Reading Festival road closures will change local journeys
Reading Festival returns to Richfield Avenue in Reading from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026. The three-day music festival is open to festival-goers with tickets, including day-ticket holders and campers; ticket prices are not stated in the council notice.
Reading Borough Council has advised residents and visitors to expect disruption before, during and immediately after the event. Arrival traffic will build from Wednesday, while Bank Holiday Monday is expected to bring another surge as people leave the site.
Festival traffic will peak before Friday
Residents travelling into or around Reading town centre are being asked to allow more time from Wednesday 26 August to Friday 28 August. Thursday is expected to be particularly busy because most festival-goers will arrive that day, followed by increased traffic from Friday day-ticket holders.
| Date | Expected local impact |
|---|---|
| 26–28 August | Longer journeys as festival traffic arrives |
| Thursday 27 August | Busiest main arrival day |
| Friday 28 August | Extra traffic from day-ticket holders |
| 29–30 August | Near-normal travel levels, but busier shops and supermarkets |
| Monday 31 August | Heavy departure traffic around the site and car parks |
Drivers are strongly advised to avoid Richfield Avenue and the surrounding roads unless their journey is essential. Parking and loading restrictions will be enforced around the festival site.
Hills Meadow is the only private-car drop-off point
Hills Meadow Car Park, George Street, Reading, RG4 8DH, is the designated pick-up and drop-off area for private cars. Festival-goers can walk from there to the site along the towpath and across Christchurch Bridge or use the free shuttle boat.
Drivers should not attempt to stop on Richfield Avenue, where road closures and no-stopping restrictions will apply. Festival parking is available at Mapledurham and Kings Meadow for parking-pass holders. Mapledurham has a pedestrian bridge into the site, while an authorised free boat service carries visitors, tents and belongings from Kings Meadow.
The council has warned visitors against using illegal or unregulated river boats. Only one festival boat service is authorised, and river activity will be monitored throughout the event.
From Reading Station, the quickest walking route leaves from the station’s northern side. A special festival shuttle bus and hackney carriages will also operate from that side, while a temporary taxi rank will be positioned on Tessa Road opposite Rivermead Leisure Centre. Private-hire vehicles must be booked in advance and cannot legally be hailed from the roadside.
Night closures will affect roads and the Thames Path
The Thames Path between Scours Lane and the far end of Thameside Promenade will close nightly from 7pm to 6am between Thursday 27 August and Monday 31 August.
Richfield Avenue will close from 10.30pm until 1am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to help approximately 30,000 day-ticket holders leave safely. All vehicles will be barred between Cardiff Road and Tessa Road, with authorised access only between Tessa Road and Caversham Road.
On Monday, the Napier Road and Vastern Road roundabout is expected to be particularly busy. A northbound closure of Cow Lane between Portman Road and Cardiff Road may be reinstated from 7am to 3pm if traffic levels require it.
AIR Hubs will provide round-the-clock support
Festival Republic will operate AIR Hubs across the campsites and arena. The Assistance, Information and Response points will remain available 24 hours a day, supplementing the festival’s security, stewarding, welfare and safeguarding teams.
Attendees are encouraged to save or screenshot the festival map showing AIR Hub locations. Anyone who feels unwell, unsafe or unsure can go to one of the hubs for assistance. The festival’s official app will carry set times, maps and announcements.
The supplied notice does not specify event opening times, ticket prices, the performer line-up or accessibility arrangements. Attendees should confirm those details through the official Reading Festival information before travelling.
Rivermead facilities will close during festival week
Rivermead Leisure Centre will operate a reduced service. The sports hall closes at 6am on 22 August, studios at noon on 23 August, soft play and the café at 6am on 24 August, and the gym and swimming facilities at 6am on 26 August. All are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday 1 September at varying times.
Sound testing will take place on Thursday and before each day’s live performances under council officer supervision. Residents can contact the festival hotline on 020 8080 1518 from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday 26 August, then continuously from 9am on Thursday until 3pm on Monday 31 August. Queries can also be sent to [email protected] during the event.
Source: Reading Borough Council News
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Event dates, transport arrangements, closures and resident contact details were matched to Reading Borough Council’s festival guidance.
- Confirmed the festival dates and Richfield Avenue venue
- Checked the designated drop-off point and festival parking arrangements
- Matched the stated road and Thames Path closure periods
- Verified the residents’ hotline number and operating hours
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- Reading Borough Council News
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- 2026-08-19 13:23
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