Mean Fiddler has announced a deal with Universal Records that will enable consumers to download live performances from artists performing at its music venues or festivals.

The British-based music group, which was founded by the Irish entrepreneur Mr Vince Power, said next week it would begin offering internet downloads from the Reading festival.

The Reading music festival takes place this weekend in Britain and individual tracks will be sold after the event at prices ranging from 99 pence to £1.50 (€2.22) .

The firm said the new internet service would complement the Mean Fiddler's existing download service, which offers certain music tracks to British consumers on its website, www.meanfiddler.com. But a spokesman for the firm said the concert download service would also be available to Irish users.

Mean Fiddler said the agreement with Universal Records, which counts Scissor Sisters, Black Eyed Peas and Ryan Adams among its acts, was subject to artist approval.

Mr Vince Power, founder and chairman of Mean Fiddler and still a significant shareholder, said he was confident of the success of the firm's Mean Fiddler Media joint venture operation, which is offering the download service.

Mean Fiddler Media is a joint venture operation established by the Mean Fiddler Music Group and the technology company Media Internet Telecom.

The firm plans to launch a new website, www.meantunes.com.