Reading Festival: What to take, what not to take & what’s banned

With Reading & Leeds Festival 2023 just around the corner, here’s a guide covering essential items festival goers should take, a list of banned items, plus sustainability and safeguarding initiatives.

The UK's biggest weekend of music, Reading & Leeds Festival 2023 is just one month away. The end-of-summer party – the final major music event – has more than 150 of the world's biggest acts, including headliners Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, The Killers, Foals, The 1975 and Imagine Dragons.

The three-day extravaganza also features impressive late-night programming, a newly expanded eco-campsite, the world’s biggest silent disco headlined by SIGMA, hilarious comedians and much more.

The Reading Festival runs fromFriday, August 25 – Sunday 27 at Richfield Avenue, Reading

Who is playing Reading & Leeds 2023

Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, The 1975, The Killers, Foals, Imagine Dragons, Central Cee, Becky Hill, Loyle Carner, Wet Leg, Nothing But Thieves, Rina Siwiyama, Declan Mckenna, Mimi Webb, Yard Act, Trippie Red, Steve Lacy, SIGMA, KNUCKS, Holly Humberstone, Bicep Live, Chase Atlantic, MUNA, Trippie Read, You Me At Six, Hot Milk, Don Broco and many more.

The only place to get up-to-date set times and info is via the Reading Festival and Leeds Festival Apps. These are updated throughout the weekend with new info, exciting offers, safety messaging and more - so make sure you’ve downloaded this before arrival.

Reading Festival App ios: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/reading-festival/id1024718630

Reading Festival App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greencopper.android.reading&hl=en_GB&gl=US

Tickets from: www.readingfestival.com/tickets

To make the most of your festival experience, here are some essential tips:

• Pop-up tents just aren’t worth it, they will leave all you and your belongings wet the next morning. Bring a high-quality tent with a rating above HH1500 to stay warm and dry and take it home with you.
• Invest in proper boots instead of cheap wellies for comfort and durability.
• Stay informed about banned items to ensure a smooth entry. Disposable vapes and campfires are not allowed this year.
• Be prepared for thorough searches and cooperate with security requests for everyone's safety.
• Bring valid ID. Reading & Leeds operates Challenge 25 policy.

You can view the full list of banned items at https://rb.gy/e7lh4

Highlighted changes for 2023 include: .

Disposable vapes - Do not bring single-use disposable vapes. They pollute the environment and incorrect disposal of these can be hazardous at waste centres.

Campfires and disposable BBQs - Campfires and disposable BBQs are no longer allowed anywhere at the festival, including the campsites. This is to support the Air Quality Action Plan and in consideration of local impacts as set out in the Green Nation Charter. Anyone seen creating or fuelling a fire, or disposable BBQ will be evicted from the festival site. We have to continue to protect our future on this planet.

Bags in the arena - You are strongly advised not to bring a bag into the Arena as there will be long queues while all bags are searched. If you do wish to bring a bag into the Arena please ensure that it is no bigger than A4 sized 8.27”x11.69”. There is a limited to one A4 sized bag per person permitted into the Arena.

SUSTAINABLE SWAPS

By incorporating the following into your festival packing, you'll not only have a comfortable time but also contribute to a more sustainable festival.

• Swap wet wipes for reusable flannels - one for your face, one for your body.
• Choose soap bars over plastic bottles for a lighter packing and plastic-free option.
• Share toiletries and suncream with friends to minimise waste. (Realistically are you going to wash your hair?)
• Replace camping chairs with picnic blankets for comfort and less waste.
• Carry a refillable water bottle - free water points are situated all around the festival.
• If cost is an issue, consider tent hire or borrowing instead of purchasing a large tent to reduce waste.
• Use a self-inflating roll mat for a cosy sleep, saving energy and space.
• Avoid buying fast fashion and invest in quality, durable clothing. Shop from reseller sites and charity shops to find amazing pre-loved clothing.
• Bring a proper waterproof coat instead of disposable ponchos that you'll throw away, reducing single-use waste and look way cooler.
• Travel: use public transport, Big Green Coach, carpool with friends or use a service like Liftshare or to reduce your carbon footprint.

Sign up to stay in the newly expanded ECO camp, which was left absolutely spotless in 2022. After completely selling out early this year, R&L has now expanded the eco-conscious offering at both for 2023, tripling the capacity. If you want to stay with other like-minded eco-friendly campers and leave no trace act quickly and visit: [link]

#LOOKOUTFOREACHOTHER, STAYING SAFE AND IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE Safety is priority and all necessary measures to maximise public safety have been put in place, working closely with local authorities at the highest level. For full safeguarding info see https://rb.gy/e7lh4

New for 2023, Reading & Leeds Festival introduces AIR Hubs in campsites, providing Assistance, Information and Response facilities alongside the existing security and stewarding teams. These hubs are staffed by groups like WAVES, Street Pastors, Salvation Army, Number 5 Counselling, Mind, CGL, RBFRS, SoulScape, and Oxfam offering 24/7 support from Wednesday to Monday. With 16x AIR Hubs in the camping areas festival-goers are never far from friendly support.

The festival collaborates with various charities and welfare providers, including Safe Gigs for Women, Festival Medical Services, Brook, ITHINC, The Welfare Crew, Samaritans, Salvation Army, Narcotics Anonymous, Festival Angels, Street Pastors, The Egalitarian, SSAFE (Suicide Support and Awareness for Everyone), Brighter Futures for Children and more, ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for reporting and support.

Festival-goers may be subject to more enhanced searches of bags and personal belongings. We request that you cooperate with any security requests and searches. Please pack light!

Look out for #LookOutForEachOther posters and screens on-site, promoting conversations about respect and consent within the R&L community.

CCTV recording is in operation across the festival site for crime prevention and public safety.

Reading & Leeds both support the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign which is operational at all the venues, bars and briefed to all staff members. If you ever feel uncomfortable, ask for Angela and you will be provided with assistance. https://askforangela.co.uk/

Reading and Leeds Festival are inclusive, supportive places and we want you to come and have the time of your life whilst still keeping safe. Unfortunately, a small minority of people do try to bring drugs into the festivals. We urge you not to attempt to bring any drugs with you or attempt to buy any on site. This year's festivals have redesigned the search process on the first-time entry and re-entry gates. If you’re found with any amount of drugs on your person, or our drug dogs indicate you may have something with you, you will not be permitted access to the festival and may face criminal charges. There is no safe level of drug use and we don’t want you to ruin your weekend before it even begins. If you do find yourself in trouble or you or your friends have taken something that doesn’t feel right, please find one of our help points and get help immediately.