Beginners Guide - by Urinal2001
Can you camp anywhere?
Yes, as soon as you get there, find a space big enough for your tent's and get set up and chatting to your neighbours.
Camping
As handy as it may seem, dont camp too close to toilets or water points; overflowing and smell will get to you.
Dont get too used to your space, it will go rapidly, within a few hours you'll be climbing over guy ropes to get to your tent.
Get your bearings, its all very different at night. Look for flags/distinctive tents etc.
Get to know your neighbours.. not only will you have lots more fun, but it makes it safer for everyone as well as for your stuff.
Toilets
What are the toilets like? Foul. But they are festival toilets, expect nothing less. And i'm sure you can find photos on the internet. I know I've got a few up.
If you smoke, consider having a fag in there, it can mask the smell if you are that bothered.
There ARE flushing toilets in the arena, but these are only accessible during arena opening hours, and are liable to blocking.
The other alternative is going off site. Either head north into Caversham where there are public toilets in Waitrose car-park and probably many other places also, or into Reading itself where you can use the usual places (BK/MacDonald’s/Supermarkets etc). Both are a 15 minute walk roughly.
How far from town?
Both Caversham and Reading centre are about a 15 minute walk. Both have the usual things, and if you want some dodgy (dodgy in the sense that it’s a third of the price, yet much higher quality) merchandise, I suggest Reading centre... there’s a long road lined with people selling tees/Hoodies etc, and shops with cheap crates of beer.
Which campsite should I use?
The question gets asked every year, but every year it varies a little too.
You can always assume that yellow will attract the people more into partying and... "Immature"... entertainment. Trolley wars, and jumping from trees etc.
Green will generally be a little mellower, and is close to shops and arena, but this isn’t always a blessing, as if you are on the edge, you will have a constant and sometimes very heavy (i.e. spilling off the walkways and trampling the tents on the very edge) flow of people/golf carts going by.
Brown and Orange are both a fair way out, but are much quieter. Though that can lead to more thieves. (Whilst it does happen, it’s not to such an extent that you should worry or avoid these sites)
Exchanging wristbands?
As soon as you get there, take your ticket to the booths in the market near Reaper Bridge. It’s usually opposite a bar and the Aftershock tent. They will exchange it for your wristband. Take good care of your wristband... without it you are screwed. They have been known to replace them, but do NOT count on it, as they are not obligated to, and shouldn’t do it really.
Food
There are a multitude of food stalls both in the arena and the campsites, catering for vegetarian, jacket spuds, rolls, burgers, pizza, Indian, Chinese etc. Despite what people say, they’re generally of a fair quality, but they are overpriced. If you're loaded and want convenience, then don’t bring too much. If you're like most of us, bring something filling you can have to get the day off to a good start (I swear by cans of all day breakfasts, eaten cold), and then buy a snack early eve in the arena. And bring munch able things for in the campsite when your peckish. Just remember... nothing that melts or goes off. Stoves are optional, I never bother, but if you want to heat things and don’t want to use your campfire (can be tricky) then go for it. Just be sensible with your gas cans eh. You'll see what we mean...
How do I know what bands are on which stage and when?
If you choose to buy a programme, you get the timetable 'free' with it (ironic really, you only ever buy the programme FOR the timetable). Be warned, this is bloody expensive (£6 I think last year), so consider sharing one between friends or printing one off a website before you leave. I hear of people selling fake ones on site for a quid or two which seems fantastically handy, but I've never seen this, and they may not be 100% accurate, which may mean missing your favourite band.
What does the arena look like and is there anything else in there apart from the stages?
Yes inside the arena are toilets (flushing too. Be wary of the long queues and the good chance they’ll block and overflow), water points, a market, food stalls, bars, cash machines (charging most likely), usually a tent where you can charge your mobile, and medical points.
Are there showers taps etc?
