THOUSANDS of Oxfordshire music lovers are heading over the county boundary for the UK's biggest rock festival.

The Carling Weekend: Reading Festival kicks off today in Berkshire.

And among those making the annual pilgrimage are a clutch of Oxford musicians.

Mercury Music prize-nominated funk-pop band The Young Knives, art-punks Youthmovies and frantic guitar rock act Foals are among the local musicians joining more than 150 bands on six stages.

Also appearing is former Oxford DJ James Lavelle, whose outfit UNKLE headline the festival's dance arena today.

They appear on a bill which features such massive names as Kings of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, Arcade Fire, Klaxons, Razorlight and Maximo Park - who earlier this summer played a secret show at the city's Oxford Union.

Among those heading to the festival is East Oxford rock promoter Alan Day, who uses the festival has an opportunity to spot new talent and catch up on old favourites.

He said: "This year will be my 12th Reading festival - and I camp every time.

"I love it. It's a great laugh and it's great to see our local bands."

Despite recovering from a sprained ankle, Mr Day, whose company TCT Music is booking many acts for the new Oxford Carling Academy, is looking forward to a great weekend.

"For many people, myself included, Reading is an institution. That's why we keep going back," he said.

"It's not the most beautiful festival, but it is the one with the biggest hitting bands - including one of my all-time favourites - Nine Inch Nails."

The Young Knives - who consist of Henry Dartnell, Oliver Askew and House of Lords, will be playing their first Carling Weekend.

The band, formerly based in Kirtlington, now all live in East Oxford. As well as being shortlisted for the country's most prestigious music prize, they have also been busy working on material for their as-yet unnamed follow-up album, and playing festivals - including Glastonbury.

And while the band will be hoping to emulate the success of their highly acclaimed Glastonbury set, they are also hoping for better weather than the rain which lashed the muddy Somerset site in June.

Guitarist and singer Henry said: "It looked really horrible, but there was a really nice atmosphere, and it was good hanging out.

"The tent was so big - I didn't notice what was going on. I thought the audience hated us!"

Youthmovies, whose music has been described as progressive post hardcore indie rock' will be making their third consecutive Reading appearance.

Like all bands playing, Andrew Mears (guitar and vocals), Stephen Hammond (bass), Al English (guitar), and Graeme Murray (drums), also play Reading's sister festival in Leeds.

Foals, headed by singer and guitarist Yannis Philippakis, formed in Oxford and have a fierce local following - with many local fans heading to Reading just to see them in action.

  • The Young Knives have been chosen to headline the first Saturday night at the new Oxford Carling Academy.