Reading Festival's application to extend its music licence to permit performances on Thursday nights has been met with objections from local residents.
Organisers, Festival Republic, applied for amplified music to be added to the licence for Thursdays, specifically for the main stage between 5pm and midnight. This change would transform the festival into a four-day event, starting in 2027 if approved by Reading Borough Council.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from hundreds of local residents due to concerns about noise. Elisa Miles, chair of the Warren & District Residents Association (WADRA), stated that while the organisation is not against the festival generally, it is worried about the impact on nearby residents. She noted that "Loud amplified music late into the evening will disrupt sleep for those who have no choice but to remain at home." Malcolm Pemble of the Caversham and District Residents Association (CADRA) echoed these sentiments, calling the change "unfair" to residents.
Festival Republic has defended its plans, asserting that an assessment indicated live music on Thursday would not "adversely impact" residents. The organisers also suggested it would allow visitors to enjoy planned evening entertainment rather than congregating in less supervised areas.
This year's festival is scheduled to run from 27-30 August. Its sister event, Leeds Festival, already has permission for Thursday music and will feature Kasabian headlining its main stage for the first time this year.