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Transgressive Late-night Takeover Added to Reading Festival 2017

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Returning to conquer after-hours on the Alternative Stage at Reading and Leeds for its eleventh consecutive year, heavyweight independent heroes Transgressive Records will be bringing their most exciting line-up yet to ensure the party continues long after the headliners have finished.

Hijacking Reading on Friday, and Leeds on Saturday/Sunday night, the stage runs from 9.30pm until late, bringing a wealth of boundary-pushing, brilliant acts to put the cap on what’s already been announced, in a series of unmissable exclusive appearances.

This year at Leeds Festival, South London’s twice MOBO-winning and recent Brixton Academy headlining rap act Section Boyz make a special late night party appearance. Through their chart-busting mixtapes, they have accrued a huge audience up and down the country and this exclusive festival appearance will be an undeniable weekend highlight. Warming them up will be Transgressive’s latest signing – the massively tipped, young MC Benny Mails, whose debut cut ‘I Blocked My Dealer’ dropped earlier this year to wide acclaim; an early appearance from someone that has an extremely bright future. First on will be HMLTD, arguably the most innovative new genre-defying band in the country, whose sensational live shows, incredible sense of style and potent videos have marked them out as the forefathers of the new wave of UK guitar acts.

Also on the bill is XL Recordings’ hugely acclaimed New Gen collective, which features the freshest array of young rappers, singers and dancehall gurus currently making new music in the UK. With a cast of special guest performers revealed on the day, this is set to be a truly unique and exclusive moment to close Leeds Festival on the Sunday, which already has sold out of day tickets. The New Gen compilation dropped towards the end of 2016 on XL and has since received rapturous praise worldwide – this very special performance will feature some of the best new voices in the country, all sharing the same stage.

After headlining Reading & Leeds in 2016, Foals return for a very special DJ set on the Saturday night at Leeds. The band’s Edwin Congreave will be present this year to provide a memorable set of classics and deep cuts.

Reading on Friday night will once again see a special 2 DJ ‘battle’ set-up, hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, and featuring a number of talented artists and the team’s resident DJs pitted against each other in who can get the biggest sing-alongs. A packed stage each year, this year sees the likes of Circa Waves, The Big Moon, Marika Hackman, Jen Long and Bless DJs. Specially commissioned live visuals will be provided throughout the night, as well as more surprise appearances no doubt.

Toby L, co-founder of Transgressive, comments:

“Even after ten years of highlights, last year’s Transgressive Takeover at Reading and Leeds was easily our best yet, with revelatory and packed sets from Loyle Carner, Fat White Family, Metronomy and, somewhat surreally, Super Hans of Peep Show fame.

“It’s an honour to be invited back again in 2017, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about who’s joining us. On Saturday and Sunday in Leeds, it’s all about the best new voices in hip-hop and grime, from Section Boyz to Benny Mails to New Gen, as well as the incredible HMLTD: a band so good I’m still reeling that we didn’t sign them to Transgressive.

“In Reading, we’ll continue our now-legendary silent disco party on Friday night. If scenes from last year are anything to go by, it’ll be once again gigantic. Radio 1’s Huw Stephens will be closing it out once again before an epic battle with our resident Bless DJs and Jen Long – it’s always huge, and a little bit hilarious.

“So, once the headliners hit the last note of their final song, you know where to be… come find us.”

Previous artists to appear live on the Transgressive Takeover include the ever-diverse likes of London Grammar, Disclosure, Kelis, Two Door Cinema Club, SBTRKT, Mike Skinner, Laura Marling, Warpaint, often making their debut appearances at Reading & Leeds, as well as guest DJs including Alt-J, and many more.

Other acts joining the line up across other stages are Yung Fume and Lotto Boyzz. South London rapper Yung Fume’s crossover rap-pop banger ‘Watch Me Flex’ has been raved about and remixed by Tinie Tempah and Wizkid, while Birmingham duo Lotto Boyzz are globalising the new sub genre of Afro Bashment with their summer staples ‘No Don’ and ‘Bad Gyal’. Adding a touch of delirious punk rock to the Transgressive bill are Swedish four piece Royal Republic, while Welsh newcomers Dream State are set to tear things up with their alt-rock riffs.

With headline sets lined up from the likes of Eminem, Muse and Kasabian, Reading & Leeds is primed to be the defining festival weekend of the summer including an unmissable selection of musical delights across genres and styles over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Tickets for Reading & Leeds Festivals 2017 are on sale now

Instalment plan available now with an initial payment of £50 (Plus booking fee)

Weekend Camping Tickets – £205 (Plus booking fee)

Day Tickets – £65 – Reading Saturday Sold Out

Early entry Pass – £20

Campervan Pass – £75

Seat of Luxury – £35 – Reading Sold Out

Lockers – £20

Reading Car Park – £10

Mobile Charging – £20

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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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Rising Fees Add Pressure to Reading Businesses Amid Budget Shortfall

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Reading’s cafes, restaurants, and small businesses face further financial strain as the council raises fees for pavement café licences, extra bins, and various other permits. The Labour council at Reading Borough Council introduced these increases as part of a financial recovery plan to tackle significant budget pressures in the 2024/25 financial year.

The council’s finance officers have identified an estimated £5 million budget shortfall, prompting a strategy of increasing fees and charges for a range of council-provided services. This plan aims to bridge the gap and ensure funding for essential services across the borough.

For many small businesses and independent establishments, however, these hikes come at a difficult time, as they already face rising inflation, energy costs, and supply chain challenges. Local business owners worry that the increased fees could discourage outdoor seating, reducing the appeal and accessibility of pavement cafes that have revitalised Reading’s streets since the pandemic. Added costs for waste management and extra bins could also tighten margins for businesses already managing slim budgets.

Council representatives argue that the adjustments are necessary to address rising service demands and maintain clean, safe public spaces across Reading. However, business leaders are calling on the council to consider the impact on small enterprises, which are central to the town’s economy and community character.

As the new fees roll out, local business associations are urging the council to explore alternative strategies that would support smaller operators while still meeting budget goals.

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Over 11,000 Reading residents aged 80+ may lose Winter Fuel Payments

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Over 11 thousand of those aged over 80 in Reading are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics have revealed.

Reading Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Analysis of the new data shows that in Reading, over 11 thousand pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits. 

All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.

In total, last year those aged over 80 in Reading received £3.25 million in support with £7.6 million given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total, just over 40 thousand pensioners in Reading do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Reading Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, James Moore said:

Thousands of pensioners here in Reading are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying. 

We have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.

Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.

It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Reading this winter.

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