Rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has warned that around 65,000 customers are expected to travel home by train from Reading Festival on bank holiday Monday, August 31. The festival, which begins on Thursday, August 27, is described by the company as its biggest event of the year.
Extra trains and queuing system at Reading Station
GWR advises that extra trains will run in the early hours of Monday morning following the festival, and a queuing system will be in place at Reading Station. A large number of Welsh music fans are expected to travel east for the event, which is headlined by Charlie XCX and Raye.
GWR Reading station manager Alex Hills said: "Reading Festival is our biggest event of the year and we love being part of it. There's nothing quite like 65,000 people all heading home after a great weekend."
Advice for festival-goers
GWR issued a list of advice for those using the railways after Reading ends. The company urges travellers to buy tickets before travelling to avoid queuing at ticket machines, take only what they can carry, and avoid bringing trolleys to allow room for others to travel safely.
On Monday, trains will run from the early hours through to the afternoon and beyond, but they will be extremely busy. Festival-goers will be directed through the underpass and into the station via the south side, following signs and staff instructions.
Early morning services and key tips
Early hours departures for night owls include additional 12-carriage services at 00:05, 00:19, 00:39, 01:15, 02:24, 03:53, 04:35, and 05:10. Regular services run throughout the morning for those sleeping in. Other tips include booking in advance at gwr.com or on the GWR app, checking timetables before travelling, carrying a Railcard, using the correct ticket for children aged 5–15, charging phones for e-tickets, allowing extra time on Monday, and not bringing trolleys or sack trucks.
Regular late-night services depart after the music ends at approximately 11pm. On Friday and Saturday, services leave at 23:50, 00:05, 00:19, 00:40, 01:15, 02:24, 03:54, and 04:35. On Saturday and Sunday, services leave at 23:15, 23:19, 23:38, 23:48, 00:19, and 06:25. Revenue Protection teams will be on site throughout the weekend to ensure tickets cover the full journey.
