Reading Festival 'blames weather for sound'

Reading Festival chief Melvin Benn has blamed the weather for recurring sound problems at this year's event, according to reports.

Several bands on the Main Stage over the weekend suffered volume fluctuations during their performances, with some fans complaining that the sound was not loud enough.

Speaking to NME, Benn explained that the volume levels for the stage had been increased for last month's bash, but the decision was then affected by adverse weather conditions.

"To be fair, the sound has been massively better. Last year we were having to run so low that it wasn't possible, that hasn't been the case this year," he said. "Generally, we've been running between 101 and 103 decibels, sometimes 107 - amazing.

"The only issue has been there have been massive gusts of winds which can pick up the sound and throw it away. That's not a sound issue per se. Some people will have noticed on Friday we had to drop the screens on the Main Stage because of the wind. The sound has been pretty remarkable, the gusts of winds have been difficult. It’s generally a British summer issue."

Benn also addressed his earlier decision to ban flags at the festival, declaring that punters had been largely positive about the move.