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The 400-capacity tent was themed around changing lives through music, with the title Music Speaks. Bollocks to Poverty, Action Aid’s youth network, recruited a team of volunteers to engage with young people throughout the weekend.
Festival-goers were encouraged to hold up a Bollocks to Poverty sign in photos, to be uploaded onto the charity’s Facebook page for sharing.
The tent hosted DJ sets from Rou Reynolds and Rob Rolfe from rock band Enter Shakari ahead of the first play of Action Aid’s single ‘Music Speaks’ by Tony Blaize featuring Kenyan three-piece Jembe Tatu.
The previously-unsigned artistes, who won a competition through Reading Festival and Rough Hill to create the track, were mentored by DJ act Chase & Status. All proceeds from the song will go towards Action Aid.
Melvin Benn, managing director of Reading Festival, said: "Reading Festival has supported Action Aid for 13 years, as well as offering a platform for emerging talent through the BBC Introducing and Festival Republic Stages, so I’m really excited that we can combine the two through Music Speaks. I’m also thrilled that Chase & Status came on board to offer their guidance and support to the artists."
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