THOUSANDS of people are expected to descend on Christchurch Meadows in July for this year's Caversham Festival.

Organisers Readipop have announced the annual event will take place on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, and a host of events have been lined up to coincide with the celebrations.

Arts producers Beautiful Creatures Theatre are teaming up with TocTok to

create an outdoor performance area called The Tipping Point, which will bring together dancers, performers, puppeteers and musicians.

Production manager Lozza Hoare said: "I'm delighted to be working with Readipop on the forthcoming Caversham Festival.

"This is an excellent opportunity for bands and artists of Reading to show the town how good they are."

Live music, food stalls, crafts and gifts, a children's area, the Readipop tea and cake tent, dance and drum workshops, a Sunday samba parade and boat rides will keep guests entertained at the two-day event, which is supported by Festival Republic and media company Volume.

Among the events lined up to help promote the festival is the free launch night on Thursday, May 23, at PlugnPlay Studios in Milford Road, Reading. Doors open at 8pm and DJs and performers will give guests a taste of what the festival has to offer.

The following day marks the start of the Battle of the Bands competition at 7pm. Tickets are �6 on the door and �5 in advance, with Reading's top music acts taking to the stage to impress the judges, before the winners perform at the festival.

A one-off gig will also be held on Saturday, May 25, at 6.30pm, at PlugnPlay Studios in Milford Road, Reading. Tickets are �5 on the door and the line-up includes Jakabo, Chalk Angels, De La Rue, Ravens In Paris, Damn Damn Patriots and Sevasa. People must be aged 18 and over. Visit www.readipop.co.uk