Festival Republic who are the organisers of Reading Festival have teamed up with British Transport Police and Network Rail to ensure that there is a safe space for festival goers as part of a sexual violence prevention campaign.

The safe area will be providing the large number of people passing through with a place to ask for help or advice.

The festival runs from until Sunday 28th August, Network Rail is expecting Reading station to be very busy.

Those travelling to the festival can catch a shuttle bus to the venue from the northern exit of the station or walk the 20 minutes.

Network Rail asks that passengers be patient during the busy days and to make sure that they stay safe around the tracks.

There will be extra customer support available throughout the bank holiday weekend to send people in the right direction.

Andy Philips, Network Rail’s station manager for Reading said: “We’re proud to have partnered with the BTP and Festival Republic to provide a dedicated safe space for people attending Reading Festival.

“The safety and wellbeing of festival-goers is paramount and this service will allow people to access confidential help in a quiet, secure environment. We want everyone to have a fantastic weekend and hope that the addition of a safe space at the station, part of a network of such spaces at this year’s festival, will reassure attendees that there is always non-judgemental support on hand.”

BTP Reading Inspector Ian Stack said: “We’re pleased to offer this space as part of our operation to ensure passengers’ safety as they travel to and from the festival.

“We’ll have a highly-visible presence at Reading station throughout the weekend. If you need us, you can approach any of our friendly officers or text us on 61016. We will always take you seriously.”