Museums, beer and cider festivals, a renowned music festival and the solid Reading arts scene – it’s all going on in Reading, and we’ve got the info you need.
Culture in Reading
Galleries
A nationwide chain, Castle Galleries has long been pushing the contemporary art scene in Reading, with a wide range of art available from their Chain Street store. Priding themselves on affordable art, they have a variety of styles and budgets. Castle Galleries is located off Broad Street, a short walk from our Reading Central hotel.
The Lemongrove is another leading art gallery, presenting a range of original art, limited edition collectables and sculptures. Part of The Oracle shopping centre, they also offer a bespoke framing service and stock artworks from Sherree Valentine Daines and Jack Vettriano among many others.
OpenHand OpenSpace is an enterprising art space that provides studio and exhibition areas for local artists. Situated in the historic Brock Keep building, they also run a series of workshops covering clay work, painting and sculpture.
Events
Music is a big part of the culture in Reading, thanks to the historic Reading Festival. A world renowned live music event that’s been running since the 60s, it is a who’s who of some of the biggest names in the music industry. It’s worth checking out if you’re in the area over August bank holiday weekend.
If the Blue Collar Feastival doesn’t get you excited with their tagline of ‘celebrating tasty street food and brilliant booze,’ then there’s nothing to see here. If that has you salivating like a bloodhound, then make sure to put the three-week-long food and drink festival in your diary. An annual event at Forbury Gardens, home of the abbey ruins, feastival is a riot of street-food trucks, bars and live music from 11am every day.
It’s a good job the Reading Beer and Cider Festival runs for four days, otherwise, you might never work your way through the 500 beers and 150 ciders on offer. Now in its 22nd year, the annual institution takes place at Christchurch Meadow over the River Thames and includes nine food trucks, quizzes, live music, Morris dancing as well as kids’ activities.
Museums
From aviation history and Greek archaeology to zoology and the history of farming in England, strolling around the museums in Reading is a great way to spend a day in town.