Reading Festival’s attempt to extend its music licence so live acts can perform on Thursday night has been met with objections from local residents, according to NME.
Festival organisers first announced in July that they had applied for a licensing change that would turn the event into a four-day festival. The proposal would allow amplified music on the main stage only between 5pm and midnight on Thursdays, with the change potentially taking effect from 2027 if Reading Borough Council approves it.
At present, Wednesday and Thursday are usually treated as arrival and set-up days before the main performances begin on Friday and continue through Sunday over the August bank holiday weekend. Reading’s sister event in Leeds already has Thursday music permission and is set to use it this year, with Kasabian headlining the main stage.
Residents’ groups have raised worries about noise, with Warren & District Residents Association chair Elisa Miles saying loud music late in the evening would disrupt sleep for people living nearby. Malcolm Pemble of the Caversham and District Residents Association also said the change would be unfair to local residents.
Festival Republic has defended the proposal, saying its assessment found the Thursday music would not adversely affect residents. The company also said the extra entertainment would give visitors a place to gather in the evening rather than being left in campsites or other less supervised areas.
