Reading Festival’s operator, Festival Republic, has applied for a licence modification that would permit main stage musical performances on Thursdays from 17:00 BST to midnight, according to the application under review by Reading Borough Council’s licensing applications sub-committee.
The festival typically draws more than 100,000 attendees during the August bank holiday weekend. Thursdays and Wednesdays have traditionally functioned as preliminary days for ticketholders with camping access to arrive before the main event commences on Friday. Any approval of the change would take effect from 2027 onward.
Resident associations representing hundreds of people in surrounding areas have formally objected to the proposal. Elisa Miles, chair of the Warren & District Residents Association, stated that while the group maintains a constructive relationship with Festival Republic and supports the festival generally, Thursday evening music would disrupt sleep patterns on a worknight. Malcolm Pemble of the Caversham and District Residents Association similarly raised concerns about noise impacts on residents.
In its application materials, Festival Republic submitted an assessment concluding that live music performances on Thursdays would not cause adverse effects on nearby residents. The operator also noted that extending entertainment options throughout the evening would provide activities for ticketholders, particularly younger attendees, and reduce congregation in campsites or unsupervised areas.
The festival is scheduled to host performances from artists including Charli XCX, rapper Dave, and Chase & Status later this month at both its Reading location and sister event in Leeds.
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