Caversham Festival is run and managed by local music and arts charity, Readipop.
We specialise in delivering innovative projects to those ‘in need’ including people with disabilities, mental health issues, learning difficulties, low esteem or young learners finding it hard to stay in school. We also work with older people, in youth clubs on deprived estates and tackling issues within society such as reducing reoffending. Sometimes creativity is over-looked and it can be hard to measure. However, at Readipop we see small successes everyday – proof that engaging in creativity has life-changing positive outcomes.
Now in its 15th year, Caversham festival is the biggest event in the Caversham calendar, attracting 10,000 visitors. Last year was our second year in charge and this year sees the festival spanning two full days for the first time. The only thing that could possibly thwart our plans is the beautiful British weather, but we’ve even made provisions for that! You can enjoy watching your favourite local acts from the comfort of a marquee thanks to our new partnership with the Reading Real Ale and Jazz festival.
FESTIVAL SITE ADDRESS
Christchurch Meadows
George Street
Caversham
Reading
RG4 8BY
The festival site is located in Christchurch Meadows on the North bank of the River Thames between Caversham Bridge and Reading Bridge. A 5-minute walk from Caversham town centre and 10 minutes walk from the centre of Reading. The site can be accessed by a number of entrances around the site located from George Street and Reading Bridge, Wolsey Road and Gosbrook Road and from either end of the Thames promenade.
Disabled Access – Paved level access is available from Gosbrook Road and Wolsey Road. Access is also available via George Street, opposite Hills Meadow car park, which leads onto grass, therefore may be muddy in wet weather.
By Bus: Reading Buses routes 2, 2a, 23 and 28 via Reading Bridge or by 22 and 24 via Caversham Bridge. For details and times visit www.reading-buses.co.uk or call 0118 959 4000.
By Train: The nearest train station is Reading, a 10 minutes walk from the festival site.
By Car: Parking close to the festival is limited. Hills Meadow car park on George Street is located opposite the site.
Alternative parking can be found at Kings Meadow on Napier Road, and Reading station car park on Vastern Road, which is a 2-minute walk
GENERAL INFO
Water points
Free drinking water can be found at the festival headquarters as well as the food area.
Toilets
Toilet facilities including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available across three locations on site;
A South of the site opposite the Riverside Stage, south side of the tennis courts.
B Middle of the site, next to the Festival Stage.
C North of the site near to the Bake n Brew tent.
Dog Walkers
Christchurch Meadows is open access for all throughout the day including dog walkers that normally use the park. Please be aware however that there will be loud music and lots of people. Dogs must be kept under control at all times, and dog mess must be cleared up and put in the red bins provided.
Litter
Please help us keep Caversham Festival tidy and local wildlife happy by disposing of your litter responsibly. Our stewards will be working hard to manage the waste and recycling rubbish where possible.
There are plenty of bins on site so please use them, or take your rubbish home.
Lost Property
Any lost property can be reported to the festival HQ located next to the Festival Stage.
Alternatively, if you have arrived home and found you are missing something, please email office@readipop.co.uk with your details and as much detail of the item as possible.
Found Children
Please report any missing children to the festival HQ that is located next to the Festival Stage.
Crime Prevention
Large gatherings of people at festivals can provide easy pickings for thieves. Be alert; don’t present thieves with easy opportunities by keeping your belongings with you at all times.
Medics
The British Red Cross will be on hand throughout the day to offer first aid. They are located in the first aid tent on the north side of the tennis courts.
Fire Safety
Fires are not permitted anywhere on site. Fire extinguishers are located throughout the site next to each of the stages and attractions. Please be aware of dry parched ground in hot weather and make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished.