Success for the Purple Turtle with Arts Council Grant & Reading F.C. Partnership
In a boost for Berkshire’s live music scene, Reading’s much loved bar and venue The Purple Turtle has secured its first Arts Council Grant in the form of an Audience Development & Marketing Grant. The aim of the grant is to increase exposure for both up-and-coming and established music acts to Reading audiences, something which has been at the heart of The Purple Turtle’s objectives for over 30 years.
The project financed by this grant has been named “Now Hear This” and kicked off on 25th January with a co-presentation alongside Radio Wigwam. The free entry launch event featured one of their award-winning artists Sonic Whip from The Netherlands, alongside Welsh-born Jack Ellis, The Contraband from Normandy, France and Reading/Wokingham rockers Reliant.
The Purple Turtle has also started a new venture partnering with Reading Football Club to provide pre-match entertainment in their fanzone at all home fixtures. This partnership, which has an emphasis on local up and coming talent, kicked off on Saturday 14th December with a performance from hotly-tipped Reading-based four-piece Only The Poets. Since then, The Purple Turtle Stage outside the Select Car Leasing Stadium has also seen well received sets from several promising local acts including Bevendene and Verdagears.
The Purple Turtle has been a staple of Reading nightlife for over 34 years, opening in 1990 and going strong ever since. The bar initially opened on Duke Street before moving over to Gun Street when The Oracle was being built in 1997. It is one of the longest running independent bars and venues in Berkshire and has been part of the Reading music scene since 1990, providing opportunities for local bands over the years such as The Amazons, Only The Poets, Sundara Karma, Chapterhouse, Slowdive and many more to play live and develop before becoming as successful as they are today.
The key objectives of the “Now Hear This” project funded by Art Council’s Audience Development & Marketing Grant are:
- To create events consisting of bands/artists from UK and Overseas
- Introduce new and existing music of varying Genres to Reading that wouldn't normally be seen/heard in Reading due to budget constraint.
- To continue to maintain a FREE DOOR to allow anyone to attend by removing financial barriers
- Install a two camera A/V system to film and record bands at the Turtle allowing live streaming and recording platform
- Create a Youtube channel "Purple Turtle TV" that allows for discovery of new music by anyone in the world that with internet access unable to attend shows - not just restricted to those who attend the venue.
- Promote the Channel as a place to find new music
- Provide opportunity for local bands to support larger touring bands
- Develop an App to connect directly with potential audience for live original music at The Turtle.
The Purple Turtle’s partnership with Reading F.C. sees them become Official Playlist Partner, celebrating local musical talent in their regularly updated music selections played before matches, while also programming The Purple Turtle Stage to showcase a variety of local bands, artists and DJs performing to fans on matchdays throughout the remainder of the season.
Co-Owner of The Purple Turtle, Danny Frafield said “We’re huge supporters of The Club and, having worked closely together over recent seasons, were keen to support even further. Having spoken to the team about their ambitions it was clear we had a shared passion for our local community and also the role of music within football – this felt like a natural project to work on.”
Tim Kilpatrick, Reading FC Head of Commercial added “The Purple Turtle is an iconic Reading venue and one which we’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship with over the years. We hope this new Partnership will shine a light on local Reading talent whilst providing fans with an enhanced matchday experience within our fanzone.”
- Listen to the latest Reading F.C. playlist curated by The Purple Turtle on Spotify
- For The Purple Turtle App, search “Purple Turtle Bar” in Apple App Store or Google Play for Android.
- For upcoming events at The Purple Turtle, visit purpleturtlebar.com
