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Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council, as part of Reading’s Community Safety Partnership, are working together to ensure that the Festival passes off smoothly.

Planning for this year’s Festival began as soon as last year’s event ended, and it involves many departments throughout both organisations. Police and the Council are working closely with Festival Republic - the Reading Festival organisers - and other specific agencies connected to the event.

Thames Valley Police planning is wide-ranging and includes:

  • Having a large, visible police presence at the Festival, with officers in uniform and in plain clothes.
  • Increasing the number of police officers in the areas surrounding the Festival site before, during and after the event.
  • Using an area in Richfield Avenue as a support base for our custody, communications and command centres.
  • Setting up a police customer service area on the Festival site, located at 'Piccadilly Circus'. Where to find police on site.

We also critically review the policing operation at previous Reading Festival events, putting forward specific recommendations – all aimed at maximising visitors’ safety and minimising disruption to the local community.

Within the Council, trading standards and licensing officers will be out in force to stop illegal traders operating along Caversham Road and Richfield Avenue, which can aggravate traffic congestion.

The trading standards team will also be on the lookout for counterfeit and illegal goods. They are advising people to only buy items like CDs and t-shirts from reputable traders within the Festival site. Trading Standards also strongly advise that the public do not buy Festival tickets from touts.

All temporary outlets for food, alcohol and other merchandise must be licensed and will be inspected by Reading Borough Council enforcement officers during the Festival. Unlicensed venues will be liable to prosecution and any merchandise seized.

Remember, everyone connected with the planning of Reading Festival is dedicated to giving you the best weekend ever.