creatively happening

Reading has been long established as a cultural centre: it has several theatre venues, including The Hexagon – a multi-purpose venue that provides a programme of events including theatre, comedy, classical music and dance – The Concert Hall,  21 South Street (an intimate venue for comedy, theatre and music) as well as the Progress Theatre (the innovative repertory theatre where Kenneth Branagh took his first acting steps). 

Reading plays host to semi-professional and amateur choirs and choral societies (Sainsbury Singers, Phoenix Choir, Reading Operatic Society, Reading Gay Chorus and many more).  It even has resident orchestras, including the long-established Reading Symphony Orchestra (RSO) and the Reading Youth Orchestra.  

Our diary of events and festivals is outstanding -  biggest and most famous is Reading Festival, running since 1971. The second largest UK music festival after Glastonbury - it attracts 80,000 fans every year, to watch headline acts from around the world (this year Arctic Monkeys, RadioHead and Kaiser Chiefs amongst others).  

Other events include the long running Community Carnival in May, the Children's Festival (four weeks in May - June), the Real Ale and Jazz Festival (July) and WaterFest (June).

The sports offer is as equally impressive - the Royals (Reading Football Club) share the Madejski Stadium with London Irish RFC.   Reading Men's Hockey Club have been European Champions, as well forming the core of Olympic sides.  Rowing is equally well represented, the University of Reading Rowing Club is also an important breeding ground for Olympic hopefuls and Reading Amateur Regatta is the second biggest in the country (after Henley)