A presentation by Festival Republic.

The Committee received a presentation from Claire Armstrong, Melvin Benn, Vicky Chapman and Charlotte Oliver from Festival Republic, which gave an update on the 2024 Reading Festival and set out plans for the 2025 event. The presentation and subsequent discussion included:

• The 2024 event had been successful, with the introduction of a new stage, further development of measures to address Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and the provision of quiet, solo and eco campsites.

·       Lessons had been learned following the noise bleed from the new Chevron Stage, and this would now be located within a tent for 2025 to reduce clashes with sound from other stages and noise nuisance off-site.

·      Campsites would be rebranded for 2025: Meadow (Eco), Garden (Quiet), Valley (Solo), The Grove (Community) and The Fields (Main campsite). Festival-goers would need to sign up in advance for all campsites except The Fields.

·       Additional work would be carried out to improve safeguarding. Existing policies and procedures were being reviewed, and new initiatives such as Stamp Out Spiking and Safer Spaces would be introduced. AIR Hubs were also being developed further, and robust security would be in place, especially for under-18s. Back of House drug testing would continue.

·       There had been significant carbon reduction in 2024, and the plans for 2025 included working with suppliers to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce waste. There had been a reduction in the number of abandoned tents although many people still mistakenly believed that all tents that were left behind would automatically be passed onto charities for re-use. There would be clearer messages in 2025 that tents should be taken home or packed up and handed in for donation. This could have a significant effect on the total waste, as over 70 tonnes of tents had been left in 2024.

·       Organisers were keen to engage with and support local businesses along the Oxford Road.

·       Organisers would continue to work with all partner organisations to ensure the smooth running of the 2025 festival.

Resolved -      That the presentation be noted.