Reading hopes to celebrate Olympics with tent city

The 2012 Olympics could see camping scenes similar to the Reading Festival

Businessman Sir John Madejski, Reading Festival organiser Melvyn Benn and a councillor are behind plans for a "tent city" during the 2012 London Olympics.

They say people who may not be able to get to Olympic events could be attracted to the town if giants screens were installed at the camping site.

The group plans to use the town's experience of staging music festivals.

Reading Borough Council is to be consulted before detailed plans are drawn up.

Mr Madejski and Mr Benn said Reading was well located for sailing competitions on the south coast at Weymouth or the rowing at Eton.

Mr Benn said Reading's experience of staging Womad and the Reading Festival, made it uniquely placed to provide the facilities required.

He said: "This is a fantastic idea for Reading and Festival Republic look forward to working with the local council and local business to bring the Olympic celebrations to Reading."

'Careful thought needed'

Sir John, chairman of Reading football club, added: "I believe that the London Olympics will have a very positive effect on the country and I'm right behind this initiative to bring some of these benefits to Reading.

"Not everyone will be able to go the Olympic events and this gives people the chance to get involved in the atmosphere and excitement of the Olympics in a safe and organised way."

Reading Borough Councillor Andrew Cumpsty said: "This is not only Olympic year; it is also the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the year when Reading will be trying to obtain city status.

"This is going to be a very special year in Reading and I hope that the Olympics are but one of many causes for celebration in 2012."

However, Reading Labour MP Martin Salter said careful thought was needed before organising a three-week giant camp site in the middle of town.

"We do a pretty good job when it comes to Womad and the rock festival, but these events only take place over a long weekend," he said.

"Even so, when they do Reading's Rivermead Leisure Centre and golf driving range is put out of action.

"It would be somewhat ironic if the Olympic period meant less sporting opportunities for the people of Reading not more."