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Our Ten Best Acts to See AT BoomTown 2017

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Boomtown is one of the maddest festivals of our time, and never fails to pack a punch with its line-up. Notorious for its raucous approach to the festival scene, it always draws a huge amount of attention for its alternative stages that give it a village or better said town feel and a sense of unity for the festival-goers. If you’ve gone before, you’ll know that it’s one of the most incredible shows on the planet, and this year’s going to be greater than ever. Here’s why:

1. The Specials
Old-time reggae and ska outfit The Specials are just one of the incredible headliners Boomtown has to offer this year. With an incredible array of tracks, no doubt ‘Too Much Too Young’ and ‘Ghost Town’ will be awaited with baited breath by the festival crowd. They always smash it at festivals, so watch out for them!

2. M.I.A.
Politically charged with an electronic edge, M.I.A. is a revelation to the music industry and always makes sure to pull off incredible live shows. From her smash hit ‘Paper Planes’ right up until today, she’s always pulling out all the stops to show the world what she can do.

3. Cypress Hill
A veteran hip-hop act that always manage to get involved somewhere where there’s a party, Cypress Hill are back in the music scene with a vengeance. Selling over 18 million albums worldwide and a whole host of singles under their belt, it’s no wonder they’re the Sunday night headliner.

4. Skindred
Mixing Jamaican beats with heavy metal, Skindred are one of the most innovative bands in the past 10 years. Hitting the likes of Reading and Leeds, they’ve made a huge impact on the UK rock scene and aren’t going to be letting up any time soon. ‘Nobody’ and ‘Ratrace’ are their biggest bangers: just watch out for the most violent pits you’ve ever seen.

5. Beans On Toast
The happy-go-lucky scamp of Beans On Toast is making an appearance at Boomtown, with his acoustic melodies that speak some serious home truths about the modern day world. With hits like ‘M.D.M.Amazing’, he’s sure to find a home with a few members of the festival crowd we’re sure.

6. Ben UFO & Mr Scruff & Joy Orbison
3 of the best DJs around right now, each of these boys have had individual success in the DJing business and will no doubt be serving up some of the best bangers across the weekend. Each with their own unique style, it will be incredible to see the trio mix their talents together.

7. Booka Shade
If you’ve heard Jax Jones’ ‘You Don’t Know Me’, you’ll know the catchy backing track to the full-on clubby vocal. That track is M.A.N.D.Y. & Booka Shade’s ‘Body Language’, a chilled house music track which has gone down as a legendary beat over the years. A legend himself, he’ll be a welcome addition to the festival.

8. Shy FX
Moving into Drum & Bass, Shy FX has more than a few Boomtowns under his belt, and every time he smashes his sets. He’s known across the world for his eclectic sound, and also for his seamless mixing that he employs at every show he does. Watch out for this guy, he’s an unparalleled force.

9. My Nu Leng
We’ve talked about this duo a lot recently, but it’s with good reason. My Nu Leng are the most innovative producers around today, taking their dirty take on house to the next level with every set they play, often mixing in Hip-Hop, RnB and Dubstep.

10. Redlight
He’s been everywhere from London to Leamington Spa, but Redlight will be arriving at Boomtown with a lot of experience under his belt, knowing exactly how to control a crowd. ‘Gold Teeth’ and ‘90s’ are sure to go down a treat, while old classics ‘Get Out My Head’ and ‘Lost In Your Love’ will no doubt cause mayhem in the crowd.

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Host a Street Party This Summer – Apply Now for Free Road Closures in Reading

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People are being encouraged to bring communities together this summer by holding their own street parties as part of The Big Lunch 2025.

This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – a special opportunity to come together with neighbours in both celebration and commemoration.

Free Road Closures for Summer 2025 Street Parties

Reading Borough Council is once again supporting local events by covering the cost of road closure fees for street parties on any of the following weekends:

  • Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June – The Big Lunch Weekend
  • Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June – Armed Forces Day
  • Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July
  • Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

How to Apply

To host a street party, residents must apply by Monday 21 April 2025. Applications must ensure the proposed road closure does not affect a main through-route or public transport route. Organisers are also asked to consult with neighbours, address any concerns, and ensure access for emergency services is maintained throughout the event.

You’ll need to provide:

  • Your name and contact details
  • The name(s) of the road(s) to be closed
  • The date and times of the closure
  • A list of the properties that will be affected
  • Details of how you will notify residents of the closure
  • Confirmation that neighbours are on board with the plans

So, roll out your bunting, get the trestle tables down from the loft, and start planning your perfect summer street party!

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Reading Borough Council website.

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang shortlisted for women’s prize

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Official portrait of Yuan Yang MP

MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang among shortlisted women for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction in 2025.

Yuan Yang, the MP for Woodley and Earley, wrote Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, while Oxford-based Dr Rachel Clarke wrote The Story of a Heart.

Ms Puri said the non-fiction works were “united by an unforgettable voice, rigour, and unique insight”.

The shortlist is rounded out by Dr Rachel Clarke’s The Story of a Heart, The Buffalo Stance singer’s A Thousand Threads, Chloe Dalton’s Raising Hare, Clare Mulley’s Agent Zo: The Untold Stories of Courageous WW2 Resistance Fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, and Helen Scales’ What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean.

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Windsor Great Park Illuminated Returns for Its Fourth Year with New Festive Wonders

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15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
Tickets Available Now: www.windsorilluminated.com

The award-winning Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for its fourth magical year, bringing a spectacular festive light trail to the enchanting woodland of Windsor Great Park. Running from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, this much-loved event promises a refreshed experience with an all-new trail design and exciting new installations.

What’s New in 2024

This year’s trail introduces several never-before-seen attractions, including a floating installation debuting in the UK and impressive 8-metre stags exclusively crafted for the event. Visitors can also look forward to revamped favourites such as the Lasers, Field of Lights, and the Light Cathedral, now bigger and brighter than ever. A stunning new fountain show and additional photo opportunities ensure a memorable visit for all.

A Festive Wonderland

As you wander through the illuminated trail, you’ll encounter vibrant colours, festive surprises, and cozy rest stops. Warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows by the firepit. Foodies can enjoy treats from vendors such as The Crepe Stop, Waffle Wands, Churros Hermanos, and more.

Event Details

  • Dates: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025 (closed Christmas Day)
  • Opening Hours: 4.30pm – 10.30pm (last entry 8.30pm; from 4.15pm after 29 November)
  • Ticket Prices: Starting at £18 for adults, £11 for children, and £51 for families (plus booking fees).
    Popular dates sell out fast, so advance booking is highly recommended.


How to Get There

  • By Car: Use postcode TW20 0UJ for navigation.
  • By Train: The nearest stations are Egham, Windsor Central, Windsor Riverside, Ascot, and Virginia Water. Taxis from these stations take approximately 15-20 minutes.


A World-Class Event

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is brought to life by IMG, the team behind iconic events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court Palace Festival, in collaboration with DEAG Entertainment AG and Christmas Garden Deutschland GmbH, creators of Europe’s leading light trails.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical winter adventure. Secure your tickets now at www.windsorilluminated.com.

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