Man 'Treasure Hunts' at Abandoned Reading Festival Site – He Strikes Gold

TikTok user Ethan Overton, under the name ethanovertonsq, showcased his post-festival "treasure hunting" adventures following the Reading Festival. According to Ethan, festival grounds become a hotspot for "freebies" once the event wraps up. He is not new to this activity; his effort last year earned him £50 at a local boot sale.

In candid videos, Ethan reassures viewers about the legitimacy of his actions, asserting that many participate in such endeavors and that there's considerable money to be made. He emphasizes the importance of respecting certain boundaries, notably not disturbing people in tents. Items that are clearly abandoned, however, are fair game. He advises handing in valuable items like phones and wallets but encourages helping oneself to other usable goods, such as air mattresses.

Ethan questioned why festival organizers don't allow the public in post-event to claim discarded items, suggesting that useful items like sleeping bags and barbecues could be donated to charity instead of being wasted. He highlighted that many abandoned items are nearly new and could easily be repurposed.

Documenting his hunt, Ethan's recent video begins with the declaration, "Reading Festival finished yesterday—let's see what we can find!" Among his discoveries were a £10 note, multiple power banks, a nearly new barbecue, a Prada bag containing several pound coins, complete tents, a groundsheet, and camping chairs. He even referred to a new Voyager camping chair as "like gold dust at this festival."

The viral video has garnered over 400,000 views, with viewers expressing surprise at the volume left behind. Comments ranged from nostalgia ("My dad was doing this at Glastonbury 20 years ago, selling tents on eBay") to suggestions for charity involvement ("They should open it up to charities to clean up and keep and re-sell items").

Nonetheless, some viewers raised ethical concerns about ensuring items are returned to their rightful owners whenever possible. Ethan's approach, respectful yet opportunistic, underscores a broader discussion on waste management and recycling at large events.

Among Ethan's haul were some significant finds: cash, essential camping gear, and surprisingly, a Prada bag—a blend of practicality and unexpected luxury—all illustrating the potential hidden in the aftermath of large-scale festivals.

Earlier, SSP wrote about a woman who seeks her name change due to associations with famous criminal.