ONE OF Reading’s independent festivals has set out the schedule for its return this summer.
Readipop Festival returns to Christchurch Meado ws in Caversham this July, bringing headline acts Ash, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Pip Blom, A Certain Ratio, and Echobelly.
Joining them will be Reading’s own K.Kayne, who brings down-to-Earth lyrics and infectious beats to his brand of rap after having risen through the ranks of the AAA project.
Natalie Gray is also returning following a consummate performance at last year’s event, hot on the heels of their appearance in the Spice Girls stage show, Wannabe.
They also recently co-founded and co-produced the music tour Take Back The Beat, in partnership with Women’s Aid, which raised money for survivors of domestic abuse.
Elucidate, who hail from Reading, will be taking to the Purple Turtle Stage on Sunday, bringing alt-rock steeped in synth, shoegaze, and soft vocal styles.
Readipop’s Access All Areas (AAA) Takeover is returning, bringing budding talents from Reading’s music scene to the stage.
This year saw the release of the first AAA mixtape, the product of music outreach by Readipop providing studio time and vital experience of up-and-coming artists.
This year will also see the Reading Pride Takeover, where Big Jay will host an array of shows and activities.
They’ll be joined by Maxy Black for karaoke and games from 7.30pm on Friday, July 12, while Lentil Pulse will host Drag Queen Story Time from 3pm on Saturday, July 13.
Anitah DJ will perform from 9pm on Saturday, followed by a drag showcase on Sunday, featuring Big Jay, Lentil Pulse, Izzy A’Boi, and Mistress Lezmerelda from 12.30pm.
Organisers have announced that Reading Indie Market is returning to the festival on Saturday and Sunday, bringing stalls for clothes and arts.
The family area is also back with workshops, activities, and immersive performances from arts and music organisations such as Jelly, Dance Reading, Tankata Percussions, and MiniMixers DJs.
The team from the Purple Turtle will be on hand at the Purple Turtle Bar to serve craft beer and real ale.
Festival Producer Molly Banbury said: “We’ve been blown away by the response so far–we’ve seen our highest ever ticket sales to date for this point and are so grateful to everyone that has already shown their support for this year’s event.
“Not only will it be our biggest Readipop Festival so far but also our most sustainable.”
Readipop returns to Christchurch Meadows from Friday-Sunday, July 12-14.
Tickets, a full line-up, and information about Readipop’s outreach programmes and in-house label, RISER, are available via: readipop.co.uk
