Reading Festival goers are being warned of the need to queue to board trains and to have tickets checked, as train operator Great Western Railway prepares for a busy bank holiday weekend.
Plenty of trains will operate to take revellers to and from the event as it returns for the first time since 2019, and extra late-night/early-morning trains are being laid on for those not camping. However, services are expected to be busy for the return journey and a queuing system will be in place.
Travellers are also being reminded that a face covering is expected to be worn on board and at the station, and to only bring what you can carry to allow space for other passengers.
GWR Reading Station Manager David Pinder explains:
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to Reading Station for the world-famous festival. To try to keep everyone as safe as possible, a face covering is expected to be worn during the journey and at the station, and do please allow time for your journey home as a queuing system will be in operation on Monday.
“To help you board safely and allow space for others, please do not bring excessive amounts of luggage.”
To avoid disappointment when arriving at the stations travellers should:
- Reserve a seat with your ticket at GWR.com or through the GWR app
- Allow extra time (especially if you have a booked ticket) because trains from Reading home will be busy
- A queueing system will be in place at stations to help people board their reserved train
- Remember your Railcard
- Charge your phone if you have an electronic ticket
Those with pre-booked tickets are being advised to use the western entrance (opposite Thames Tower and Pret) and to allow extra time for their journeys, especially if coming from the festival site.
Additional, late timetable changes may apply because of the impact of Covid-19.
Photo credit: GWR
