READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE HISTORIC CAMPING SHAKE-UP
Rockstar Energy presents Reading & Leeds Festival have announced details of a historic overhaul to its camping offering – marking the biggest site change at the festivals in its 55 year history and the biggest shake-up that UK festival camping has ever seen.
Introduced today, camping at Reading & Leeds will be made up of five distinct campsites:
The Fields
Open to anyone, this is the place for those looking for a lively atmosphere, great vibes and the ability to tailor the experience once arrived, between closer to the arenas or chilled further away.
No booking is required, with Weekend & Weekend + Early Entry Tickets automatically allowing access to The Fields.
Daytime activities include a standout Football Pitch (introduced for the first time in Reading in 2025), Pop-Up Performances and more.
The Garden
Expanding what was Quiet Camp, this is the place for those looking for a more relaxed camping experience with limited noise after 1am.
Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
Daytime Activities at The Garden include Yoga, Meditation and the first-ever Reading & Leeds Run Club to kickstart the festival day.
The Meadow
Building on what was Eco Camp, this is the space for those looking for that festival camping experience whilst reducing their impact on the environment.
Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
To stay in this campsite, campers must sign up to the following principles: Respect Your Fellow Campers, Respect The Environment (avoiding littering, separating recyclable materials and don’t cause excess waste) + Leave The Campsite Exactly As You Found It.
Daytime Activities at The Meadow include Yoga, sustainability-focused talks, upcycling workshops, and clothes swaps.
The Grove
A warm and welcoming space for festival-goers who want to camp with a supportive, like-minded community. The Grove is all about inclusivity, respect, and creating a positive environment where everyone can relax and be themselves. In partnership with Safer Spaces Now CIC, this camp is supported by gender-inclusive teams who are dedicated to creating a safer environment for all.
Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
Daytime Activities at The Grove include open mic sessions, film screenings, karaoke and more.
The Valley
A dedicated campsite for those coming to the festival on their own or as a pair. Suited for those looking for some ‘me time’ during the festival and for those knowing that everyone also in the campsite is in the same boat, it’s a great chance to meet like-minded festival goers and build new memories in the spirit of the festival.
Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
Daytime Activities at The Valley include ‘FYP (Find Your Pal)’, ‘Meet Me Here’ daily meetups and a ‘Link Up Lounge’.
Across these new campsites, a string of new initiatives are being implemented for 2025, with organisers making substantial investments that change what’s expected from a UK festival camping experience. This includes:
- Significantly Improved Toilets in ALL CAMPSITES. Vacuum toilet cubicles will be introduced across the entire campsites in both Reading and Leeds – replacing the existing models that have been in place for a number of years. They’ll use 75% less water than standard flushing toilets and lower our carbon footprint by 66% by arriving in collapsible units with efficient transport design. Toilets will include fresh water hand wash basins with liquid soap and mirrors. The Meadow (Eco Camp) will still feature compost sawdust toilets – the ultimate gold standard for sustainability.
- More Showers introduced in ALL CAMPSITES. Adding more shower facilities across the entire campsites in both Reading and Leeds – it ensures shorter queues as well as more private facilities for campers.
- Get Ready With Me Stations introduced in ALL CAMPSITES. Once a paid-for extra, GRWM areas will feature throughout the festival campsites for free, including Mirrors, Dressing Tables & Seating, Plugs For Straighteners/Hair Dryers and Toiletries.
- Increased Decor + Production in ALL CAMPSITES. Each campsite will feature its own character and characteristics, introducing experiences not seen at Reading & Leeds before.
- New Non-Music Activities/Programming introduced in ALL CAMPSITES. Adding to the festival weekend ranging from Run Clubs and Yoga to Movie Screenings amongst many others.
- A Zero Tolerance Behaviour Policy Reinforced Across The Whole Festival Site. Refreshed codes of conduct and 24/7 security building on previous safety measures, adding to a new level of security in 2025.
After previously being recognised with the Innovation Award at the 2024 UK Festival Awards for the all-new Chevron Stage, Reading & Leeds continues to lead the industry with fan-first offerings. For 2025, the festival will introduce a range of new camping improvements, programming, experiences and complimentary add-ons as part of a refreshed campsite layout. With five new campsites on offer, attendees will have the choice – at no extra cost – to tailor their weekend experience to suit them best. With Reading & Leeds Festival investing substantially in these new elements, it marks a significant evolution to what camping can be at a major UK festival.
Speaking about this news Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic said: “It brings me great excitement and pride to unveil not just the biggest change in the Reading & Leeds festival sites since 1989 but the most comprehensive overhaul in the camping experience at a UK festival in festival history. That experience at Reading & Leeds is a formative part of the weekend and something that means a lot to not just festival-goers but us as organisers too. With the support of some incredible partners, we’re transforming everything to high new standards not seen at a major UK festival before – with everything from the facilities to adding exciting new entertainment, all the while catering to a variety of preferences across five distinct camping spaces. This will fundamentally change what the Reading & Leeds weekend experience means to so many, and serves as a positive marker for what festivals can and should be offering in 2025 and beyond.”
Reading & Leeds Festival is the landmark date in the global festival diary. Where history is written and worldwide pop culture comes together in one place. Lead by headliners Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon and Hozier – 2025’s lineup already includes the likes of AJ Tracey, Becky Hill, Sammy Viriji, Trippie Redd, Amyl and The Sniffers, Conan Gray, The Kooks, The Dare, Bloc Party, Enter Shikari, Wallows, Sea Girls, Mannequin Pussy, SOFT PLAY, Lambrini Girls, DJ EZ and more previously announced – plus many more set to be revealed in the weeks to come.
Synonymous with the UK’s music culture, Reading & Leeds Festival is the stage for some of the most iconic moments in global music over the past decade. Stormzy’s electrifying 2018 set marked a defining moment for grime, Billie Eilish’s 2019 performance cemented her as a generational icon, and Arctic Monkeys’ triumphant 2022 return captivated fans old and new. Dave’s unforgettable 2019 crowd interaction during ‘Thiago Silva’ showcased the festival’s unique connection between artists and audiences, and when Liam Gallagher teased the Oasis reunion announcement at the end of his set at Reading last summer it made headlines around the world. This combination of supporting artistic evolution and creating moments of cultural significance has solidified Reading & Leeds as more than just a music festival, it’s a vital lifeblood that continues to define and celebrate the global music landscape.
Changing the game for festivals every year, Reading & Leeds took home The Innovation Award at the UK Festival Awards 2024 in recognition for the all new Chevron Stage. Re-inventing the possibilities for an open air venue on this scale with immersive lighting and stage design like never before, The Chevron Stage ushers in a new era for Reading & Leeds.
Reading & Leeds Festival takes place Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th August 2025 at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale now, and available via: www.readingandleedsfestival.com
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