A guide to Reading Festival!

I haven't posted in a week because I've been so busy - UCAS deadline is in two days so I've spent loads of time sorting out my personal statement along with choices and filling in forms - who knew there was so much to do! Along with this I've had a lot of psychology essays to do and writing for the College paper which I had to find something to write about. I did my article on Reading Festival in the end; I was reading through their 'Spotted' twitter page and was fully reminiscing going! I can't wait to go again next year but it's so far away. I wasn't sure if writing about Reading was relevant especially as it was a few months ago now and obviously, being mid November it's still a reeeally long time until R&L2014, but with the headliners being announced soon I thought it was okay to cover! I promise I'll post again tomorrow, I have loads of ideas just no time, but for now I thought I'd post my Reading Festival Article!

Although the festival season is now behind us, come late November and announcements will be starting again. It’s strange to think that bands are released nearly 9 months before the actual event but with a £240 price tag attached, it’s no wonder it’s done so early.

Reading Festival is renowned for being the most popular summer festival in the UK. With over 90,000 people attending and at least a couple thousand overlooking the running of the festival, there is a lot to think about. The festival prides itself on bringing in different genres of music - with the likes of Alt-J, Eminem and While She Sleeps all playing at this year’s event.

Originally, the festival was based only in Richmond, although this progressed to a sister festival based in Leeds and the first one being eventually moved to Reading. Some may also be surprised to hear that is has been running annually since 1961 – even before Glastonbury had started!

Currently, we are awaiting the name of the first headliner. News has been received that it is one of the “Best British Bands” which leads to names such as Arctic Monkeys, Foals and Oasis being thrown out of the bag.

Generally speaking, the festival isn’t for the fainthearted. Those anticipating a good night’s rest and regular meals should stay away. Throughout both the days and the nights regular calls of “Alan!” and “Steve!” can be heard, leading to confusion for anyone with that name. A diet of chips and burgers is also on the menu, but with average prices of £7 for a meal, it’s not just the ticket you’ll have to save up for. If your average burgers are too mainstream, different options like ostrich burgers are on sale albeit for a higher price.

But it’s not all bad; throughout the weekend you’ll have an unforgettable experience, although whether this is from seeing some of the biggest names in music or from using the dreaded toilets is down to the individual. It’s not only the music which makes the weekend so great, there are fairground rides, stalls and not forgetting spending the whole time with your friends. For the more adventurous of us, Earlybird tickets are available for an extra 24 hours at the campsite – not advisable during the pouring rain but essential if you’re after a good spot.

It’s expected that next year festival price tags will go up, but it is not certain how much the increase will be. With general weekend tickets priced at £215 with early bird and lockers adding an extra £15 each, the festival is fairly pricey but definitely worth saving for. Previous headliners include Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Guns N’ Roses so by attending you’ll definitely be able to use it as a talking point.

Reading Festival is always a highlight of the summer holidays and a somewhat cheaper alternative than going abroad with your mates for a week. If you’re looking for a music based weekend away, Reading Festival is ideal. Get the wellies out the cupboard and nip down to Tesco’s for a tent and you’re sorted!

All photos taken from Google Images