We ask Oxford's party people what attracts them to this sweaty monster of a festival.

More than 80,000 music-lovers are making their way to Reading today, for the hottest rock festival on the planet. Over the weekend they will be treated to hundreds of bands on six stages, ranging from metal megastars Metallica to Oxford cult favourites Foals. With the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Killers, CSS, Manic Street Preachers, Slipknot, Feeder, Queens of the Stone Age, Bloc party, MGMT, and The Raconteurs all lining up to play, fans are assured a blistering weekend - whatever the weather.

THE ROCK LOVER: Hana Taylor, from East Oxford.

How many visits? This will be my 9th!

Why Reading? Because it's the only place we can see so many bands we like in one weekend.

What makes it different? The variety of bands - from acts which have released one single, on the smallest stage, to legends like Rage Against the Machine, on the main stage.

Camping? It depends on the weather... and my boyfriend.

What looking forward to? Rage Against the Machine and Biffy Clyro.

Best thing about Reading: The bands, and meeting up with friends every year.

Worst thing: The fact that by Sunday night, most of the teenagers have lost their marbles and are burning everything.

Top musical tip: Biffy Clyro - they are brilliant.

Survival tip: Take your own toilet roll... and if it's raining, wrap it in a plastic bag.

Essential item: A list of who's playing and when.

THE TALENT SPOTTER: Alan Day, owner of Cowley-based TCT Music - which books Oxford's best and biggest gigs.

How many visits? This will be my 13th Why Reading? Because it's a big party in a field full of all my mates and loads of great bands. And it's only just down the road from Oxford.

What makes it different? Other festivals try and create a vibe, but with Reading it's all about the bands. It's as simple as that.

Camping? Of course! I'm always punk rock!

What looking forward to? Metallica and Rage Against the Machine Best thing about Reading: The bands Worst thing: The toilets Top musical tip: Cancer Bats. They are an awesome hardcore band and ones to watch out for. Also Flogging Molly.

Survival tip: I always bring a bottle of Jagermeister (but no glass of course!). It's so noisy at night I need it to get to sleep.

Essential item: Toilet roll THE MUSICIAN: Mark Heels, from Abingdon, bass player with Oxford band Monkey Puzzle.

How many visits? This is my 14th in a row Why Reading? I like the proximity of all the stages, which means you can see up to 50 bands in a weekend, compared to Glastonbury, where there's always a major hike.

What makes it different? It's very rock!

Camping? Yup.

What looking forward to? Rage Against the Machine - you can't go wrong with them, and Bloc Party, who are a good festival band.

Best thing about Reading: Frankfurters on the campfire at night.

Worst thing: The rush to get into the arena at 11am.

Top musical tip: The Music... and check out their new album too!

Top festival survival tip: Bring a headtorch, especially if you wear contact lenses.

Essential item: A notepad and pen. Make a note of all the bands you want to see. I'm going for 40 this year!

THE HAPPY CAMPER; Jenny Dunhill, from Abingdon.

How many visits? Ten after this weekend.

Why Reading? Great bands, and it's so local. It's just down the road.

What makes it different? The music and my friends. It's time to catch up with them all.

Camping? Yeah!

What looking forward to? The Music, Biffy Clyro and Simian Mobile Disco. But I don't really check who's playing until I get there.

Best thing about Reading: Catching up with mates.

Worst thing: Toilets and crowds Top musical tip: Check out Vampire Weekend, they are really different. Also, go and check out the Festival Republic stage.

Survival tip: If it rains or you get annoyed by the crowds, go and get a beer. You'll find you won't mind any more!

Essential item: Beer THE VETERAN: Tim Hobden, from East Oxford.

How many visits? This is my 10th anniversary Why Reading? At places like Glastonbury, it's all about the vibe, but Reading is just wall to wall bands. In fact, there's very little else to do, which suits me fine. I don't like that hippy tack.

What makes it different? The fact it's near a town - with facilities and a pub with a roof!

Camping? For one night only.

What looking forward to? The Gaslight Anthem, Taking Back Sunday, and Flogging Molly.

Best thing about Reading: Campfires - it's one of the few festivals where they're allowed.

Worst thing: Teenagers drunk for the first time.

Top musical tip: Fighting with Wire Survival tip: Stay in a hotel. Oh, and avoid the noodles!

Essential item: Cash... and lots of it. And use the cashpoints in town - it's quicker to walk there than it is to use the ones on site.

Tickets have sold out, but you can check out the new bands at www.bbc.co.uk/readingandleeds