FAQS
Find answers to Reading Live FAQs, including tickets, travel, parking, VIP access, event facilities and accessibility at Palmer Park.
Getting Here
By Train
Reading Live is easily accessible by train, with Reading Railway Station providing excellent connections to London, Oxford, Bristol, and surrounding areas. The site is a 30 minute walk from the station or alternatively, you can take the number 17 bus which departs frequently from outside the station and has a journey time of 10 minutes.
Regular train services operate from London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol, and nearby towns, making it convenient for visitors travelling from across the region.
We strongly recommend planning your journey in advance and checking the latest rail information before setting off, particularly for your return journey after the event.
Check the latest National Rail travel information
By Car
Reading is easily accessible via the M4 motorway and surrounding routes connecting London, Newbury, Oxford, and nearby towns.
Parking information will be available soon. Visitors are encouraged to check event-specific parking information before travelling.
Where possible, guests are encouraged to travel by train, bus, taxi, or car-share to help reduce traffic congestion around the event venue.
By Bus & Taxi
Reading benefits from an extensive local bus network, providing convenient connections between the town centre, surrounding residential areas, and nearby communities.
Local taxi and private hire services are also available throughout Reading, offering convenient transport options for visitors travelling to and from ReadingLive events.
Visitors are advised to check the designated drop-off and pick-up arrangements for their specific event before travelling. More details on this will be released soon.
Entry & Tickets
Each event has its own gate time. Please check your ticket, the event page or your pre-event email for confirmed timings.
- Gates will open in the late afternoon – please check your ticket or pre-event email for the confirmed time.
- Have your digital ticket ready for scanning on arrival (printed versions are also accepted).
- Bag checks and security searches will be carried out at the entrance.
- Once inside, re-entry is not permitted – make sure you have everything you need before entering.
- Each event has its own general last entry time, please check the event page for this. Early entry ticketholders will have their own, earlier last entry time, shown on their ticket. Entering later than this will result in a late entry fee and must still be before the general last entry time.
- Set times will be released 24 hours before each show.
The Box Office will open approximately 30 minutes before gates and remain open until gates close.
The VIP Experience
- Exclusive VIP Area – More space, more comfort.
- Dedicated VIP Bar – Extended premium drinks selection.
- Premium Toilets – Upgraded, flushing facilities.
- Enhanced Food Offering – Premium food options.
- Dedicated VIP Entrance – Exclusive VIP access.
- Limited Availability – Restricted capacity for a more exclusive experience.
FAQs
What is included with a VIP ticket?
Our VIP Experience includes:
- Access to an exclusive VIP area with more space and comfort.
- Dedicated VIP bar with an extended premium drinks selection.
- Upgraded flushing toilet facilities.
- Enhanced food options.
- Relaxed seating and social areas.
- Dedicated VIP entrance (where available).
- Limited capacity for a more exclusive experience.
Does my VIP ticket include entry to the concert?
Yes. Your VIP ticket includes general admission to the concert, plus access to the exclusive VIP facilities.
Is the VIP area separate from General Admission?
Yes. The VIP area is reserved exclusively for VIP ticket holders, offering a more relaxed environment away from the main crowds.
Does VIP include a better view of the stage?
VIP provides an enhanced hospitality experience rather than guaranteed premium stage viewing. Viewing arrangements vary by venue, and VIP guests can access the main General Admission areas throughout the event.
Are drinks included with VIP tickets?
No. Drinks are available to purchase from our dedicated VIP bar, featuring an extended premium selection.
Is food included with VIP tickets?
No. A selection of enhanced food options will be available to purchase within the VIP area.
Does VIP include reserved seating?
No. Relaxed seating areas are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved.
Are there dedicated VIP toilets?
Yes. VIP guests have access to upgraded flushing toilet facilities within the VIP area.
Can I move between the VIP and General Admission areas?
Yes. VIP ticket holders can move freely between the VIP and General Admission areas, subject to event safety and capacity restrictions.
Can I bring friends who have General Admission tickets into VIP?
No. Access to the VIP area is strictly limited to guests holding valid VIP tickets.
Is there a separate VIP entrance?
Where available, a dedicated VIP entrance will be provided. Please check the event-specific information sent ahead of the concert.
Can I upgrade my General Admission ticket to VIP?
VIP upgrades may be available, subject to capacity and availability. Please check with your original ticket provider or ask a member of our team on the day – typically at the Merch/Info stand.
Are VIP tickets limited?
