In just a few hours, the town of Reading will transform into the epicenter of one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals. Music lovers from all corners flock to Reading to experience a festival with a legacy that stretches back over three decades. Over the years, legendary acts like The Chemical Brothers, Foo Fighters, Oasis, and Prodigy have lit up the Reading Festival stage. If you’re planning to attend this iconic event for the first time, you’re in for a treat. This article is packed with essential tips for navigating Reading Festival 2024, so jump right in.

The Reading Festival has become an annual tradition, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts year after year, no matter the weather. Festival-goers have braved rain, endured sweltering heat, and embraced the mud, learning the art of packing smartly. You’ll want to bring two sets of clothing, prioritizing shorts and T-shirts, but don’t forget waterproof gear and warm layers as rain is expected on Saturday. A quality sleeping bag is a must, and remember to pack light—dragging a heavy bag while hunting for the perfect camping spot is far from fun.

Towels are essential; one can dry you off on rainy days, while the other provides a cool respite when soaked in cold water during hot spells. Wet wipes are invaluable for reasons you’ll soon discover. Sunscreen is crucial for Friday and Sunday to avoid painful sunburns that could ruin your festival experience. If you enjoy a beer (and who doesn’t?), consider bringing your own to avoid the high prices at the festival. Other must-haves include a hat for sun protection, plenty of water to stay hydrated, sunglasses, glow sticks, and a waterproof hoodie for unexpected downpours.

Selecting the right tent is key to a successful Reading Festival adventure. Choose one that stands out so you can easily find it amidst the sea of tents. Otherwise, you might find yourself awkwardly entering the wrong one more than once. Avoid pitching your tent near hedgerows or main pathways, as these areas can be problematic. The ideal spot is near a tree and close to the arena where the bands play. Finally, don’t forget to make new friends, wear your trendiest jeans, and embrace the festival atmosphere with confidence!

And most importantly, don’t miss the First Timer’s Guide from Reading Festival—it’s an essential read for newcomers.

All points East 2024, I can only say one thing, if you’ve never been before, and you are
between 14 and 30 or have a taste for indie rock and music with a difference, star this for at
least a day of it, next year. Our 13 (come 16) year old absolutely loved this festival. And we
were surprised by some great stuff to, frankly.

Apparently it wasn’t just us who were impressed. We arrived a little late at 3pm – … and woahh was what we both said when we saw the queue.
Mitski, Sunday 18 was our destination and it was clearly a fantastic line up, attractive to the
many.

Tip 1 – Arrive early to avoid queues.
Have to say prize for friendliness went straight to the woman at the press ticket office –
friendliness never goes out of fashion, in our humble…

So we are in and we head straight for the blue Tent – massive festival tent which completely
quickly filled up with Sir Chloe fans. She’s getting a growing fan group and the energy was
palatable, honestly you could reach out and touch it which is, err energising…

After that, we needed sustenance. A range of good looking bars and the Madrid stand got our
credit card, energised my partner to be sure! Searching for food – well it’s a festival and it
was everywhere. Value for money – hmmmm as always, check others plates before
deciding.

Tip 2 – Check out different food offers, – the Korean was good, the chips next to that, in a.
cone were real value for money £5 and full, but there were burger places selling burgers for
£13 then £5 for chips. I get it, prices are only rising but the lack of queue there showed
group price-rejection.

Next on the cards was just a wonder around, set in Victoria Park, just being there, sitting on
the grass under the trees. Our group couldn’t rseist taking a ride of two, fun but way to high
swings and the obligatory big wheel which was thankfully not that big…..

Tip 3 – bring plenty of cash, it’s fun but it costs (obviously).
The energy just seemed to grow throughout the day. With a total explosion at the end –
really the pinnacle of a fine day. Mitski is like a performing artist. She held the crowd from
start to finish, asking us all (and it felt like 40k plus thronged to her finale), put your hand up
if. When she said put your hand up if you are the chaperone, up when my hand yet I
actually experienced real pleasure watching her go for it, twisted limbs in ballet style, full
throated beautiful voice singing Love me more, Nobody and My love mine all mine. And the brilliant energy of the end, orange confetti exploding all over the stage and the pit. We all crowded out into the night black east London streets, everyone happy in Hackney, a real wow experience. Thank you, All Points East!

So, if you missed out on WOMAD 2024, I can only say one thing: you’re going to need a time machine. We love WOMAD. This year’s festival was, as always, a cosmic explosion of music, culture, and all things fabulous. Held in the lush fields of Charlton Park, it was a vibrant mishmash of global grooves, tantalising tastes, and enough good vibes to make a rainbow jealous.

First things first, the music. Oh, the music! Imagine every corner of the globe squeezing into

your ears and giving them a big, joyous hug. Alison Gold-frapp was a header but here are

three standout acts that made the festival It, for us:

1. Tinariwen: Their electrifying set of desert blues transported us straight to the Sahara, and honestly, I’m still trying to shake the sand out of my shoes.
2. Orchestra Baobab: These legends from Senegal brought a fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms that had everyone moving. Their timeless grooves were nothing short of magical.
3. Anoushka Shankar: Delivered a spellbinding performance, blending traditional

Indian sounds with contemporary flair. It was a journey of pure musical bliss.

• Kumbia Boruka, a French band of Mexican origin, were based around a steady drum pulse and accordion riffs, answered by trumpet and trombone, the music the slow train inevitability of Latin American cumbia. B

Foodies, rejoice! WOMAD didn’t just feed our souls but our stomachs too. The World of Food tent was a culinary carnival – we’re talking mouth-watering street food from every corner of the planet. Here are four food places that had us coming back for more:

• Jerk Joint: The jerk chicken wrap here was so good it made me consider proposing to the chef. Spicy, tangy, and absolutely divine.
• Lush Creperie every year we go for these crepes, such good value and always super delicious, I recommend the savoury ones fully of gorgeous cheese and ham.
• Mumbai Fiery chaat and aromatic curries that transported us straight to the streets of Mumbai. The paneer tikka was a highlight.
• Archies Toasties Shop: 10/10 from my daughter for their chips. She’s the international critic of the century on chips around the world and we brought  another generous boxful

Now, let’s talk vibes. The festival site was decked out in a riot of colours, with art installations that made you feel like you’d tumbled into a Salvador Dalí painting. And the people? Pure gold. Hippies, hipsters, families, and free spirits – everyone was on the same wavelength, just there to soak up the magic and spread the love.

The children’s area was a mini-utopia of crafts and laughter, proving that WOMAD really is a family affair. Here are some of the precise activities that had the little ones (and sometimes the adults) thoroughly entertained:

1. Circus Skills Workshop: From juggling to tightrope walking, kids got to unleash their inner acrobat.
2. Creative Crafts Corner: An area brimming with art supplies where kids could paint, glue, and create to their heart’s content.
3. Drumming Circles: Little ones learned basic rhythms and beats, creating a joyful cacophony that echoed across the fields.
4. Storytelling Sessions: Enchanting tales from around the world were brought to life by charismatic storytellers, capturing imaginations young and old.

In none British fashion, the weather was crazily gorgeous but you can’t order that. Slivers of sunshine shining through the flags and big wheel the whole time…

In a nutshell, WOMAD 2024 was an unforgettable fiesta of culture, community, and unbridled joy. If you haven’t been, mark your calendars for next year. And if you have, well, see you there – same time, same place, more fabulousness guaranteed!