Reading Festival (see preview) it's called the Carling Weekender these days, but it'll always be Reading to us Oxford types takes place this weekend. Thanks to a stunning line up, weekend tickets for the festival sold out several weeks ago. As for one-day tickets, well Sunday has also sold out. At the time of writing, day tickets for Friday and Saturday are still available.

Thursday, August 24

The Kooler at The Bullingdon offers a four-band bill tonight headed by Gloucester's Strain (see feature). Support is from promising youngsters Sexy Breakfast, Bicester's guitar-fuelled trio New Sex Drive and, making their Cowley Road debut, Didcot's all-girl outfit Caliber who mix Babes in Toyland-inspired caustic rock with Beach Boy-type harmonies. Later at The Zodiac, it's easy listening with the Diques Vogue crew. In town, PoNaNa in Magdalen Street, hosts Noire de Brazil.

Friday, August 25

Dubmaster visit The Zodiac for the fortnightly drum 'n' bass night known simply as Source. It's the Backroom Boogie at The Bullingdon with soul, funk and disco classics.

Saturday, August 26

Transformation session at The Zodiac. If you've a taste for soul covers, head to the Red Lion, Witney, where Soul Beaver will be reviving all those memories.

Monday, August 27

Blues rock night at the Fuggle 'n' Firkin, Gloucester Green, sees the long-awaited return of Omar and the Howlers, while PoNaNa host Hawaii 5-0.

Tuesday, August 28

The Denny Illet Quartet at The Bullingdon their weekly residency at The Bullingdon Jazz Club.

Thursday, August 24 -28

Towersey Festival: The John Tams Band, Shows of Hands, Le Gop!, Deaf Shepherd, Inner Sense, Flook, Chri Wood and Andy Cutting, Joji Hirota and The Taiko Drummers, Flowers and Frolics, Sid Kipper, Cock and Bull Band. Continues until Aug 28. Infoline 01296 394411.