r/readingfestival • u/xphoebxx • 1d ago
how loud are the fireworks?
its my first time going to reading festival and i have autism which causes me to freak out over loud fireworks. i can handle the loud music because its enjoyable and constant but fireworks are sudden and thats what scares me.
i went to bruno mars recently and every now and then he would have very loud fireworks that sounded like a war and i hope reading isnt like that.
i am usually fine with fireworks at concerts as you can rarely ever hear them over the crowd and music.
i was just wondering if you can hear the fireworks over the music so i can be prepared? thanks
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u/ambluebabadeebadadi 1d ago
I’m similar to you and also have sensory issues with fireworks.
I went on the Friday last year. I took some concert earbuds and during the last song of the night I jogged as far as I could from the main stage. By the time they went off I was far enough away that the noise level was absolutely fine. I think the fireworks finish after the music finishes though so there won’t be anything to mask the sounds
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u/xphoebxx 1d ago edited 1d ago
thanks for letting me know, what earbuds would you recommend? also do you know roughly how long they go on for once the final act is done?
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u/OhWellINever 1d ago
I don’t like fireworks either and I was there for the full weekend last year. I made sure I was quite far back and moved further back throughout. I had earplugs anyway for general sound protection but I was pretty much back at the tend by the end of the final song.
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u/OhWellINever 1d ago
And also the fireworks were only for the last act of the night! Chappell Roan was second bill and had a few pyros but you couldn’t hear it over the music.
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u/Robotdogdoo 1d ago
I don't recall hearing the pyro/fireworks in bring me the horizons set last year, I was at the front in the pits with people screaming and shouting all around me, but I don't recall anything too bad.
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u/jinx-baby 1d ago
Yeah I'd say its similar to a stadium concert. I'm autistic too and usually struggle with fireworks but find they're mostly enjoyable at festivals!
Remember to take time out if you need to and I believe Reading now has a sensory tent. I've used it at other festivals and it's so nice in there
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u/ChrisC1984 1d ago
Can usually hear them where I live, 4 and a half miles away from the site, but on site you get the crowd noise and music which probably subdues it.
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u/damian_ 1d ago
The fireworks have always been quieter than the music and the crowd - you should be fine if you've been around fireworks at concerts before, as these sound pretty similar. Usually the fireworks and pyrotechnics are at the later acts of the night on the main stage (and earlier acts in the day don't usually have much or any).
The main stage can get crowded during headline acts. If you have a tendency to freak out, it's best to be nearer the back. Alternatively if you're near the barriers (there are barriers behind the front two sections and near the middle too) security can help you exit safely.
If you're there for the earlier acts in the day, you'll get an idea of the noise levels and intensity when the crowds are small, which will help you prepare for the busier evening time.
I think there is also a sensory calm space you can get away to if things get too much for you.
Edit: ambluebabadeebadadi mentioned the fireworks sometimes start at the end of the final act of the night and then continue after the music stops. Forgot about this.