So, that was Reading Festival 2023. Thousands upon thousands of fans flocked to the site, witnessing knockout headline sets from the likes of Billie Eilish, The 1975, and The Killers.
But beneath those big names, Reading remains a vital platform for new talent, accelerating careers in the process. Clash was on site all weekend, and photographer Ben McQuaide captured some of the most electrifying moments Reading had to offer in a series of galleries.
But that’s not all. The lensman also ventured backstage, gaining access to some of the weekend’s finest artists. In this gallery of intimate portraits, Ben McQuaide gets up close with Soft Play, Bakar, Meekz, midwxst, Caity Baser, Only the poets, Vistas, twst, Bellah Mae.
All photography: Ben McQuaide
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