A special film created by Meningitis Now, using footage from Lewis Waters’ A-level project, will be shown daily on the main stage screens as part of the charity’s presence at the festival. The video has been created jointly with Lewis’s family, who have given permission for his work to be used to help protect other young people from meningitis.
Lewis, from the Reading area, tragically lost his life to meningitis in May this year. His family are working alongside Meningitis Now to raise awareness of the devastating impact the disease can have and the importance of young people understanding the symptoms of meningitis and knowing about the protection offered by vaccination.
Reading Festival takes place from 27–30 August 2026, bringing tens of thousands of young people together.
Meningitis Now will be at the festival speaking to young people about meningitis, the symptoms to look out for and the steps they can take to reduce their risk. Particular attention will be given to the MenB vaccine, which is currently available free through the NHS to eligible young people, including teenagers and young adults starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.
Lewis’s Mum and Dad, Kate and Sean, said, “Lewis was a much-loved son, brother and friend. It means so much to us that his A-level project can now be used to reach other young people and potentially help protect them from meningitis. We want Lewis to be remembered not just for the devastating way we lost him, but for the difference his story can make to others.”
Meningitis Now’s Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said “The Reading Festival is an important opportunity to reach young people with a message that could ultimately save a life. Meningitis can develop very quickly and can affect anyone, but young people are among those at greater risk of meningococcal disease.
“Lewis’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how devastating meningitis can be. We are incredibly grateful to his family for allowing us to use his A-level project video and the festival organisers for welcoming us to the site and showing the video on the main stage screen.
Lewis’s work can now help us reach thousands of young people with vital information about meningitis and the MenB vaccine.
“We want every young person who is eligible for the MenB vaccine to know that it is available and to take up the offer. Vaccination is one of the important ways we can help prevent meningococcal disease, alongside knowing the symptoms and seeking urgent medical help if someone becomes seriously unwell.”
Matt Rodda MP for Reading Central said, "I met Meningitis Now as Reading Festival gets under way this weekend. I would like to thank the charity for working closely with the family of Lewis Waters to raise awareness of meningitis and the MenB vaccine. I would also like to thank Festival Republic for showing a video about Lewis between the acts. I hope that this will encourage young people who are eligible to get vaccinated and protect themselves against meningitis.”
Meningitis Now is encouraging young people heading to university or further education this autumn to check whether they are eligible and, if they are, to arrange their vaccination.
Meningitis can develop rapidly, and symptoms can include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, drowsiness, a rash that does not fade under pressure and, in the case of sepsis, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing or severe muscle and joint pain. Read more about the signs & symptoms here.
Thank you to Lewis's family and friends for their bravery in letting us share Lewis's story through this powerful piece. 🧡
You can watch Lewis's film below:
