Reading attracts nearly 100,000 music fans every August bank holiday for an unforgettable festival with some of the biggest names in music. Dating back to the 1960s, this event is one of the largest and oldest music festivals in the world, so it’s no surprise that everyone wants a Reading Festival ticket this year! Skip the campsite and book one of our hotels near Reading Festival so that you can enjoy live performances as well as a comfy bed, free Wi-Fi and a power shower near all the best things to do in Reading.
Reading Festival
Reading (Caversham Bridge)
Reading Central
Reading Gateway M4,J11
Winnersh
Reading South (Grazeley Green)
Places to stay
When you’re searching for places to stay near Reading Festival, our great-value hotels have got you covered. Our Premier Inn Reading (Caversham Bridge) hotel is just a five-minute walk away from the event, making it one of the best Reading Festival hotels.
Next is our Premier Inn Reading Central hotel a five-minute drive away, followed by our Premier Inn Reading South (Reading Gateway, M4/J11) hotel a 10-minute drive away. You’ll find our Premier Inn Winnersh hotel and Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) hotel around a 20-minute drive from the event too!
Relax with breakfast, dinner and drinks after Reading Festival
As well as comfy beds, you’ll also get to enjoy delicious dishes at our on-site restaurants in Reading.
Our Beefeater Reading Gateway and our Bar + Block Steakhouse Winnersh are just two great places to eat near Reading Festival, and you’ll love waking up to our all you can eat breakfasts in Reading each morning too.
Four things to know about Reading Festival
Reading dates & lineup
Dates: 27th - 30th August
Reading Festival lineup: Reading Festival headliners include Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine and many more.
Getting to Reading
Reading tickets? Check! Now you’re probably wondering how to get to the festival. Reading station and Reading Elizabeth Line are just a 25-minute walk away from the event. Big Green Coach is the festival’s travel partner, with pick up locations across the UK, and there’s also a shuttle bus service to and from the event.
Duration of Reading
Reading Festival takes place over five days in the summer – enjoy incredible performances and unforgettable music from Wednesday to Sunday. Or, why not opt for a Reading day ticket?
Size of Reading Festival
Around 100,000 people attend this world-famous event in Berkshire, with hundreds of performers taking to the stage across both Reading and Leeds festivals. It’s one of the UK’s biggest music festivals after Glastonbury, and certainly one of longest running, so don’t miss out!
History of Reading Festival
Over the years, every band you can think of has graced the Main Stage at Reading Festival, including The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, The Stone Roses and Eminem. What began life as the National Jazz Festival in 1961 is now a sprawling multi-venue festival taking place across two cities!
Its location has changed multiple times over the years – including a brief stint at Windsor Racecourse in the 60s! – before settling next to Richfield Avenue near our Caversham Bridge hotel. Past performers include The Jam in the 70s, Status Quo in the 80s, Nirvana in the 90s, Foo Fighters in the noughties and more.
Held at the end of August across the bank holiday weekend, the main stage hosts big acts spanning rock, indie, metal, dance and hip-hop, while the second stage – often hosted by NME or Radio 1 – hosts up-and-coming names who will most likely be on the main stage in the next few years. There’s also a dance tent hosting DJs and live acts! You’ll find plenty of pop-up bars and food trucks on the site too providing everything from fish and chips to freshly made doughnuts.
Premier Inn video guide to Reading Festival
Reading Festival FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Reading Festival?
Reading weekend tickets cost roughly £350, though prices will vary depending on which package you purchase. Early entry tickets are available, and the festival offers different camping options including standard camping, an eco-campsite, a quiet campsite and more. Alternatively, treat yourself by booking a comfy room at our Caversham Bridge hotel – just a five-minute walk from the main stages but a world away from a campsite!
How hard is it to get tickets for Reading Festival?
As it’s one of the UK’s biggest music festivals, it’s no surprise that Reading Festival tickets sell out quickly. Reading tickets usually go on sale in November, so make sure you set an alarm for release day to avoid missing out! Resale tickets are usually available too, but beware of scammers.
Does Reading Festival sell day tickets?
Yes! You can get Reading Festival day tickets for Friday, Saturday or Sunday, which is a great way to save money rather than going for the full weekend. Day tickets cost around £125.
Where to stay for Reading Festival?
Why camp in the rain and queue for the festival toilets when you can enjoy a cosy bed and power shower nearby? Our Reading Caversham Bridge hotel is one of the best places to stay for Reading Festival – it’s only a five-minute walk away from the event! Other great value Reading hotels include our Premier Inn Reading Central hotel, our Premier Inn Reading South (Reading Gateway, M4/J11) hotel, our Premier Inn Winnersh hotel and our Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) hotel.
Where is Reading Festival held?
Reading Festival is held on Richfield Avenue in a great spot near the River Thames. Not only is the venue just a five-minute walk from our Reading Caversham Bridge hotel, but it’s also just a 25-minute walk from Reading train station and Reading Elizabeth Line! You’ll find so many fun things to do in Reading after the festival too, so don’t miss out on enjoying Berkshire activities at Lagoona Park and visiting attractions like Reading Abbey Ruins and Wellington Country Park.