ONE OF Reading’s most celebrated music festivals has announced it is parting ways with its charity partner ahead of this year’s event.
Reading Mencap is stepping back from its alignment with Are You Listening? Festival this year, citing changes to the “fundraising landscape.”
The charity has worked with AYL for a decade, with the festival donating £79,576 to the charity since the partnership began.
This means increased costs and stretched resources, which the charity says have resulted in the “difficult decision not to be involved” with the festival, set to take place in May.
Reading Mencap works to provide support and resources for those with learning disabilities and their families.
A post to the AYL website explained that while Mencap was stepping back, the event will always “share their DNA,” and continue to bring together attendees for friendly, savfe, and welcoming events.
Organiser Heavy Pop has been run entirely by volunteers in the last 12 months, working to bring events to Reading and support emerging artists.
They explain that this is not viable in the long-term, however, and are reviewing the event for next year to ensure its future.
Mandi Smith, Reading Mencap’s CEO, said, “All the funds raised from the festival during the last decade have been vital in helping us to improve quality of life for people with a learning disability in Reading.
“We are incredibly grateful to Heavy Pop and everyone who has supported us on this journey.”
A post on the Reading Mencap website explained that while the official partnership is coming to an end, the charity wished AYL continued success and thanked organisers fro their generosity and dedication.
This year’s festival will see performances from Puma Theory, The Mysterines, Home Counties, HotWax, The Mezz, and Plantoid.
Are You Listening? Festival returns to venues around Reading for its 11th outing on Saturday, May 11.
Tickets and more information are available via: areyoulistening.org.uk
