Reading has become one of the larger U.K. music festivals since its birth in the 70's. It happens yearly on the bank holiday weekend in August. It's definitely a youth orientated festival, although they are introducing family camping grounds away from the anarchy of the main campsite. Expect a lot of Indy, with a few classic big names saved for headliners. Once the bands have finished playing, around eleven or twelve, that's when the night really kicks off. Shouting, burning, exploding through the night come swarms of stumbling, squinting festival goers. Bins are upturned and used as drums which play until 7 or 8 am.
Imagine Lord of the Flies with older characters and a beer sponsor. I was discussing this with a friend at the festival just gone and we decided that if it went on for a few months, and without security, people would eventually begin to die. Fortunately it's a weekend only, and the security are very very good.
Not a child friendly environment at all, although the festival organizers are trying to make it more so. If you want to air you id out over a long weekend (and are willing to pay £145 to do so) then check it out.