Reading Festival

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MusicReading
Dates27–30 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration4 daysListed event span
CrowdLargeAbout 105,000 people
Best forLive music, late nightsReading and its twin-site partner in Leeds
LanguageEnglishCurrency: GBP
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Reading Festival in Reading

A major UK guitar-music festival held in Reading each August bank holiday weekend, tracing back to a 1961 jazz festival before settling in Reading in 1971 and pivoting to rock and alternative music. Since 1999 it has run as a twin-site event with a simultaneous Leeds festival, sharing rotating headline lineups across both locations.

Reading Festival began life in 1961 as the National Jazz Festival, founded by Harold Pendleton, who had opened London's Marquee Club three years earlier, and staged initially at Richmond Athletic Ground rather than in Reading at all.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Reading and its twin-site partner in Leeds share rotating lineups across the same August bank holiday weekend, with headline and major acts typically performing at both locations on different days, a structure that makes the two festivals function as a single event across two cities rather than genuinely separate line-ups

02

The mystery stays covered

The festival's origins as the National Jazz Festival in 1961, founded by Marquee Club owner Harold Pendleton, have left almost no trace in its now firmly rock and alternative-guitar identity, a near-total genre transformation over six decades

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The rotating shared lineup between Reading and its Leeds twin site

Water and renewal

Living ritual

in place since 1999

The sacred route

Living ritual

remains the defining structural feature of the modern festival

The local code

Living ritual

alongside its August bank holiday scheduling

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

27–30 August 2026

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Reading you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Festival camping gear including waterproof boots and layers is standard given on-site camping fields that can turn muddy regardless of forecast.

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Reading Festival runs late.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

GBP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map51.46 N, 0.97 WOpen in Google Maps

Reading, England, United Kingdom

TransportStay close enough to the part of Reading you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Reading Festival runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Reading via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Reading, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearFestival camping gear including waterproof boots and layers is standard given on-site camping fields that can turn muddy regardless of forecast.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United Kingdom and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Reading Festival?

Reading Festival is listed for 27–30 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Reading Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Reading, United Kingdom. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

4 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Reading, England, United Kingdom

How big is it?

Large: 105000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLreadingfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates27–30 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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