‘The Biggest Site Change In Its 55 Year History’: Reading & Leeds Up Their Game In 2025

Two of the UK’s most famous festivals, Reading & Leeds, have announced a historic overhaul to its camping offering. Visitors of either Reading in the South of England, or Leeds in the North will be able to enjoy what promoter Festival Republic has described as “the biggest site change at the festivals in its 55 year history and the biggest shake-up that UK festival camping has ever seen.”

There’ll be five new campsites offering something for everyone among the 105,000 visitors of Reading, as well as the 90,000 expected at Leeds. The Fields, open to anyone, is the place for those looking for a lively atmosphere. The Garden expands on what used to be the Quiet Camp – for those looking for a more relaxed camping experience with limited noise after 1 a.m. The Meadow, building on what was Eco Camp, for guests looking to reduce their impact on the environment by avoiding littering, separating recyclable materials and not causing excess waste), plus leaving the campsite as found upon arrival. There’s the Grove, created in partnership with the Safer Spaces Now charity, which is all about inclusivity, respect, and creating a positive environment where everyone can relax and be themselves. Finally, The Valley, a dedicated campsite for those coming to the festival on their own or as a pair. For those looking for some “me time” during the festival and for those knowing that everyone also in the campsite is in the same boat. Aside from The Fields, which requires no booking beyond the ticket purchase, spots at the other campsites can be booked via Ticketmaster. The sites offer various daytime activities in line with their general theme, ranging from a soccer pitch and pop-up performances at the Field, to yoga and meditation at The Garden.

All campsites will feature “significantly improved toilets”: vacuum toilet cubicles will replace existing models. According to Festival Republic, they’ll use “75% less water than standard flushing toilets, and lower our carbon footprint by 66% by arriving in collapsible units with efficient transport design. Toilets will include fresh water hand wash basins with liquid soap and mirrors.” The eco-friendly Meadow campsite will still feature compost sawdust toilets – “the ultimate gold standard for sustainability.”

Guests will have access to more shower facilities, ensuring shorter queues, as well as more private facilities for campers. For an extra fee, guests get access to so-called Get Ready With Me Stations dotted around the festival campsites, which include mirrors, dressing Tables, seating, plugs, and toiletries. Each campsite will feature its own characteristics, and there’s non-music program to be enjoyed everywhere. introducing experiences not seen at Reading & Leeds before. Codes of conduct and 24/7 security have been refreshed, building on previous safety measures, and adding to a new level of security in 2025. Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, said, “it brings me great excitement and pride to unveil not just the biggest change in the Reading & Leeds festival sites since 1989, but the most comprehensive overhaul in the camping experience at a UK festival in festival history. That experience at Reading & Leeds is a formative part of the weekend and something that means a lot to not just festival-goers but us as organizers too. With the support of some incredible partners, we’re transforming everything to high new standards not seen at a major UK festival before – with everything from the facilities to adding exciting new entertainment, all the while catering to a variety of preferences across five distinct camping spaces. This will fundamentally change what the Reading & Leeds weekend experience means to so many, and serves as a positive marker for what festivals can and should be offering in 2025 and beyond.”

A killer lineup has always been part of the Reading & Leeds experience, and this year’s selection is led by Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon, and Hozier. The festivals take place Aug. 21-24, tickets are on sale at www.readingandleedsfestival.com.

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