River Thames Lowered For Reading Festival

Reading Festival organisers have revealed that the water level of the River Thames was lowered to ensure this year’s festival could go ahead.

The unusual move was part of an “unprecedented” set of measures taken to prevent standing water from ruining last weekend’s event (August 24th-26th) which saw headlining performances from Razorlight, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins.

The Reading festival site suffered extensive water damage following floods in July and as a result The Environment Agency agreed to lower the level of the River Thames – which runs alongside the festival site - by between seven and eight inches over a three mile stretch, reports the BBC.

Speaking about the extensive preparations for this year’s festival, organiser Melvin Benn said:  "The work which has gone into preparing the site this year has been unprecedented. Much of the site was under water, and even the best areas for camping were waist-high in water just a few weeks ago.”

He added: "Despite the appalling weather this year, people arrived earlier than ever to camp on the site, which proves that Reading is much bigger than the weather."

Tickets for next year’s Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals – which runs from August  have gone on sale this morning. For availability and to purchase tickets follow the link below.