Palma Violets: “I saw somebody fall in the Reading portaloos”

Fresh from snoozing on the tour bus, Palma Violets are on site ahead of their main stage debut at Reading Festival. Far from being nervous, drummer Will Doyle is looking forward to escaping the confines of the tents. “I’m excited because every time we’ve done a set here its been in tents,” he says, “very small gatherings. This is a nice change. Early afternoon is the prime time slot,” he reasons. “Everyone’s just together enough to know what’s going on. Arriving here, I did see a few people crawling, but they can bathe in the sunlight.”

Palma Violets are also hosting a silent disco with Peace at 11 tonight at the Alternative Stage, and they’re promising cheese-boards worth of pop. “There are some hits,” advises Will. “Some absolute wedding dad bangers to be spun. Everything you need in a Friday night at Reading.”

It turns out playing the main stage has its extra perks, too. “You get a potted plant in your room,” boasts Will. “Hopefully it’ll make a wonderful addition to Pete’s living room.” Pete Mayhew nods approvingly. “Our rider is very simple, though,” continues Will. “A few tins of Guinness. A tub of salsa. That’s it. Basic rider.” “And,” adds Pete, “a bit of smack. Backstage is just a load of people sweating, isn’t it?” he ponders. “The people you look up to and idolise,” Will agrees, “sweating.”

Today has been without its dramas, apparently, but previous Reading Festivals for the band have been fairly harrowing. “I have actually seen somebody fall in the portaloos, here at Reading,” remembers Will. “They didn’t want to sit – they were squatting – and it just snapped. They went right down inside it, and we had to push the door open and send for help. It was just fucking tragic. Hilarious, but tragic. That’s Reading for you.”