More than 60 sexual assaults have taken place at Reading Festival over the last five years - but these incidents have lead to only 14 arrests, according to figures shared with The Reading Chronicle.

The figures were supplied in response to freedom of information requests from Amy Sharrocks, an ­artist and women’s rights campaigner who has been working for months to highlight the issue.

For the years 2021 to 2023, there were 52 reports of sexual assaults at the festival - with just three reports leading to prosecutions.

The number of reports and arrests have increased over the last five years, with a total of 22 reports of sexual assaults made last year, leading to 10 arrests. In 2018, there were 10 reports - but no arrests. 

But Amy said: "Nothing they have done has improved the conviction rates on sexual assault. 

"The figures are horrifying. They say very clearly that there can be no justice when you're hurt at Reading and Leeds Festival."

And the figures may not reveal the full extent of the issue, Amy added, as many women and men do not report incidents after they have been attacked. Five in six women who are raped don't report and the same is true for 4 in 5 men, according to Rape Crisis England and Wales. 

Reading Festival has increased its support facilities over the last five years, which now include several welfare tents and an area provided by the group Safe Gigs for Women on Scott Street in the Green Campsite.

A representative from Safe Gigs for Women at this year's festival said: '"We have had all sorts of groups approaching us - we have had a group of men come to us and ask us how they can do more to help when they see something concerning."

Acknowledging the increase in support, Amy said: "I'm sure what they have done has really helped people report and be supported at the festival. I'm not denigrating that work. It's crucial."

But she said there are vital questions that need to be asked in order to address the number of sexual assaults at the festival. 

She said: "What is the culture atmosphere of the festival? Should it be happening on GCSE results day? Should it be an over 18s festival?"

Thames Valley Police continues to take tackling and reducing violence against women and girls seriously - but there are 'unique' challenges with policing a large festival, according to a spokesperson from the force. 

They said: "Sexual offences are often complex and take a long time to investigate and as such, some of the offences listed as not reaching a prosecution are because they are still under investigation with enquiries being progressed.

"A significant comprehensive policing plan is in place surrounding Reading Festival, within which we have a safeguarding lead, investigative team and crime scene investigators to support crimes at the festival.

"As people are transient at the event, we ensure we can gather forensic evidences from tents or a location quickly."

From 2023 to 2024, sexual offence charges across the Thames Valley area have increased by 14 per cent. Rape charge numbers increased by 17 per cent in the same period.

Festival Republic, which runs Reading Festival, was approached for comment.