Pioneering music and dance provide ice-cool relief from the summer heat at Reading Fringe

The weather may be sweltering, but Reading Fringe Festival has put ice at the centre of a super cool programme of culture this summer.

As temperatures continue to soar, pioneering musician Terje Isungset will be performing on the main stage at Station Hill on instruments crafted from solid blocks of pure ice.

Terje will be joined by the sublime Norwegian vocalist Maria Skranes for a set using amazing ice instruments including ice horns, an iceofon and ice percussion.

Reside Dance Company will also be interpreting Terje’s music on stage and inviting audiences to experience it through images of growth and community.

The climate stays firmly on the agenda at Reading Fringe 2018 as BBC Radio Three presenter and Fringe Festival guest curator Fiona Talkington hosts a special debate with guests who have an interest in ice, climate change, the arts and more in the inspiring and historic surroundings of The MERL, at the University of Reading.

Festival director Zsuzsi Lindsay said: “Terje’s music and instruments have to be seen and heard to be believed. They will be a beautiful and ethereal contrast to this sweltering summer and something that the Fringe has never seen before. We’re also delighted to have Fiona to curate such an interesting programme of events and chair what is sure to be a brilliant and lively discussion.”

  • Climate Symposium “A world without…” is hosted by Fiona Talkington at MERL on Friday 27July at 1pm
  • Ice Music by Terje Isungset is at Station Hill on Friday 27 July at 9pm