown into one of the longest-running music festivals in Europe. Countless legendary bands and superstar acts have headlined here, making the site hallowed ground for music fans. When you stand in the crowd at Richfield Avenue, you’re standing in the footsteps of musical legends – that adds a special thrill to every performance. This sense of heritage, combined with new surprises each year, makes Reading Festival unique and exhilarating.
So get your gear ready – Reading Festival 2026 is shaping up to be a can't-miss music adventure! Whether you’re a longtime fan or this is your first festival, join thousands of others in celebrating four unforgettable days of music, friendship, and summer fun. Expect big performances, happy crowds, and memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Mark your calendar and make your plans now – we can’t wait to see you at Richfield Avenue for the party of the summer!
By Train & Coach: The festival grounds are easily reached by public transport. Reading Station, a major rail hub on the national network, is only about a 20-minute walk from Richfield Avenue (postcode RG1 8EQ). Fast trains run regularly from London Paddington (via the Elizabeth Line) as well as from cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and beyond. If you prefer not to drive, the festival partners with coaches like Big Green Coach, which operate direct buses from cities across the UK (and even from Heathrow Airport) right to the event. Once in Reading, special shuttle buses run from the railway station and town center directly to the festival entrance – they are cheap and frequent, making the final leg of your journey easy.
By Car: Driving is possible, but requires planning. From the east or west, follow the M4 motorway to Junction 11 (signposted for Reading) or from the north take the A33/M4 links into town. Traffic can be very heavy during the festival, so allow extra travel time and car-share when you can. The organizers provide large official car parks (often at nearby fields such as Kings Meadow and Mapledurham) which should be booked in advance. From these parking areas, free festival shuttles (and even a scenic river taxi from Kings Meadow) carry you to the entrance. For example, parking at Kings Meadow often comes with a River Thames boat trip to the site. Note that local streets close off at night and parking is restricted, so it’s best to stick to the designated lots for safety and convenience.
By Air: The nearest major airport is London Heathrow (about 25–30 miles from Reading). From Heathrow you have several options: hop on a train from Heathrow’s station (via Paddington or the Elizabeth Line) to Reading, or take the RailAir coach that goes directly from the terminals to Reading Station. Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton airports are farther away but can still connect you via train (typically through London). If flying in, book your flights early and plan your transfer to Reading ahead of time – weekends can mean heavier loads on trains. There are often day-travel deals or passes that include airport connections to make this as smooth as possible.
Accommodation: Reading (Berkshire) offers a variety of places to stay within a few miles of the festival site. You’ll find hotels, inns, and guesthouses near Reading town center and station – from budget chains to boutique B&Bs – so consider booking well in advance. Local options also include rented apartments or university dorms (available in summer). For the full Festival experience, try on-site camping: the official campsites and parking fields open with the festival ticket, letting you pitch a tent or park your camper van right by the music. Camping or nearby hotels mean you can wake up refreshed and dive back into the festival each day. Whatever you choose, arranging your accommodation early will help ensure a smooth trip.
Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1
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