Sure are. But this is a festival, why do you need them. Seriously though, there are water points throughout the campsites and arena, and showers at some mystical spot in the campsite. From what I hear the showers are cold manky and unpleasant. In terms of cleanliness, just keep wet wipes in your tent, and when you get up in the morning, go to the water points and clean teeth/fill water bottles/wash with a flannel. Don’t hog the tap though... if you're cleaning your teeth or something, stand to the side and let other people fill water bottles while you brush.
How do you get there from the station?
Left out of station, next left, follow the long road, right at the roundabout and keep on walking until you see the huge banner that says 'Main Entrance'. Of course this is all pointless, because you can just follow the thousands of other people walking the same direction as you. With all your gear for 5ish days, this can be a long hot tiring walk if it’s a hot summer. I’m NOT saying you should steal the shopping trolleys from a local supermarket but a lot of people do... Just take it in stages, there’s no rush.
If you are being picked up or collected by cars where is the best spot?
I’m going to let you lucky people into a secret I have been holding close to my heart for a long time, but as it looks like ill no longer be requiring getting picked up by my Dad, try Tessa Road. It’s directly opposite the leisure centre, and it’s always totally abandoned, and gives a trouble free run out of Reading at the worst of times if you go the right way. Otherwise, the general rule of thumb is that the further YOU walk, the easier it is for whoever is driving to get in and out of town on the worst day Reading has for traffic all year. There may be other 'sweet spots' but I don’t know them.
Merchandise
Can get official stuff from the stands inside the arena and campsite, but this is VERY highly priced and not a great selection. That being said, actual MF things you won’t get anywhere else. For tees etc, try along Richfield Avenue (road the main entrance is on), or Caversham Road (the way into Reading town centre).
So whats the closest walk from the tents to the arena? and the longest walk from the tents to the arena?
Some spots in Yellow are literally next door to the arena. from the back of Brown it can be maybe up to 30 mins walk to the arena, espcially with the crowds.
How long roughly is it to get from stage to stage?
Walk from stage to stage depends. When a band finishes (especially in one of the tents) loads of people leave, so movement is very slow. but if walk between stages during a set you usually have a clear way. I would usually leave one stage 5-10 mins before i want to be at the next one.
Is it cool to take wellies no matter what the weather?
Yes
Yes, as soon as you get there, find a space big enough for your tent's and get set up and chatting to your neighbours.
Camping
As handy as it may seem, dont camp too close to toilets or water points; overflowing and smell will get to you.
Dont get too used to your space, it will go rapidly, within a few hours you'll be climbing over guy ropes to get to your tent.
Get your bearings, its all very different at night. Look for flags/distinctive tents etc.
Get to know your neighbours.. not only will you have lots more fun, but it makes it safer for everyone as well as for your stuff.
Toilets
What are the toilets like? Foul. But they are festival toilets, expect nothing less. And i'm sure you can find photos on the internet. I know I've got a few up.
If you smoke, consider having a fag in there, it can mask the smell if you are that bothered.
There ARE flushing toilets in the arena, but these are only accessible during arena opening hours, and are liable to blocking.
The other alternative is going off site. Either head north into Caversham where there are public toilets in Waitrose car-park and probably many other places also, or into Reading itself where you can use the usual places (BK/MacDonald’s/Supermarkets etc). Both are a 15 minute walk roughly.
How far from town?
Both Caversham and Reading centre are about a 15 minute walk. Both have the usual things, and if you want some dodgy (dodgy in the sense that it’s a third of the price, yet much higher quality) merchandise, I suggest Reading centre... there’s a long road lined with people selling tees/Hoodies etc, and shops with cheap crates of beer.
Which campsite should I use?
The question gets asked every year, but every year it varies a little too.
You can always assume that yellow will attract the people more into partying and... "Immature"... entertainment. Trolley wars, and jumping from trees etc.
Green will generally be a little mellower, and is close to shops and arena, but this isn’t always a blessing, as if you are on the edge, you will have a constant and sometimes very heavy (i.e. spilling off the walkways and trampling the tents on the very edge) flow of people/golf carts going by.
Brown and Orange are both a fair way out, but are much quieter. Though that can lead to more thieves. (Whilst it does happen, it’s not to such an extent that you should worry or avoid these sites)
Exchanging wristbands?
