Reading Festival organizers are awaiting a decision on their proposal to extend music programming to a fourth day, a move met with objections from residents concerned about increased noise and disruption. If approved, the change would permit music on the main stage from Thursday 5:00 PM to midnight, taking effect from the 2027 festival.
The August bank holiday weekend event typically draws over 100,000 attendees. Festival Republic, the organizer, wants to formalize Thursday as a music day, contrasting with its traditional role as a "warm-up" day for campers arriving before the festival officially begins on Friday.
Associations representing hundreds of local residents have voiced opposition to the proposed extension. Elisa Miles, chair of the Warren & District Residents Association (WADRA), stated that while her group has a "long-standing partnership" with Festival Republic and is "not opposed" to the festival itself, the prospect of loud amplified music late into a Thursday evening would disrupt sleep for those who live nearby and must work the following day. "Loud amplified music late into the evening will disrupt sleep for those who have no choice but to remain at home," Miles said.
The final decision rests with the Reading Borough Council's licensing applications sub-committee.
This year's festival, scheduled for later in August, will feature headliners Charli XCX, Dave, and Chase & Status.