Reading Borough Council's licensing committee has approved plans allowing Reading Festival to stage main-stage music on Thursdays from 2027, overturning objections from local residents' groups concerned about noise. Festival Republic, which organises the event, will be permitted to use the main stage between 17:00 and 23:00 BST, according to the decision confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Reading Festival, held annually on the August bank holiday weekend, typically draws more than 100,000 people. Until now, Wednesday and Thursday have functioned as warm-up days for campers arriving ahead of Friday's official start, but organisers argued the change would enhance the experience for ticket holders.
Why does Festival Republic want a fourth day?
Managing director Melvin Benn told the committee the extension was designed to improve value for money for attendees. In his submission, he said the additional evening would give festival-goers something structured to do rather than being left unsupervised in campsites.
"We wanted to add the Thursday in order to give people better value for money for the ticket, for people with weekend tickets, but also to invite people to come on the Thursday evening for whatever the Thursday performance will be."
Festival Republic's application stated that an independent assessment found live music on Thursdays would not adversely affect nearby residents. It also argued that offering entertainment that evening — particularly for ticket holders under 18 — would reduce the likelihood of young attendees gathering unsupervised elsewhere on site.
What do residents say about the change?
Elisa Miles, chair of the Warren & District Residents Association, said her group is not opposed to the festival itself and has worked with organisers over the years to reduce its impact on the surrounding community.
"Through this long-standing partnership, we have helped them better understand the impact the festival has on nearby residents and have worked together to develop practical solutions."
However, she warned that extending amplified music into Thursday evening would interfere with residents' rest before a working day.
"Loud amplified music late into the evening will disrupt sleep for those who have no choice but to remain at home."
Malcolm Pemble, representing the Caversham and District Residents Association, told the committee ahead of the decision that residents could face what he described as "unfair" levels of noise as a result of the extended schedule.
Were there other changes beyond the extra day of music?
Alongside the Thursday music proposal, Festival Republic also applied to extend alcohol sales at the festival, including licensing hours running until 3am on some days, according to a report by the Reading Chronicle. That same report noted the application was subject to public and statutory consultation, with responses due by 24 July 2026.
There is also some discrepancy over the exact hours proposed for the new Thursday slot. While the committee's approval covers music between 17:00 and 23:00, a separate report citing the original application said organisers had sought permission for live music to run from 17:00 until midnight, according to a national broadcaster's report on the decision.
Separately, the committee heard that ticket prices will rise by £1 from next year, with proceeds directed towards supporting people and businesses in Reading. Benn told the panel he expected the levy to generate significant funds annually.
"This is a long-term commitment which we hope will bring in in excess of £100,000 a year."
Festival Republic said it now intends to work with Reading Borough Council, along with local residents and businesses, to determine how that additional revenue should be allocated.
How does this compare with other festivals?
Reading's sister event, Leeds Festival, already includes live music on Thursdays as part of its standard schedule, a point that was raised as a comparison during discussion of Reading's application, according to local coverage of the licensing process. Licensing variations of this kind are handled by Reading Borough Council's licensing applications sub-committee, which oversees changes to the festival's operating conditions.
What happens next?
The approved change to festival hours will not take effect until 2027, meaning this year's event will run under the existing schedule. According to the organisers' published festival dates, the 2026 edition runs from Wednesday 26 August through Monday 31 August, with the core festival taking place from 27 to 30 August. This year's lineup includes headline performances from Charli XCX, rapper Dave, and Chase & Status at both the Reading and Leeds events.
Key Facts
- Reading Festival's main stage will host live music on Thursdays from 2027, running 17:00 to 23:00 BST, following approval by Reading Borough Council's licensing committee.
- More than 100,000 people typically attend the festival each August bank holiday weekend.
- Ticket prices will rise by £1 from next year to fund local community and business support, expected to raise over £100,000 annually.
- Festival Republic also sought extended alcohol licensing, including sales until 3am on some days, with public consultation on the wider application closing on 24 July 2026.
- The 2026 festival runs from 27 to 30 August, with early arrivals permitted from 26 August, headlined by Charli XCX, Dave and Chase & Status.
