The Oracle & Readipop Presents Riverbeats Finale

One of Reading’s most beloved independent music charities is taking a bold step into the heart of town. For the first time, Readipop will take over The Oracle, bringing its signature mix of live music, arts and community spirit to the Riverside for a two-week celebration from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 16 August.

Free to attend and open to all, Readipop Riverbeats will transform The Oracle into a dynamic entertainment space. Across three workshop and performance areas, the event invites families, locals and visitors to explore the town centre in new and unexpected ways. With roaming theatre acts, over 40 creative and musical workshops, samba parades, interactive drumming, sustainable block printing and badge-making, the diverse programme is designed to spark imagination, connection and cultural curiosity at every turn.

BBC Introducing Oxfordshire and Berkshire will co-curate “RISER presents” on the final day of Riverbeats on Saturday 16 August alongside Readipop, showcasing seven local emerging artists tipped for national attention. Featured in the lineup is The Kokroachez, a high-energy alt-rock band from Oxford making waves with their explosive EP Pest Control, alongside Girl Like That, a fearless alt-pop trio gaining momentum on the 2025 festival circuit.

The showcase continues with Kah’Nya, a Zimbabwean-born teenager blending soul, afrobeats and R&B with powerful storytelling; Alisa Scott, whose genre-spanning mix of jazz, indie folk and neo-soul has made her one to watch; and Petrea, a theatrical and commanding performer drawing from ancient myths and heavy riffs. Neon Bloom, a three-piece band based in Reading joins the line-up with their electrifying stagecraft and sound, alongside rappers and longtime collaborators ShyZer0 and Finessa, both from central Reading.

Viral sensation and acoustic rave pioneers, The Showhawk Duo and popular Reading ska band The Skangsters will feature in the “Readipop Festival presents” curated programme on Saturday 16 August, adding established appeal and a strong homegrown element to the musical lineup.The Showhawk Duo have become firm favourites across the UK festival circuit playing well-loved dance and rave songs on classical guitars, gaining them millions of views on YouTube. Dazzling audiences worldwide with their spectacular approach to playing the guitar, the duo offer a truly unique performance experience. 

An energetic and accomplished nine-piece band from Reading, The Skangsters present their own inimitable style of ska, reggae and two tone classics, all guaranteed to make event-goers stomp their feet. 

“The Oracle is incredibly proud to welcome Readipop Riverbeats to the town centre for the very first time,” said Andy Briggs, Destination Director at The Oracle. “This partnership and the involvement of BBC Introducing Oxfordshire and Berkshire shows what’s possible when you turn a shopping centre into a cultural space - one that reflects the creativity and energy of Reading itself. We’re inviting the whole community to come and be part of it and take another look at The Oracle.”

“Readipop has always believed in making music and the arts open to everyone and this move into the heart of Reading is an exciting step forward,” said Gavin Lombos, Creative Director at Readipop. “Readipop Riverbeats is about transforming familiar spaces into something magical and inclusive and giving a platform to the next wave of talent.”

Readipop Riverbeats is produced by Readipop and presented at The Oracle, with support from BBC Introducing Oxfordshire and Berkshire, Jelly and a host of regional creatives. Full schedules and performer updates will be published online ahead of the festival.

For more information and updates, visit www.theoracle.com or follow @OracleReading on Instagram and X and @TheOracleReading on Facebook as well as @readipopfestival on Instagram and Facebook.