Neighbours complain about ‘extreme noise’ coming from Reading Festival this year, particularly on the last day.
Neighbours have voiced their frustrations over excessive noise from this year’s Reading Festival, particularly on the final night.
The festival, which draws thousands of party-goers each August, featured big acts like Chappell Roan, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon, and Travis Scott.
Complaints about the noise led to multiple reports to Reading Borough Council, discussed at a council meeting on October 14.
Councillor Raj Singh (Conservative, Kentwood) highlighted that residents in his area experienced "extreme noise and vibration" during the festival's last night, worse than in previous years. Singh criticized the council's response, stating it was insufficient as it mainly involved passing feedback to the festival organisers.
In response, Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services, explained that noise levels are governed by the event licence but can still affect residents due to weather conditions. She noted that most complaints were about Travis Scott's performance on the final night, with 23 out of 34 complaints made that evening.
Rowland provided data indicating this year's complaints were fewer than in 2024, when 100 reports were logged. She mentioned that the festival had fewer complaints than in 2021 and 2022, thanks to proactive measures from Festival Republic to manage noise levels.
She urged residents to report noise issues to the council, which collaborates with Festival Republic during the event.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
