Festivalgoers urged to book ahead by rail company

An expected 65,000 revellers expected to use the train to get home from the Reading Festival should book ahead, a rail operator has said.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said the event was its busiest of the year and encouraged people travelling back on Bank Holiday Monday to buy their ticket before they began their journey to cut waiting times.

Charli XCX, rapper Dave and Chase & Status will headline the festival and its sister event in Leeds. About 100,000 people are expected in Reading from Thursday to Sunday.

GWR asked people to only take what they could carry onto their trains and to allow room for others.

The rail operator said trains would start from just after midnight and operate throughout the day on Monday, but would be extremely busy.

Reading Station's manager, Alex Hills, said: "Reading Festival is our biggest event of the year and we love being part of it.

"There's nothing quite like 65,000 people all heading home after a great weekend.

"My advice is simple: book ahead, travel light and follow our staff on Monday morning.

"The queuing system works really well, and our team will be out in force to keep things moving."

They added: "Have a brilliant weekend. We'll see you on the platform."