Yes. VIP capacity is deliberately restricted to maintain a more comfortable and exclusive experience.
Is the VIP area accessible?
We aim to make our VIP facilities accessible to all guests. Accessibility arrangements may vary by venue, so please contact our team in advance to discuss any specific requirements.
Is VIP suitable for children?
VIP access is subject to the same age restrictions as the main event. Children attending VIP must hold the appropriate ticket and be accompanied by an adult where required.
Can I leave the event and re-enter with my VIP ticket?
VIP tickets allow movement between VIP and General Admission areas within the event site. Leaving and re-entering the event itself is subject to the event’s re-entry policy.
What You Can Bring
To ensure comfort and safety for everyone, please take note of what is and isn’t permitted inside the event:
✓ ALLOWED
- Small bags (A4 size or smaller)
- Sealed 500 ml water or an empty reusable bottle
- Sunscreen, hats and rain ponchos
- Essential medication (with proof if needed)
✗ NOT ALLOWED
- Large bags or suitcases
- Camping or folding chairs
- Umbrellas and parasols
- Glass, cans, or outside food and drink
- Drones, flares, fireworks or smoke bombs
- Professional camera or recording equipment
- Illegal substances (zero tolerance)
All attendees will be subject to security checks on entry.
Food & Drink
What food and drink will there be?
A great selection of street-food traders and fully licensed bars, with options for vegetarians and vegans.
- Outside food and drink aren’t permitted, except a sealed 500 ml bottle of water.
- Free water refill points are available, so bring a reusable bottle.
- All bars operate Challenge 25. Please bring a valid photo ID.
- Although we will have options for those with allergies on site. Those with severe allergies are permitted to bring a small amount of wrapped and clearly labelled snacks onto site. Please let security know of your condition on the way in, you will still be subject to the same security searches.
Is the event cashless?
Yes. Please use card or contactless payment across the site.
Safety & Security
Your safety is our priority. Security checks and bag searches will take place at the gate. Anyone found with illegal or dangerous items will be refused entry and may be reported to the police.
Please cooperate with staff and stewards – they’re there to keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
What if it rains?
Reading Live at Palmer Park is an outdoor event and goes ahead in most weather, except in extreme conditions. Check the forecast before you travel.
- Bring a poncho or waterproofs. Umbrellas aren’t allowed as they block the view and are seen as a safety hazard.
- Wear suitable footwear for grass and uneven ground. Palmer Park is an open park, so expect it to be muddy after rain.
- In hot weather, bring sun protection and use the water points.
What facilities are on site?
-
- Toilets: standard and accessible toilets around the site.
- First Aid & Welfare: staffed throughout, with medication storage if needed.
- Drinking water: free, signposted refill points.
- Box Office
A site map will be released close to the event date and will be available on the website and social media channels
Age Policy & Safety
What is the age policy?
Each concert has its own age policy, so please check the individual event page. In general:
- All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Where an event is 16+, under-18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over, and no unaccompanied under-18s are permitted.
- If you’re over 18 and accompanying a young person, you may be asked for ID at entry.
What security measures are in place?
We work closely with local authorities and experience event security. Searches and ID checks take place at the gate, and anyone found with illegal or dangerous items will be refused entry and may be reported to the police. Please cooperate with staff and stewards. They’re here to keep everyone safe.
Accessibility
We’re dedicated to ensuring Reading Live is accessible for everyone.
Accessible tickets are designed for guests who require additional support to enjoy Reading Live comfortably. These tickets provide access to dedicated facilities and services to ensure the best possible experience.
What does an accessible ticket include?
Accessible tickets include:
- Separate, easy-access entry to the arena
- Step-free access to the accessible viewing area
- Access to accessible toilet facilities
- Close proximity to the bar, with staff available to assist with drinks orders
Who are accessible tickets for?
Accessible tickets are available for attendees with disabilities or access requirements who may benefit from:
- Step-free access
- Seating options
- Designated accessible viewing areas
Do accessible tickets cost more?
No. Accessible tickets are priced the same as standard general admission tickets.
Can I bring a companion or carer?
If a companion or carer ticket is required, please email custcare@skiddle.com.
The Skiddle team will carry out an eligibility check and, if approved, provide a unique code to access a complimentary carer ticket.
How do I purchase an accessible ticket?
Accessible tickets for Reading Live can only be purchased through Skiddle using the official ticket links provided for the event.
Still need help?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is happy to assist.
For ticket queries, please contact your ticket provider directly.