Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Picking up DC from Reading Festival

28 replies

SlightlyJaded · 23/08/2021 15:23

DD is 16 and going to Reading with her mates. They don't want to be there all Sunday night because of the historical shenanigans when things can turn nasty.

I've said I will collect them.

I've suggested leaving an hour before the last act finishes but not sure if that's the best advice? Also where to collect from? They have their heads screwed on so could probably get on a train and go one stop if that makes more sense than me trying to get anywhere near Reading?

Has anyone done a Sunday night collection and what's the best plan please?!

Thank you.

OP posts:

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/08/2021 15:26

You're a great mum. I was there one year after Rage when it kicked off. Probably at the same age as your DD. Everything was fine.

No idea where you'd pick them up now but my advice is to line the car with plastic!

HardRockHallelujah · 23/08/2021 15:29

Don't try and get near the festival. It's usually gridlocked. The train station will be rammed too but if they could get a couple of stops away like Blackwater then it would definitely be a good idea. Definitely leave before the last band (unless they really want to see it!!!)

mogtheexcellent · 23/08/2021 15:31

Which direction are you coming from? If you are going on m4 then theale station is very close and a stop away from reading central, or buses from reading will take you to theale retail park where there is a mcDs, sainsburys and ikea. This is even closer to Junction 12 of m4

ghostfacers · 23/08/2021 16:00

I've been to Reading and had no idea about the Sunday night riot thing - when did this start?!

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/08/2021 16:46

@ghostfacers

I've been to Reading and had no idea about the Sunday night riot thing - when did this start?!

It started in my 20s so a loooooooong time ago.

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 23/08/2021 16:52

I have done the early morning pick up- when the streets are full of zombie like festival goers with face paint dripping off and bedraggled clothing-great people watching!!

I found the sunrise pickup ok-I meet them at the TGIF carpark -and can get in and out swiftly, but your problem is going to be that the day pass ppl leaving then as well and it can be an absolute gridlock-I have a friend who picked up later and was stuck in traffic for hours and hours-absolutely grim.

I've had DC there for a few years and never heard of anything kicking off-or maybe they don't tell me-but surely they could just stay out of it and you could do a 6 am grab?

whatswithtodaytoday · 23/08/2021 16:56

@ghostfacers

I've been to Reading and had no idea about the Sunday night riot thing - when did this start?!

It was happening when I went 1998-2003. Worse the last couple of years. That last Sunday night in 2003 (when I was in my early 20s) was when I decided I was too old for this shit

We always managed to avoid it though. I would suggest camping away from the main areas (but not by a hedge as men piss in them) and definitely not near the toilets.

INeedtobealone · 23/08/2021 17:04

No idea about the festival but I know Reading well.

In terms of where to collect you could park in The Oracle and they walk over, you may need to still pay at that time. Or park in Reading station, it's pricey to park but perhaps not on a Sunday night.

There is a large Tesco on the river which has a big car park.

Depending on times they could get a train out one or two stops, perhaps Earley or Winnersh Triangle or Reading West depending on which way you're coming from.

TottiePlantagenet · 23/08/2021 17:15

Which direction will you be coming from?

If they can get to the main station, then there's a lot of choice. If they only want to go from Reading West Station, the lines are a little bit more limited.

Pinkywoo · 23/08/2021 17:18

@ghostfacers

I've been to Reading and had no idea about the Sunday night riot thing - when did this start?!

It was definitely a thing when I was going (1999-2010), throwing mini gas canisters onto camp fires was popular on a Sunday night. This was what I opened my tent to one Monday morning!

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 23/08/2021 17:26

@INeedtobealone

No idea about the festival but I know Reading well.

There is a large Tesco on the river which has a big car park.

Depending on times they could get a train out one or two stops, perhaps Earley or Winnersh Triangle or Reading West depending on which way you're coming from.

Definitely not Reading West! It's being refurbished, and that combined with Festival traffic is going to make the Oxford Road hideous at the weekend. Portman Road Tesco is a good idea though. It'll be busy but not horrific and it's easy to get to on foot from the Festival site. Just don't try to drive through Caversham

HuaShan · 23/08/2021 17:32

I picked up DS and a friend from a Tesco about 20 mins walk away.
Will try and remember which one

HuaShan · 23/08/2021 17:32

Yes cross post, Portman Rd Tesco

VetInAVat · 23/08/2021 17:36

Caversham, waitrose car park.

Original poster

SlightlyJaded · 23/08/2021 17:40

Portman Road Tesco sounds like it might be an option then? I am coming from Richmond - so not that far and would normally jump on the M4 at Chiswick....

OP posts:

MydogWillow · 23/08/2021 17:40

Easy train ride straight to Didcot Parkway if you're that side.

AbiJo · 23/08/2021 17:46

I live near Reading. Honestly, they don't need to get the train to Blackwater or anywhere else. Just somewhere around the station is fine. Maybe the north side (the Caversham exit) as it's quieter. Just pull over and call them to let them know where you are. There's also a short stay car park.

dannydyerismydad · 23/08/2021 18:20

The Aldi/Range car park. But do not get out of the car. You'll get a ticket.

Tesco on Portman Road has flats above. The residents get really upset about it being a pick up point as it really disrupts their sleep.

VioletCharlotte · 23/08/2021 18:30

If you collect them Sunday night then you should be ok, especially if they leave an hour or so before the last act ends. If they can carry all their stuff all the way to the station then you'll be fine to meet them there. Or the Aldi carpark, but as pp says, stay in the car of you'll get a ticket.

Original poster

SlightlyJaded · 23/08/2021 19:26

So Aldi/Range carpark or Tesco Portman Road.
Thanks all.

Is the Aldi one walkable from the festival site?

OP posts:

dannydyerismydad · 23/08/2021 19:36

The Aldi car park is close to the festival site on the map.

Walking distance though differs from year to year depending on how they set up the site access.

Some years it's been easy to pop home for a wee, other years it's a right faff.

RusholmeRuffian · 23/08/2021 19:41

Aldi car park is easily walkable from the festival site and will make it easier to get back to the M4 than the Portman Rd Tesco.

Festival2021 · 23/08/2021 19:51

Hi OP, I posted earlier in AIBU as I'm working at the festival this year for Reading Street Pastors.
We have two tents, and are a safe space for anyone who needs it (tea/coffee, chat etc). Please let them know we're there and to come and see us if they ever need it.
I live by Tesco on the Portman Road, and would say that is the easiest place for you to collect them from. It's only a 10 minute walk from the site and there will be plenty of space for you to park and wait.
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to message me.

gogohm · 23/08/2021 19:53

Just asked dd, there were no problems on Sunday night when she went 2 years ago. She said there's an Aldi walking distance from the festival

TottiePlantagenet · 23/08/2021 21:48

As you're coming from Richmond, get off at jn10, and make your way to the Aldi car park (closer to the festival site than either Tesco) and should be well lit. Easy for you to leave Reading without having to go through the centre.

ALDI - Unit 1a, Vastern Court
Reading
RG1 8AL

Flip

1 2

Swipe left for the next trending thread