THE Swindon Advertiser has teamed up with the Reading Festival to offer readers the chance to win a pair of weekend camping tickets to see Muse, Kasabian and Eminem — and more!

Along with the big names and stadium acts, Reading encourages the up and coming artists including Swindon-born singer/bass player Chloe Little from the indie rock band InHeaven.

Chloe said: “We were lucky enough to play a small stage at Reading last year but this year we are playing the NME/ Radio 1 stage in front of 20,000 people.”

Also gracing the festival this year are The Big Moon, an all-girl band that are making waves in the music industry.

“We are really looking forward to it. It’s the festival atmosphere, it’s exciting like a mini world,” said Soph Nathan, singer and guitarist.

Keeping the girl power theme Marika will also be playing at Reading, for the second time.

Her first experience was on the Reshuffle stage and now she is back with a bigger band opening the NME/Radio One stage on the Friday.

“I have never been to a festival where I have not been performing but I like the vibe.

“The songs on my new album are more suited to the festival field. They will not dampen the atmosphere,” she said.

And it’s not all about the music — following his festival-stealing performance last year, multi award-winning stand-up comedian Bill Bailey will be returning to The Alternative Stage. With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents, and trademark intelligence, Bill tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness.

The latest news from festival organisers is the Transgressive Late-night Takeover of the Alternative stage will have exclusive sets from Section Boyzx, New Gen and Friends, HMLTD, and MC Benny Mails.

Section Boyz’ chart-busting mixtapes have earned them a huge following and the New Gen collective features young rappers, singers and dancehall gurus bringing fresh faces to the fore.

Toby L, co-founder of Transgressive, said: “It’s an honour to be invited back again in 2017, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about who’s joining us. The incredible HMLTD are a band so good I’m still reeling that we didn’t sign them to Transgressive.”

Melvin Benn, head of Live Nation subsidiary Festival Republic, said he could see an act such as Mercury Prize-winning Skepta taking on the Reading Festival’s top slot in the not-too-distant future.

“We brought in the Radio 1Xtra tent and I did that for a very deliberate reason, and that was because a lot of the Reading fans, although they would be genuinely happy to listen to Muse, Kasabian or obviously Eminem, they would also be quite happy to listen to Wiley, Stormzy, or BBK (Boy Better Know).”

Back in the land of rock at this year’s event are Sundara Karma, one of last year’s ‘bands to watch’ on the summer festival circuit. At the time lead singer Oscar Pollock said: “I have a mix of feelings both excitement and horror because it is my home town.”

To be in with a chance of winning the pair of tickets worth £213, simply answer the following question:

  • What is the name of the Swindon-born singer/bass player from InHeaven?

Email your answers to Gill Harris at gharris@swindonadvertiser.co.uk or send by post to Gill Harris, Swindon Advertiser, Newspaper House, 100 Victoria Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 3BE.

Newsquest terms and conditions apply — see www.newsquest.co.uk/terms.

The closing date is 5pm on Tuesday, August 1.

For more details visit www.readingfestival.com.

— Flicky Harrison