Reading music charity Readipop has revealed the initial wave of artists set to perform at a free Yard Party on Saturday 22 August, the first public event at its newly refurbished Trafford Road studios. The day-long programme will pair live music with community performances, creative activities and facility tours as the charity opens its upgraded creative hub to the public.
Line-up mixes local favourites with emerging talent
The first announced acts include cinematic electro-rock outfit The Pink Diamond Revue, indie hopefuls Puma Theory, hip-hop duo Finessa & Shy Zer0 and Readipop debutante Famous Red Tights. Puma Theory will return to the Readipop stage for a special acoustic set following last year’s high-profile slot at Readipop Fiesta, while Finessa & Shy Zer0 reappear after their set at Riverbeats 2025 on Oracle Riverside.
The Yard Party will also feature a Readipop XOX Showcase, which brings together Rob Woodward’s SuperAudioNation project with fellow live electronic act Hi Scores ’n Yogerts. Young people who have taken part in Readipop’s AAA Programme will perform tracks they created during sessions with the charity.
“We’re really excited to reveal the first artists joining us for the Yard Party. As always, we wanted to create a line-up that reflects what Readipop is all about: bringing together different generations, genres and levels of experience, from emerging local talent through to established artists.”
The community element is further reinforced by performances from Beatroots Bateria, Readipop’s community samba group, and Tankata Percussion, an African drumming collective that typically invites audience participation. Attendees will also be able to join guided tours of the refurbished studios, take part in family workshops, sample street food and a licensed bar, and enjoy additional live acts and DJs to be announced.
What the revamped studios mean for Reading
Readipop’s Trafford Road premises have been redeveloped to serve as a creative hub for grassroots and established musicians, producers and young people from across the town and surrounding area. The Yard Party is billed as the organisation’s first public celebration of that investment in local cultural infrastructure.
- When: Saturday 22 August
- Where: Readipop studios, Trafford Road, Reading
- Cost: Free entry
- Features: Live music, community performances, guided studio tours, family workshops, food and licensed bar
The announcement offers an early look at the event, with Readipop promising more performers and DJs will be revealed in the run-up to the Yard Party. For residents interested in grassroots music, youth creativity or community arts activity, the event provides an opportunity to see how a local charity is positioning itself as a shared resource for both emerging artists and the wider public.
| Artist / Project | Style / Note |
|---|---|
| The Pink Diamond Revue | Cinematic electro-rock |
| Puma Theory | Indie — special acoustic set |
| Finessa & Shy Zer0 | Hip hop — returning performers |
| Famous Red Tights | Readipop debut |
| Readipop XOX Showcase | SuperAudioNation & Hi Scores ’n Yogerts |
| Beatroots Bateria / Tankata Percussion | Community samba & African drumming |
As Readipop continues to publish further line-up details, residents and visitors should watch the charity’s channels for updates and practical information about access and schedules on the day.
