MORE than 25 new acts have been added to the bill for Reading's Are you Listening? Festival.

The independent music festival returns on April 27, in aid of Reading Mencap.

Leading the announcement are the exciting Irish trio whenyoung. The anthemic pop band have already caused a huge amount of excitement with their recent string of razorsharp indie pop singles and they will release their highly anticipated debut album on Virgin this spring.

Talented Manchester musician Kiran Leonard joins this year’s line-up. He exploded onto the music scene aged just 17 and since then has had classical compositions performed at Manchester Central Library.

Fast rising alternative four-piece Another Sky have been added to the bill too. The Londoners recently blew audiences away on Later… with Jools Holland and are definitely ones to watch.

Dave Maul, festival organiser, said: “We are really pleased to announce the final slew of acts to play the seventh Are You Listening? Festival.

"We’re really happy with the diversity of the line-up this year, as well as the sheer quality on the bill, with buzzy rappers, oddball experimentalists and classical orchestras all sharing stages for us.

"We’ve still got a few exciting things to announce and we look forward to breaking the £70,000 total mark for our charity partner Reading Mencap.”

Among the other acts announced are local mannequin-wielding electro-rockers The Pink Diamond Revue.

They join the already hefty line-up, which includes indie rising stars Genghar, legendary turntablist Krafty Kuts and raucous pop party starters Bad Sounds.

The festival also boasts DJ sets from new music guru John Kennedy (Radio X) and BBC Radio 1 party starter Phil Taggart, who curates the Sub 89 stage under his SLACKER club night banner.

Tickets are priced at £25 in advance and you can visit: areyoulistening.org.uk to purchase.