IT may not be the prettiest festival of the summer, being short on fairy lights and hippy trappings. But if you like your bands, there is nowhere better.

The country’s longest-running rock bash, Reading Festival is all about music.

Its line-up is a wish list of rock, punk and indie, with bands spanning the range from classic act to next year’s big new thing. And while it is never one to be sniffed at, this year’s bill is a beauty – headlined by four stadium-sized beasts – The Strokes, My Chemical Romance, Muse, pictured right, and – best of all – Pulp.

Taking place just over the Thames from Oxfordshire, on Little John’s Farm, Reading has long been a draw for local rock fans happy to eschew the trappings of more eclectic gatherings in favour of three days of singing, dancing, moshing and beer.

Thousands of you have already snapped up tickets for this month’s musical fiesta, which also features the likes of Elbow, Friendly Fires, Beady Eye, Jane’s Addiction, The Streets, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Rise Against, Bring Me The Horizon, The Offspring, The National, Madness, Seasick Steve, White Lies, Death from Above 1979 and Crystal Castles. And that’s scratching the surface.

For organisers Festival Republic, this year’s Reading – which is staged in tandem with its sister festival in Leeds – looks like being a vintage year. “Yet again, Reading brings you the finest bands on the planet,” a spokesman said modestly.

“Little John’s Farm has achieved legendary status as the place to see the biggest, most exciting and talked about artists from across the world.

“Our four headliners this year cover the full spectrum of musical tastes and genres and are guaranteed to ensure maximum excitement in anybody who loves live music. This is definitely the finest line-up you’ll find at any festival this summer at the most legendary event.

“Get your tent packed!”

Representing Oxford will be the city’s magnificent Winchell Riots., who play the BBC Introducing Stage – six years after soaring-voiced frontman Phil McMinn played it with previous band Fell City Girl.

Phil, from Catherine Street, East Oxford, said: “Reading is the biggest thing most bands will ever do. It’s slightly overwhelming and the call to play came completely out of the blue!

“Reading has an astonishing history, and to be a part of that is amazing. It’s the biggest and best festival and its line-up is now more diverse than ever – with bands like Pulp, The Strokes, Elbow, Muse and My Chemical Romance all playing.

“We can’t wait to get there.”

The low down: Reading Festival runs over the August bank holiday weekend – from Friday August 26–28, off Richfield Ave, Reading. Day tickets are still available for Friday, starting at £82.50. Go to readingfestival.com for details.

WIN tickets for Reading festival!

WEEKEND tickets are now sold-out for Reading, but The Guide has a cheeky pair to give away to one lucky reader For a chance to win, tell us the name of the Berkshire farm on which the event is held.

By phone: Simply call 09013600813 and leave your answer and details when prompted.

By text: Send your text to 80360 starting with READING TICKETS leave a space, followed by your answer, name and contact details.

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