Reading And Leeds Organiser Speaks About Festival Flags Ban

Melvin Benn, organiser of the Reading and Leeds festivals, has spoken about his decision to ban flags at this year's event.

As part of the clampdown, festivalgoers who bring tall flags to both sites this week will have them confiscated on the gates.

Speaking to the BBC, Benn described the flags as a “nightmare”, adding: “The people behind them - not immediately behind them, but 20 or 30 rows behind them - can't see."

Benn also revealed that the Glastonbury festival was also considering introducing a ban in 2010.

Flags have become an increasingly common fixture at music festivals over recent years, with some being used as adverts for private companies.

The Reading and Leeds festivals kick off this Friday and will feature headlining performances from Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon.