THE line-up for the BBC Introducing Stage at this year's Reading Festival has been revealed, writes Amy Butcher.

The stage gives up and coming artists the opportunity to perform at the biggest festivals, helping kick-start the careers of artists like Florence and the Machine, James Bay and George Ezra.

Headlining the stage this year will be The Blinders on Friday August (24). The South Yorkshire band are popular across the live circuit with their distinctive punk sound.

Saturday (25) sees the turn of Bessie Turner, whose soulful, eclectic style has been praised by Zoe Ball and Steve Lamacq.

Finishing up the weekend will be Sports Team, one of the UK's most exciting musical discoveries of recent years.

Throughout the weekend a range of other top bands will be gracing the Introducing Stage such as Stereo Honey, Fizzy Blood and October Drift.

BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens announced the acts, saying: “Playing at Reading and Leeds is a huge deal for everyone.

"The BBC Music Introducing stage is a platform for new artists, so to play it during the weekend stays with the band forever.”

For tickets and further details, visit www.readingfestival.co.uk