READING Borough Council has reminded residents to plan ahead for busy roads and shops as Reading Festival approaches.
From Friday, August 26, Reading Festival will return to Little John’s Farm, Richfield Avenue, bringing 100,000 revellers expected to attend this year.
The council has reminded residents who intend to travel around Reading during that weekend will need to prepare for longer journey times, especially as guests arrive on Thursday and Friday, August 25 and 26.
While normal levels of traffic should resume after Friday, Bank Holiday Monday, August 29, is expected to be very busy also.
Shops and supermarkets will be busier than usual throughout the weekend.
It also advises that parking restrictions, including no stopping for pick-ups, will be in place around the Richfield Avenue site, as usual, and the area should be avoided wherever possible.
A dedicated drop-off point will be installed at Hills Meadow Car Park, with free shuttle boats to and from the festival also available.
Festival parking will be available at Kings Meadow and Mapledurham for parking pass holders and a pedestrian bridge has been constructed for easy access.
As part of the festival preparations, the council advises that the Thames Path between Scours lane and the far end of the Thameside Promenade will be closed between 8pm-6am during the festival weekend until Monday, August 29.
There will be a full closure of Richfield Avenue between Cardiff Road and Tessa Road between 10.30pm-1am, Friday to Sunday, which will allow day ticket holders easy exit from the site.
A northbound closure of Cow Lane, between Portman Road and Cardiff Road, is also likely to be reinstated between 8am and 3pm on Monday, August 29, to assist with the coach transfers and exit of service vehicles, if traffic is particularly congested.
Throughout the duration of the festival, a temporary taxi rank will be operating in Tessa Road, next to the festival site, as a further option when travelling to and from the site.
Rivermead Leisure Centre will be closed for the duration of the festival.This year’s festival will also see noise levels tested daily to avoid unreasonable disturbance to local residents.
A special hotline number has been set up for residents who wish to offer comments or to raise queries during the event, available by calling 0208 080 1469
The line will be answered between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday 24 August, and then 24 hours from 9am Thursday 25 until 3pm Monday 29 August.
You can also contact: licensing@reading.gov.uk
