A Brief History...


The early days...

Readipop was formed in August 1998 with the intention of promoting and developing Reading based music and arts. Our first project was the Readipop no.1 CD which featured 17 Reading based acts. With sponsorship from John Madejski we produced and distributed 10,000 free CDs to local people, Reading Festival goers and the music industry. The CD was hailed a great success and was followed up by a series of popular gigs.


The success of the no.1 CD resulted in Readipop winning a commission from Reading Borough Council to deliver a project which created the Talic CD. This CD promoted music of black origin created by Reading-based artists. The project involved music production workshops with newer artists as well as promoting the work of established acts. 5,000 free CDs were distributed to the public at Reading Carnival in May 1999. Readipop also ran a series of PR workshops enabling the featured artists to learn about promoting their material.


In August, with support from the Madejski Stadium, Readipop released the Readipop’99 CD, once again distributing 10,000 free CDs around the time of the Reading Festival. More gigs and events followed.


New millennia, new approach...

In 2000, a new approach was adopted as the millennium year saw the launch of the Readipop2000 fringe festival. Readipop organised gigs, workshops and events all over Reading in the 2 weeks leading up to the Reading festival in a bid to establish a stronger link between the city and the festival.


Readipop was invited by the council to contribute to the Taking Part project which was supported by the European Social Fund. In collaboration with Real Time Video Readipop delivered digital music and DJ workshops with young people in Reading.


In 2001, Readipop continued the Taking Part project and embarked on the Firewire project with funding from the National Foundation for Youth Music. In August Readipop established PlugnPlay a brand new rehearsal, recording and showcase studio and the new home of Readipop. PlugnPlay hosted Readipop’s Firewire and Taking Part workshops.


2002-2003 saw Readipop become firmly established as Reading’s leading provider of high quality youth music projects with the successful completion of 'Taking Part' and 'Firewire.' Additionally Readipop delivered workshops and projects for young people throughout the summer holidays. In collaboration with Highdown School, Readipop delivered the acclaimed "Silence Please!" site-specific, digital sound and image installation project.


2004 - 2008

Currently under construction. Thanks for your patience.


Registered Charity Status 2008

Currently under construction. Thanks for your patience.


CDs

Readipop has a proud tradition of releasing CDs to help support emerging local artists and celebrate the music of Reading. In fact the Readipop No.1 CD, released in 1998, was the organisations first project.


For information on all of the CDs that Readipop has released please click here.



  1. ‣ For specific info on Readipop’s past projects visit our Project Archive


Readipop’s project partners have included:


  1. ‣ All Change, London

  2. ‣ Arts Council England

  3. ‣ BBC

  4. ‣ Berkshire Maestros

  5. ‣ Blessed Hugh Faringdon School

  6. ‣ Caversham Primary Cluster

  7. ‣ Connexions

  8. ‣ Earley Charity

  9. ‣ European Social Fund

  10. ‣ Extended Schools Service

  11. ‣ Highdown School

  12. ‣ Huntercombe Young Offenders Institute

  13. ‣ John Madejski Academy

  14. ‣ Little Heath School

  15. ‣ Madejski Stadium

  16. ‣ Music Industry Association

  17. ‣ Music Leader

  18. ‣ Poole Council

  19. ‣ Positive Activities for Young People

  20. ‣ Ranelagh School

  21. ‣ Reading Borough Council

  22. ‣ Reading Youth Offending Team

  23. ‣ Real Time Video

  24. ‣ Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

  25. ‣ S.I.T.E.

  26. ‣ South Hill Park

  27. ‣ South Street Arts Centre

  28. ‣ Sun Street Youth and Community Centre

  29. ‣ Thames Valley Partenship

  30. ‣ V Festival / Chelmsford Council

  31. ‣ West Berkshire District Council

  32. ‣ Whitley Excellence Cluster

  33. ‣ WOMAD

  34. ‣ Yorkshire Youth and Music

  35. ‣ Youth Music