ON Saturday, April 27. I felt a buzz in Reading which I don't feel has been there on that scale for quite some time. Huge numbers turned out for a special new event on the calendar, Are You Listening? Festival, organised by local promoters Monkeysuit Music with Black & White Music.

Six venues around Reading town centre hosted more than 50 live bands across the day, with music lovers paying �10 for a wristband for access to all the shows. The money raised from the event went to Reading Mencap and judging from the very high turn out, a decent amount of money was raised for the cause.

All venues saw big crowds throughout the day, from the larger ones like South Street Arts Centre to Milk and Pavlov's Dog. The atmosphere was brilliant as crowds made their way between venues and shared stories about acts they had seen so far and new discoveries. One of my personal favourites was singer-songwriter Haze, who impressed a packed-out Milk with her distinctive vocals combined with electric piano.

Are You Listening? Festival ran all day and into the night, the efforts and enthusiasm of those involved was tangible to anyone who made it down. Fingers crossed this will become an annual event as it really showed Reading's music scene at its best.

The next event from us is CUBED at SUB89 on Friday, May 31. Brilliant Scottish DJ Jackmaster will headline with talented Welsh newcomers Bodhi & a secret guest!

Check out www.facebook.com/cubedclub for all the information!