This bank holiday weekend, thousands of people will be attending Reading Festival to listen to good music and have fun with their friends. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging festival-goers to be aware of fire risks and responsibly look after yourselves.
Gail Muirhead, West Hub Prevention Manager, says: “At festivals, enjoy yourself whilst staying safe. This year, Reading Festival organisers have already put measures in place to reduce fire risks, by prohibiting the use of all barbecues and campfires within the arena and campsites.
“Please follow these measures and also be aware of other outdoor safety risks. Dispose of your cigarettes properly, pick up empty glass bottles and put them into recycling bins, and stay alert around the open water of the River Thames.
“Check the organiser’s safety regulations before you visit, ask the on-site staff if you are unsure of the emergency procedures, and don’t hesitate to call 999 should an incident occur.
“Have fun and stay safe!”
We want to ensure that everyone has a great time during the festival. Here are a few simple tips that can be followed to protect yourselves and your friends:
Candles and Cigarettes
- Do not use candles in or near a tent – use a torch instead.
- Do not smoke inside your tent.
- Make sure that all cigarettes are properly extinguished and disposed of responsibly.
Barbecues
- Barbecues, disposable and non-disposable, are not allowed in the area or campsites.
Campfires
- Campfires are not allowed anywhere inside the festival grounds – this includes the campsite.
Wildfires
- Please dispose of litter correctly – do not leave glass bottles lying around. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire.
Alcohol
- Please be careful under the influence of alcohol.
- Stay away from the waterside to avoid falling in. Alcohol can make swimming very difficult and cold water shock can kill.
Be Prepared
- Pay particular attention to the fire safety guidance provided by the festival organisers. If in any doubt, ask the on-site staff.
- Have an escape plan ready and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire.
RBFRS reminds you to call 999 immediately if you find yourself in an emergency or witness an incident occurring.
To remain up-to-date with our festival safety advice, please follow us on Twitter and Instagram where we will be sharing more top tips this Reading Festival weekend.
For more information about staying safe outdoors, please visit our Out and About Safety Guidance.