Reading Festival has been given the go-ahead by the council, which confirmed it has granted the event a licence.
With the Government this week confirming most Covid-19 restrictions will end on July 19, there will be no limitations on festivals taking place.
Reading Borough Council (RBC) had raised doubts about the event previously but has now confirmed the festival, which takes place on the last weekend of August, has been granted a licence and should be able to go ahead.
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A council spokesman said “Festival Republic have had their licence approved and given the recent Government announcement that Covid restrictions will cease from 19 July, we would anticipate the festival will go ahead.
“As with all festivals this summer, there will need to be detailed consideration on how Covid-19 risks can be minimised.
“Therefore, should the festival run, we will work with Festival Republic and our partners in the police, fire and ambulance service to ensure our part in the event running as smoothly and safely as possible.”
Back in February, organisers Festival Republic said the event would go ahead this year after last year’s festival was cancelled due to the pandemic.
But this confirmation was downplayed by RBC at the time, which said “nothing has been agreed”.
READ MORE: Reading Festival confirmation downplayed by council
Councillor Graeme Hoskin, lead member for Health, said: “What’s become apparent from comments on social media and people contacting the council is that some people are under the impression that the council has approved Reading Festival taking place this summer.
“That is not the case. Reading has not, and nor has anyone else, agreed anything. But, certainly, the announcement is the intention of Reading Festival to happen.
“That is going to be a major item for our licensing department and various other national bodies to consider but nothing has been agreed by the council.”
However, Festival Republic director Melvin Benn was always confident, telling The Guardian in February: “We’re enthusiastic, we’re excited, and we’re certain that it’s going to go ahead”.
The lineup this year’s August 27-29 festival includes six headliners in Stormzy, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Post Malone, Disclosure, Liam Gallagher and Queens of the Stone Age.
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