No trains home for Reading Festival goers on Saturday due to strikes

Great Western Railways has reminded Reading Festival revellers that there will be no trains home on Saturday night as strike action returns.

Nationwide strike action on Saturday, will affect travel to and from a number of events, and GWR has warned those travelling to check their journeys.

The famous festival is a popular destination for young people in Maidenhead and surrounding towns and villages, including those celebrating their A-level and GCSE results.

On the day, a reduced timetable will operate and many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all.

Trains will be busier than usual and services will start later, finish earlier and only operate for a limited period during the day.

There will be no late-night return services on Saturday evening for those not camping at Reading Festival.

On Friday and Sunday, a near normal level of service is planned to operate, with some alterations and cancellations.

Those heading to and from the festival on days other than Saturday will still have options.

Nearly 50 trains an hour serve Reading Station on weekdays, more than 30 on the bank holiday Monday, as well as extra late-night and early-morning trains for those not camping.

GWR Reading Station Manager Kevin King said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Reading Station for the world-famous festival.

“To try to keep everyone as safe as possible, please allow extra time for your journey home as a queuing system will be in operation on Monday and remember that, unfortunately, we are not able to provide any trains home on Saturday evening.

“To help you board safely and allow space for others, please do not bring excessive amounts of luggage.”

Services are expected to be extremely busy for the return journey on Monday and a queuing system will be in place.

To avoid disappointment when arriving at the stations travellers are advised to reserve a seat online or through the GWR app, allow extra time, remember railcards and keep phones charged for electronic tickets.

Customers who purchased tickets but do not travel can claim a full refund or amend their ticket, while those who are delayed by 15 minutes or more may be entitled to compensation.

Further industrial action is planned for Friday, September 1 and Saturday, September 2, and tickets for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services.

Visit www.gwr.com/strike for more details.