Reading Festival organizers have submitted a licensing application to Reading Borough Council that would allow amplified music on the main stage for a fourth day of the event. If approved, the change would permit music on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until midnight, potentially taking effect starting in 2027.
More than 100,000 attendees typically gather for the festival each year. Wednesdays and Thursdays are currently considered warm-up days, with attendees holding camping tickets able to arrive ahead of the main event days of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The proposed change targets the main stage specifically for Thursday performances.
In addition to the potential fourth day of music, the festival organizers have also applied to extend the hours during which alcohol can be sold. These applications follow recent adjustments to the festival's structure since its restart in 2021 after the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, from 2021 to 2023, the festival site featured two main stages. This format was replaced in 2024 with the introduction of the Chevron Stage.
This year's festival, scheduled to take place between August 27 and 30, will feature British artists Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye as headliners. The sister event in Leeds will also include these artists. Irish rock band Fontaines D.C., electronic duo Chase & Status, and Florence + The Machine are also set to perform at both locations. Artists will rotate their performance days across the festival dates.