More Than a Commuter Town

Reading is sometimes unfairly dismissed as a place people pass through on the way to London. Those who live here know differently. The town has a genuine cultural life — venues, artists, musicians, and creative organisations that contribute meaningfully to its character. This guide introduces you to the best of what Reading's arts and culture scene has to offer.

South Street Arts Centre

South Street Arts Centre is the beating heart of Reading's independent arts scene. Located in a converted church building, it hosts an eclectic programme of theatre, comedy, live music, film, and visual arts. What distinguishes South Street from larger commercial venues is its commitment to taking creative risks — you'll find work here that challenges and surprises, not just safe crowd-pleasers.

The venue also runs workshops and participatory arts programmes, making it a place where residents can engage with the arts as makers, not just audiences. It's well worth joining their mailing list to keep up with what's on.

The Hexagon Theatre

Reading's largest theatre venue, The Hexagon, sits in the heart of the town centre and presents a broad programme of touring productions — musicals, drama, comedy, ballet, and pantomime. It serves as Reading's main receiving house for professional touring productions and attracts strong shows across the year. For families in particular, The Hexagon's programme — especially around school holidays — is a reliable source of high-quality entertainment.

Reading Museum

Reading Museum, housed in the magnificent Victorian Town Hall building on Blagrave Street, is one of the town's most underrated attractions. Its collections include a full-scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry — a remarkable artefact in its own right — alongside displays on Reading's own history, natural history, and fine art. Entry is free, making it an accessible resource for schools, families, and curious residents alike.

Live Music

Beyond the annual festival, Reading has a genuine live music culture operating throughout the year. A number of pubs and small venues host regular gigs, from jazz sessions to indie nights to acoustic performances. The town has produced notable musicians over the years, and there is a supportive local scene for emerging artists to develop their craft.

  • Sub89: A well-regarded small to mid-size venue that books a wide range of touring and local acts.
  • Various pub venues: Several pubs in the town centre and suburbs host regular live music nights — worth exploring to find your taste.

Visual Arts and Galleries

Reading's visual arts scene extends beyond the museum. A number of independent galleries and artist-run spaces host rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The University of Reading also opens some of its gallery spaces to the public, with exhibitions connected to its art history and fine art programmes providing an additional layer to the town's cultural offer.

Reading's Musical Heritage

It would be remiss not to acknowledge Reading's place in British music history. Oscar Wilde famously wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol during his imprisonment here, and the town's connection to music — particularly through Reading Festival, established in 1971 — gives it a cultural credibility that punches above its weight. That heritage is something to be proud of and, increasingly, to build on.

How to Stay Connected

The best way to keep up with Reading's cultural life is to sign up for newsletters from South Street, The Hexagon, and Reading Museum. Following local arts journalists and bloggers on social media will also surface events and exhibitions that might not receive mainstream coverage. Reading has more going on culturally than it sometimes gets credit for — the key is knowing where to look.