Lots of changes at the Reading Festival 2025 Arena and Campsites this year!
Reading Indie Life has this evening set foot on the hallowed turf of the Reading Festival Arena. Whilst much will seem familiar to those who have been recently, there are significant changes this year.
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The Chevron Stage
The Chevron is officially a massive tent! Significantly bigger than the tent that used to house the Radio One Stage. So big in fact, I am not sure that a bigger festival tent is in use in the UK? There are definitely positives to this, maybe a potential negative or two. This proper covering was mooted back in the annual debrief between Festival Republic and Reading Borough Council, but it is now 100% confirmed in the flesh. On the plus side there can be no sound clash between the Chevron and the Main Stage, as affected several sets last year. It also means that all artists appearing on the Chevron can make proper use of the overhead lighting net at any point in the day, allowing for a greater range of creative visuals. The other bonus is that, whilst the weather is looking good for this year, if it were to rain heavily there is a lot more cover than there previously was for those looking to keep dry and enjoy music.
My only question mark is what happens if an artist near the top of the Chevron bill proves VERY POPULAR. Last year the overlap of music kept things split. The top of the bill is now more like the old Main Stage East and West set up. Under that crowds moved back and forwards between the outdoor stages. Whilst the tent is big, I am not sure it would allow the same amount of people in who would have watched outside. I guess they are banking on enough people wanting to secure space down the front of the Main Stage for the top artist(s) to not make it an issue. We will see. Rudimental and AJ Tracey will be the first artists to put it to the test Friday night.
The Smirnoff Stage
The new Smirnoff Stage is not as big as I had been anticipating. There is a small stage, though more than big enough for a DJ and decks, with the area in front of it completely uncovered. It is just to the side of the funfair.
Festival Republic Stage
The Festival Republic Tent is unchanged. There has been no upgrade considering it is now the third stage in size, it is in the same tent. It is positioned where the Radio One Stage used to be.
The Aux Stage
The Aux is in a small tent about where the Festival Republic Stage previously was. There are whispers of a 7:30pm Secret Set. Talk around the site thinks Rizzle Kicks or Chase and Status might fit the slot. Those wishing for Foo Fighters… it just isn’t going to happen. No chance of being on the Aux Stage but let us remember Lewis Capaldi pulled out of a slot two years back and already popped up at Glasto as a surprise this year. Just saying.
Camp Sites
Those who didn’t read up in advance and have been before all seem a bit bewildered by the renaming of all the camp sites. Not much feedback on the new areas yet. The Glitterball Grove is certainly very close to the Arena entrance though, so good if you cannot be bothered with too much walking.
Reading Indie Life 
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