ONE OF Reading’s most celebrated live music events has announced more of the acts who’ll be taking to the stage this festival season.
ARE YOU Listening? Festival, which has been bringing live music and performances to Reading for over a decade, is returning this weekend.
Headliners Antony Szmierek and The Mysterines will be joined by Reading’s own Puma Theory, Fat Dog, Heartworms, C Duncan, Hotwax, and Home Counties.
Also added to the roster are drag monarch Big Jay and Philli Mi Up, as well as Damien A Passmore, former Valeras member Rose Rey, and Fraulein.
Rounding out the bill are Alive By Night, My Northern Sky, bennet, Congratulations, Dolly & The Clothespegs, Lipworms, and Minas.
There is also a warm-up show taking place in St Laurence Church, where headliners Opus Kink will be joined by Chalk, Midnight Rodea, Horse Rock, and a set from DJ:AF.
Organiser Dave Maul said: “It’s always a pleasure to not only showcase new bands as well as hosting some of the bigger touring bands that maybe don’t get a chance to play here.
“The community has grown around the festival in the last 10 years, so seeing them having fun with friends and catching the day’s live music is always great.”
On the festival’s diverse offerings, he explained: “We’ve always wanted to bring a variety of performances, so we’ve worked with comedians and drag acts to bring that to the festival.”The opportunity arose for us to do so in Milk, so we wanted to change certain parts of the festival up.
“They had the right space which would work for the performers, so we’re excited to be able to offer new things now and even more so in the future.”
Speaking on some of his highlights on this year’s bill, he said: “Of course we’re incredibly excited to host our headliners, Antony Szmierek and The Mysterines.
“Empires, Empires and Lipworms are exciting bookings which will be great to see, as will Snayx, who have headlined at the Purple Turtle before.
“There’s quite a lot of new stuff, and we do our bit to bring new acts to the stage.”
The Festival Warm-Up Party takes place on Friday, May 10.
Are You Listening Festival takes place in venues across Reading, including Face Bar, Milk, Purple Turtle, and Sub89, on Saturday, May 11.
Full details, including lineup and tickets, are available via: areyoulistening.org.uk
