We are delighted to see the return of the excellent Reading festival in 2021, the year of its 50th anniversary. After a year off owing to pandemic restrictions, we are thrilled and relieved to welcome crowds of festival-goers back to Reading for a weekend they won’t forget. The huge three-day event in Richfield Avenue attracts thousands of music lovers to Reading every summer bringing an air of excitement and joy to the city. This year is extra special as the popular weekend celebrates its 50th birthday.
History of Reading Festival
The festival has run almost every year (bar 2019) since 1971 and as you might imagine, a lot of changes have happened since then. The Reading Festival was originally known as the National Jazz Festival and ran in various locations around London & Reading until it found a permanent home in Reading in 1971.Once it had settled in Reading, the line-up was mainly composed of progressive rock, hard rock and blues, typical of the era. It became the first music festival to incorporate punk rock & new wave in the late 70s.
The official website has the line up every year since 1989, where headliners included New Order, My Bloody Valentine and Irish band The Pogues. In 1991, iconic rock/grunge band Nirvana played at Reading for the first times peaking a huge growth in popularity in the 90s & 00s.It’s now one of the top-selling and popular festivals in the UK.
Reading Festival 2021
Six fantastic headliners are planned for Reading Festivals 50th anniversary show, taking place between 27th-29th August. Stormzy, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Post Malone, Disclosure, Liam Gallagher and Queens of the Stone Age are all taking to the stage to wow music lovers of all ages. The festival is open to anyone over the age of 16 and it is advised to bring ID if you look under 21.Tickets are sold out for 2021 but as usual, there may be buyers and sellers closer to the time or a small last minute release of tickets. You can read all of the FAQ sand important details about the festival here.
In the wake of the pandemic and its ongoing effects on public health, this year will be a little different. Along with many other large scale events taking place this year, attendees are asked to provide:
- Proof of full vaccination–both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the festival) or
- Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken prior to travel on the day of arrival at the festival or
- Proof of natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the festival (including 10 days self-isolation following the result).
Festival Accommodation in Reading
Camping in the stifling August heat with no fresh or hot running water doesn’t suit everyone. PREMIER SUITES Reading are offering festival goers a home from home option, giving you the best of both worlds. Our location in the centre of the city is just 10-minutes by public transport or a 20-minute walk to and from the festival grounds so you can arrive clean and refreshed every morning, returning when all the action has died down. Our serviced apartments are ideal for families, couples and small groups, offering you everything you need for the weekend including spacious leisure and relaxation space, cooking and washing facilities and storage for your luggage and valuables. Contact our team today to enquire about festival accommodation in Reading. You’ll find our best available rates and special offers only when you book your stay directly on our website. We look forward to welcoming you to our serviced apartments in Reading.
