Stage: Main stage, Reading

Time: Saturday, 6.25pm

Dress code: Fringes, sneakers, jeans and T-shirts (optional in the case of drummer Matt Tong).

In summary: It's with a warm glow in their hearts that London art rockers Bloc Party take to the stage this evening, not just because Reading festival was where lead singer Kele Okereke and lead guitarist Russell Lissack met, but because today marks their debut on the main stage. The crowd are hugely up for it and the burst of missiles, comprised exclusively of empty Coca-Cola bottles, that accompanies the opening song appears to be a signal of respect as opposed to one of protest. The once shy Okereke is thriving, but it's Matt Tong's endlessly inspired drumming that is the most captivating thing about tonight's performance. A thumping rendition of Banquet boosts the flagging crowd mid-set (it is extremely warm after all), but it's drum'n'bass-styled single The Prayer where the band really excel.

Highlight: When Okereke explains how he and Lissack met and the crowd begin chanting "Russell! Russell!" The guitarist just hides behind his fringe in embarrassment.

Better than: Almost all of the other bands on the main stage today. Paramore anyone?

Worse than: Prepping the stage for Arcade Fire is tough but they make the stage their own.

Talking point: When Kele Okereke leaps from the stage and heads into the crowd, returning with loudspeaker in hand.

What they'll be up to this time next year: Hopefully they'll get the headlining slot and the extra half an hour with it, as befits tonight's headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Mark out of ten: 8.5