Tessa Brunsden, Trading Standards Public Health Protection Officer with Reading Borough Council and our CAP Coordinator in Reading, writes this month about their recent Reading College event highlighting safety at this year's Reading Festival.

Summer was already in the air at Reading College, but we decided to turn the festival vibes up a notch. As part of our ongoing work with the Reading Community Alcohol Partnership, we set up a lively festival safety stall right in the heart of campus, perfectly timed with Reading Festival fast approaching and students buzzing about their summer plans.

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Instead of gathering everyone into a classroom, we took the whole conversation outdoors. The lunchtime crowd drifted past in waves, and before long students were stopping by in groups, on their own or mid snack to chat about everything from tents and wellies to staying safe in a field full of thousands of people. The relaxed setup meant no pressure, no formalities, just real conversations that sparked naturally as students wandered over.

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We were joined by two brilliant partners who brought the whole event to life. Charlotte Oliver from Festival Republic gave students a fascinating peek behind the curtain of Reading Festival, explaining how such a huge event is run and the safety measures that keep it all moving smoothly. Alongside her was Anna MacGregor from Safer Spaces, who quickly became a go to voice for practical, honest advice about personal safety, trusting your instincts and looking out for your mates when things get busy or overwhelming.

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Together, we found ourselves chatting about everything that makes festivals magical and everything that helps keep them safe. Students shared their excitement about seeing their favourite artists while we talked through how to navigate crowds, what to do if a friend seems vulnerable, how to make sensible choices around alcohol and where to go for help if something does not feel right. The conversations were open, relaxed and full of the kind of questions young people do not always get the chance to ask.

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To keep things fun and genuinely useful, we handed out mini torch keyrings that become surprisingly important when your phone battery dies and you are trying to find your tent in the dark. We also gave out tiny notebooks on keyrings, encouraging students to jot down important numbers or meeting points before heading off. Those little items sparked some great chats about planning ahead and not relying solely on a phone that might not survive a full day of music, mud and excitement.

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The response from students was fantastic. Some stayed for a quick question, others lingered for longer conversations, swapping stories about past festivals or asking what to expect from their first one. The informal set up meant we reached students who might never attend a structured workshop, and that is exactly why this approach works. It meets young people where they are, in a way that feels natural and welcoming.

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What really shone through the whole event was the power of partnership. Working alongside Festival Republic and Safer Spaces meant we could offer students real world insight, consistent advice and a sense of reassurance that festivals are not just fun, they are designed with safety atthe heart. It was a brilliant example of Reading CAP in action, bringing together expertise, community and young people’s voices.

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As summer rolls in and festival wristbands start appearing, we hope the conversations, tips and tiny torches help students feel more confident, prepared and ready to look out for themselves and each other. If the energy at the stall was anything to go by, they are more than ready for an unforgettable and safe festival season.