Rivermead Leisure Complex

General Info

Full Name:                          Rivermead Leisure Complex

Address:                              Richfield Avenue

Opened-Closed:               1988-present

Brief History

The Rivermead Leisure Complex was opened in June 1988 by Sir Steve Redgrave. It was built to provide a sporting and entertainment centre for Reading. Since its inception it has played host to major artists owing to it having one of the largest audience capacities in the town.

The Complex has been an integral part of many festivals in Reading; since it opened it has helped host Reading Festival to deal with the festival’s growing capacity. From 1990 it also played an important role in WOMAD in conjunction with Reading Borough Council until the festival moved to Wiltshire in 2006. And since 2000 it has hosted the Rockers Reunion Winter Party.

Frequent Performers

Status Quo have performed 4 times.

The Prodigy have performed twice.

Carter & the Unstoppable Sex Machine have performed twice.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals have performed twice.

Paul Weller has performed twice.

Stories

Badgers:

Staff from Rivermead Leisure Complex helped to plant 1000 trees between Little John’s Farm, the Complex and the river. The trees were intended to provide a family of local badgers greater security from the effects of Reading Festival and were thus donated by Melvin Benn of Festival Republic, the company that organise Reading Festival. With the support of volunteers and Reading Borough Council staff the task was completed in just 1 day to the delight of the badgers!

Reading Festival:

During the festival, Rivermead Leisure Complex is used as the base for the security and police teams, as well as offering washing and toilet facilities to the many festival-goers. It is also reported to provide a very good view of the whole festival site, an opportunity sometimes taken advantage of by a few!

Performers Timeline

 

1989	The Monkees
1990	SaxonMetal Church
1991	Gary Glitter
1992	Peter GabrielStatus QuoCarter & the Unstoppable Sex Machine
1993	The ShamenThe GridSub Sub Carter & the Unstoppable Sex Machine Sultans of Ping Status Quo
1994	Deacon BlueStatus Quo
1995	The Stone Roses
1996	Deep PurpleLevellersThe Prodigy
1997	SuedeMansunEternal Manic Street Preachers The Charlatans Monaco Radiohead Laika The Prodigy Red Snapper Status Quo
1998	UB40Ocean Colour SceneDebbie Harry & Blondie Natalie Imbruglia
1999	Brian MayGarbageMoloko Suede Fun Lovin’ Criminals King
2000	Robbie Williams
2001	Paul WellerOcean Colour SceneFun Lovin’ Criminals Mel C Paul Weller
2002	ToploaderWill YoungSummer XS
2003	Craig DavidGabrielle
2004	Scissor SistersTravis
2005	AthleteMagic NumbersKings of Leon People in Planes Debbie Harry Parallel Lounge
2006	SugababesRazorlightThe Zutons
2007	Queens of the StoneageThe Eighties MatchboxB-Line Disaster The Kooks
2008	James BluntThe BishopsKaiser Chiefs Late of the Pier and Club Smith The Hair The Fratellis The Hoosiers Officer Kicks Absent Elk The Pigeon Detectives The Virgins Red Light Company
2009	StereophonicsTom AlloneThe 78s
2010	Bloc PartyGrammaticsMadness
2011
2012	Ed SheeranProfessor Green

 

Other performers include Alexander O’Neill, Lulu, Mystique, Soul to Soul and The Christians.