Get ready for Readipop this weekend, as ticket sales soar

AN eclectic mix of music – plus glorious sunshine – is forecast for the Readipop Festival, starting on Friday, July 8.

And although there are still some tickets left, they are going fast, according to organisers.

Set in Caversham, the three-day event boasts top musical acts, a children's and family area, roaming performers, multiple workshops, arts and crafts traders, bars and award winning food.

Hip hop legends Sugarhill Gang (with Melle Mel and Scorpio from Furious 5), Morcheeba, British soul and trip hop pioneers with over 10 million global album sales, and Mercury Music Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy are the star names performing at Christchurch Meadows by the bank of the Thames.

And the fabulous Transglobal Underground (pictured) make a welcome return to the festival circuit on Sunday with their blend of electro-world music fusion of western, Asian and African music styles.

The event is in its fifth year and has already outsold all of the previous events.

All money raised from the popular, family friendly festival helps support Readipop’s charity work, providing access to music for vulnerable young people and other underrepresented communities locally.

Festival programmer Pete Wheeler said: "We’re feeling overwhelmed by the huge support for this year’s Readipop Festival.

"Everything is coming together for a big celebration...we really want to thank everyone that has got involved this year, from volunteers and local artists to all existing ticket holders.

"You're all helping to make the festival possible and ensure it will be our biggest and best yet."

Saturday will also see Readipop hosting, for the first time, an 'In Conversation' session themed around the charity’s mission statement of Music Changing Lives' between 2pm and 3.30pm featuring Stephen Morris (New Order/Joy Division), Richard Jobson (The Skids) and Stealing Sheep.

There will also be an array of local talent on stage.

Readipop’s family area will be open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons featuring craft and music workshops, immersive performances and other fun activities with local arts and music organisations including Jelly, Annual Daydream Harvest, Tankata Percussion, Berzerk Productions and more.

Reading’s Indie Market also comes to the site on Saturday and Sunday bringing their stalls full of festival-friendly arts, crafts and clothes stalls.

Purple Turtle bars serve craft beer and real ale from local breweries Siren Craft, Loddon, Double Barrelled & Phantom all weekend

alongside a selection of lagers, ciders, spirits and wine.

If you want to party at Readipop Festival, tickets are still available from www.readipop.co.uk/festival

Gate sales will only be available if the event has not sold out and so can not be guaranteed.