Bank Holiday Weekend Brings Crowds to Reading Festival and Notting Hill Carnival
Travelers attending Reading Festival or Notting Hill Carnival this bank holiday weekend should be prepared for heavy crowds and allow extra time for their journeys. The Reading Festival will take place from Friday 22 August through Sunday 24 August, while Notting Hill Carnival is scheduled for Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August in west London. Travelers can expect crowded stations, busy platforms, and extended journey times, so arriving early and planning the best way to reach each event is advised.
For anyone traveling this weekend, it is essential to know the most effective ways to reach the events. Visitors have multiple options for arriving at their destinations based on their preferences and timing:
- Walk about 20 minutes from Reading station to the festival grounds.
- Use the dedicated shuttle bus from the Northern exit at Reading station.
- Listen to guidance from station staff who are on hand to help passengers.
- Allow extra time when traveling through London Paddington, as higher passenger numbers are expected on Sunday and Monday.
“We’re expecting to see thousands of extra passengers passing through Reading station this bank holiday weekend on their way to the music festival. With Notting Hill Carnival also taking place, passengers should plan for both Reading and London Paddington to be busier than usual."
Significant passenger congestion is anticipated around the festival locations this weekend. At Reading Festival, visitors may face crowded spots near main entrances, shuttle bus areas, and festival grounds, potentially slowing movement between performances. Large numbers of visitors are expected at Notting Hill Carnival, especially near performance stages, parade paths, and food stalls. Visitors are advised to factor in extra time to navigate these areas and plan their walking routes to reach all sections of the events safely.
In addition to the main events, visitors can check out local attractions, though higher crowds are likely. In the vicinity of Reading Festival, travelers have access to Forbury Gardens, Prospect Park, and Reading Bridge, providing open areas and scenic spots to rest between shows. In the area surrounding Notting Hill Carnival, visitors will find lively streets and local points of interest at Holland Park, Electric Avenue, and Portobello Road market.
Looking ahead, the weekend emphasizes the importance of careful travel planning during peak periods. By checking schedules via National Rail Enquiries, factoring in potential delays, and following station guidance, travelers can navigate Reading and London Paddington safely. Although extra queuing measures and late-night train services are in place, travelers should remain mindful of busy areas and plan their journeys carefully to avoid delays during the bank holiday.