Reading Festival 2026: 100,000 Attendees Urged to Plan Ahead

Next week, around 100,000 people are expected at the Reading Festival, so both local officials and organizers are encouraging everyone to prepare in advance. The event runs from Thursday, August 27, to Sunday, August 30, and will lead to heavy traffic and crowded stores. Reading Borough Council has shared travel tips, highlighting parking restrictions near the Richfield Avenue venue, where pick-ups aren’t allowed. Hills Meadow Car Park will have designated drop-off spots, along with free shuttle services and walking paths. Extra parking spaces will be at Kings Meadow and Mapledurham, connected by a new pedestrian bridge. A free boat service will also run from Kings Meadow. The Thames Path will close nightly from 19:00 to 06:00 during the festival. Sound testing will take place on Thursday and each festival day under council oversight. A hotline (020 8080 1518) will be active from 09:00 on August 26, continuing 24 hours from 09:00 on August 27 until 15:00 on August 31. Residents can also reach out via email at ReadingFestivalHotline@reading.gov.uk. Organizers recently got approval for music on the main stage on Thursdays starting in 2027. Charli XCX and Raye will headline, with Charli also performing in 2026. The BBC Introducing stage was removed from the festival in July.