Party on: Readipop to celebrate new studios with celebration event

Music-making charity Readipop is celebrating the completion of its new home by throwing a housewarming party to remember.

The event will take place in August and give people a chance to explore the opportunities the new-look venue offers.

Based on Trafford Road, off Richfield Avenue, the purpose-built structure features everything budding musicians need, including studio and performance spaces and expert support. It also has air conditioning – a boon in the heatwave.

It has taken the charity a year to refurbish the site. Works included adding an extra space, upgrading the steelwork framing the site, and installing insulation and soundproofing. The result is a smart, hi-tech venue that will allow it to continue its repertoire of community engagement, including music lessons, mentoring projects for youngsters, including those not in mainstream education, and support for aspiring artists.

It also offers activities for the very young, thanks to its Tiny Tempo sessions.

What can people expect at the Readipop Yard Party?

The celebration event will be held at its Trafford Road home on Saturday, 22 August, between 1pm and 9pm.

There will be live performances on two stages, DJs, family activities and guided tours of the studios. Street food and a licenced bar will be available.

Readipop says the party will be an important milestone in celebrating the redevelopment.

Gavin Lombos, Readipop’s co-founder, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally welcome people back into our home and share what we’ve been working on over the past couple of years. These studios are much more than a building – they’re a creative hub for our local music community, and the Yard Party is our way of celebrating that with everyone.

“We’ve always believed that music brings people together. Whether you’re coming for the bands, bringing the family along for the workshops, or simply curious to see the new space, we hope the day gives people a real sense of what Readipop is all about and inspires them to support our work.”

Entry to the event is free, but people are encouraged to donate to support Readipop’s work. Due to the size of the venue, advance booking and early arrival is recommended.

A sneak preview of the new Readipop studios

On Thursday, 9 July, a celebratory event for trustees and supporters brought people together at the Readipop studios. After a look back at the works programme and an introduction to the team, people were able to take guided tours of the premises.

Among the guests were the family of Harley Hibberd, who was 18 when he died. The teenager who has a studio room named after him. As part of the event, Readipop played a rap that he had created with their support, giving people an opportunity to hear his talent.

Also attending was the mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, who said he was delighted with the refurbishment works.

“I wasn’t going to miss coming to Readipop, which is one of the town’s great institutions,” he said. “It’s a fantastic charity that does incredible work with young people from all backgrounds, giving them a footing in the music industry, promoting creativity and putting on some great events as well.

“They deserve a lot of support from the wider community and businesses so they can continue in their new revamped HQ.

“It’s a great facility. They have been showing us round, and we’ve all had a great time and some wonderment at some of the stuff that’s on display.”

Gavin enjoyed welcoming people to the studios for the first time and said the event had gone well.

“This has been the first time that we have seen a lot of people in the building, and it’s really good to see it actually works the way we want to. This bodes really well for the rest of this year as we launch new projects and get things in,” he explained.

Readipop’s work can only continue with support from the Reading community, as the mayor mentioned. Gavin is hoping that people will back their work.

“Go to our website and find out about our projects, support us, or get involved. Come and join us and play a part.”

For more details on Readipop’s work, or to make a donation, log on to readipop.co.uk or visit https://facebook.com/readipop and https://instagram.com/readipopcharity.