Reading Festival

Festival-goers can contact Reading Festival at the head office of the organisers. This page contains all the contact information you need to reach Reading Festival. They can answer your enquiries during the week.

About Reading Festival

Reading Festival originally began as a jazz festival, first held in Richmond in 1961. It moved to Reading by 1971. Throughout the 1970s, it became the first festival to showcase punk rock and new wave artists as well as traditional rock. Festival Republic acquired Reading Festival in the 1990s after a sales slump from including mainstream pop acts. Focusing on goth and indie acts also alienated audiences. Eventually, the festival regained popularity, opening a twin festival in Leeds in 1999 to accommodate demand. Both take place over a three-day weekend at the end of August every year. Acts are mostly indie and alternative rock.

Reading Festival Contact Numbers

Contact Reading Festival by calling these helplines from Monday to Friday.

Customer Services

For general enquiries about the event, contact Reading Festival. Details about the line-up are more frequently updated online. Other things you might want to ask about include the facilities on the site and the pass out system. Check the ticket terms and conditions for entry and use. You should look into the security rules for ID and prohibited goods. This will ensure that you do not waste money and can enter the site. Find out about extra facilities like lockers, phone charging, the lost property tent, and food and drink. Learn about health and safety rules, or check the options for travelling to and from the festival.

Ticket Information

The main thing you will need to attend Reading Festival is an entry ticket. Before you buy, you might want to call to check ticket restrictions. Find official ticket vendors to avoid disappointment if you buy a fake ticket. You can find out more about tickets to find the best option for you, including early entry passes and Seat of Luxury. Customers can either buy a full weekend ticket including camping, or a single day ticket to see particular artists. Weekend tickets are available through an instalment plan, which splits the cost across several payments. Ask about the wristband exchange if you are unsure how it works.

Camping Information

Camping onsite is available when you buy a full weekend ticket for Reading Festival. You can bring your own gear or take the stress out of camping with luxury accommodation. “Glamping” options are on sale from Festicket, Pink Moon, and Podpads. You can buy passes for campervans and caravans when buying your standard ticket. Call to discuss your options if your van is longer than 7 metres. You can also call this number to find out more about the different campsites. Different camping options allow access to exclusive facilities. You can also ask about sustainability initiatives for recycling at the festival.

Access Customers

Reading Festival works closely with the charity Attitude Is Everything to ensure accessibility for customers with disabilities. The Disabled Access Scheme requires the purchase of a standard ticket before applying. Successful application will enable customers to use the accessible facilities and receive a free ticket for a personal assistant. Call or e-mail accessuk@festivalrepublic.com with any questions. You can check which evidence you need to provide to apply. Find out more about the site layout, distances, and ground conditions closer to the festival. Learn about the accessible campsite, toilets, and parking facilities.

Volunteering

People aged 18 or over can volunteer to work at the festival. There is no pay, but you do get access to the festival to see some acts perform when you aren’t on shift. Duties could include providing directions and information, keeping facilities in working order, helping with tents, or promoting safety. Apply directly to volunteer through Hotbox Events. Reading Festival has a long relationship with Oxfam, but due to recent events, there is no volunteering partnership this year. The Ambassador Scheme is still in place for people to earn free tickets and prizes. Call to make enquiries about this scheme, or apply online.

Merchandise

Fans of Reading Festival can commemorate their experience with official merchandise. Whether you go to Leeds or Reading, the merch from both festivals is available to buy online. Some merchandise from earlier years is also available. So, if you missed out at the time, you can still pick something up a few years later (as long as the item doesn’t sell out in the meantime). You can call to find out more about the merchandise that will be on offer at this year’s festival. Details and prices might not be available until closer to the time. If you order merchandise online, then e-mail support@firebrandlive.com for assistance.

Other Ways to Contact Reading Festival

All the public information about Reading Festival is available online. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, go to social media. Reading Festival has its own Facebook page, and a shared Twitter account with Leeds. General enquiries about either festival can go by e-mail to info@festivalrepublic.com. Media enquiries should go to readingandleeds@ldcommunications.co.uk. Contact SM@festivalrepublic.com to apply as an official photographer for the festival. If you are a food and drinks trader wanting to run a stall, e-mail general@centralcatering.com. Contact dick@rbvernon.co.uk if you want to run another stall type.