As soon as you get there, take your ticket to the booths in the market near Reaper Bridge. It’s usually opposite a bar and the Aftershock tent. They will exchange it for your wristband. Take good care of your wristband... without it you are screwed. They have been known to replace them, but do NOT count on it, as they are not obligated to, and shouldn’t do it really.
Food
There are a multitude of food stalls both in the arena and the campsites, catering for vegetarian, jacket spuds, rolls, burgers, pizza, Indian, Chinese etc. Despite what people say, they’re generally of a fair quality, but they are overpriced. If you're loaded and want convenience, then don’t bring too much. If you're like most of us, bring something filling you can have to get the day off to a good start (I swear by cans of all day breakfasts, eaten cold), and then buy a snack early eve in the arena. And bring munch able things for in the campsite when your peckish. Just remember... nothing that melts or goes off. Stoves are optional, I never bother, but if you want to heat things and don’t want to use your campfire (can be tricky) then go for it. Just be sensible with your gas cans eh. You'll see what we mean...
How do I know what bands are on which stage and when?
If you choose to buy a programme, you get the timetable 'free' with it (ironic really, you only ever buy the programme FOR the timetable). Be warned, this is bloody expensive (£6 I think last year), so consider sharing one between friends or printing one off a website before you leave. I hear of people selling fake ones on site for a quid or two which seems fantastically handy, but I've never seen this, and they may not be 100% accurate, which may mean missing your favourite band.
What does the arena look like and is there anything else in there apart from the stages?
Yes inside the arena are toilets (flushing too. Be wary of the long queues and the good chance they’ll block and overflow), water points, a market, food stalls, bars, cash machines (charging most likely), usually a tent where you can charge your mobile, and medical points.
Are there showers taps etc?
Sure are. But this is a festival, why do you need them. Seriously though, there are water points throughout the campsites and arena, and showers at some mystical spot in the campsite. From what I hear the showers are cold manky and unpleasant. In terms of cleanliness, just keep wet wipes in your tent, and when you get up in the morning, go to the water points and clean teeth/fill water bottles/wash with a flannel. Don’t hog the tap though... if you're cleaning your teeth or something, stand to the side and let other people fill water bottles while you brush.
How do you get there from the station?
Left out of station, next left, follow the long road, right at the roundabout and keep on walking until you see the huge banner that says 'Main Entrance'. Of course this is all pointless, because you can just follow the thousands of other people walking the same direction as you. With all your gear for 5ish days, this can be a long hot tiring walk if it’s a hot summer. I’m NOT saying you should steal the shopping trolleys from a local supermarket but a lot of people do... Just take it in stages, there’s no rush.
If you are being picked up or collected by cars where is the best spot?
I’m going to let you lucky people into a secret I have been holding close to my heart for a long time, but as it looks like ill no longer be requiring getting picked up by my Dad, try Tessa Road. It’s directly opposite the leisure centre, and it’s always totally abandoned, and gives a trouble free run out of Reading at the worst of times if you go the right way. Otherwise, the general rule of thumb is that the further YOU walk, the easier it is for whoever is driving to get in and out of town on the worst day Reading has for traffic all year. There may be other 'sweet spots' but I don’t know them.
Merchandise
Can get official stuff from the stands inside the arena and campsite, but this is VERY highly priced and not a great selection. That being said, actual MF things you won’t get anywhere else. For tees etc, try along Richfield Avenue (road the main entrance is on), or Caversham Road (the way into Reading town centre).
So whats the closest walk from the tents to the arena? and the longest walk from the tents to the arena?
Some spots in Yellow are literally next door to the arena. from the back of Brown it can be maybe up to 30 mins walk to the arena, espcially with the crowds.
How long roughly is it to get from stage to stage?
Walk from stage to stage depends. When a band finishes (especially in one of the tents) loads of people leave, so movement is very slow. but if walk between stages during a set you usually have a clear way. I would usually leave one stage 5-10 mins before i want to be at the next one.
Is it cool to take wellies no matter what the weather?
Yes
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