Supporting local musical talent is so important to us, which is why we’ve put together a guide of local festivals, so you don’t miss any fantastic music this festival season!
Are You Listening? Festival
The first festival in the calendar is Are You Listening? This festival strives to nurture and support the local grassroots music scene by booking local artists to share the stage among touring acts.
Since launching in 2013, this festival has raised approx. £80,000 during a 10 year partnership with Reading Mencap, a local charity that supports people with learning disabilities and their families. AYL? was shortlisted as “Grassroots Champion” nominee at the first national LIVE awards in 2023. The festival also won “Cultural Contribution” at the Pride of Reading Awards in 2024.
WHEN: Saturday 10th May
WHERE: Various town centre locations
WEBSITE: Visit their website for the line-up: Are You Listening? Are You Listening? Festival
University of Reading Community Festival
The University of Reading is very proud to be hosting it’s third Community Festival this May.
Everyone is welcome at this family-friendly festival, including local residents, staff and students. Expect live music, theatre, performances, sporting activities, a craft market and street food as well as a number of research-related talks and activities.
WHEN: Saturday 17th May
WHERE: Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UR
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: Community Festival 2025
Rhythm and Brews Festival 2025
Set across the second Bank Holiday weekend in May, the Rhythm and Brews Festival is back again this year.
This festival will feature live music, markets, brews and tasty food! This is a free charity event supporting the Live Bridge UK Charity. Although the event is free, you need to book your tickets on the website in advance.
WHEN: Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May
WHERE: The Cunningman, Burghfield, RG30 3RB
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: Rhythm and Brews at The Cunning Man event tickets from TicketSource
Stories in the Park 2025
Stories in the Park is back for it’s 6th year!
This year, Stories in the Park will have a 10,000 capacity, 2 brand new stages, plus a VIP area and worldwide headline acts. This festival has quickly become one of Berkshire’s favourite niche music festivals, so if you’re interested in attending, you’ll need to secure your ticket quickly.
WHEN: Saturday 14th June
WHERE: Palmer Park, Reading, RG1 3PE
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: Stories In The Park 2025 | What’s On Reading
East Reading Festival
A free community-focussed festival complete with live music, spoken word/poetry stage, food stalls, a funfair and a range of stalls.
WHEN: Sunday 22nd June
WHERE: Palmer Park, Reading, RG6 1LE
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: What’s On from East Reading Festival | What’s On Reading
Heritage Live Festivals
Heritage Live is back for 2025 with this world-class performances all taking place at Englefield House in Theale, Reading.
Thursday 17th July: The Wombats w/ Doves, Hard-Fi and Alfie Templeman
Friday 18th July: Ministry of Sound Classical
Saturday 19th July: The Jacksons w/ Sister Sledge and Boney M
Sunday 20th July: The Beach Boys w/ David Essex and Lulu
WHERE: Englefield House, Theale, Reading, RG7 5EN
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: Heritage Live | Venues
Marvellous Festival
Marvellous Festival is back for 2025 with 14 world-class tributes gracing the main stage, while the second stage showcases amazing local talent.
Tribute acts include Definitely Might Be!, Andrew Browning as George Michael, Ed Sheeran Experience, Fleeting Rumours, Green Haze, Totally Crazy!, Flash and The Rat Pack.
For the little ones, there is a Big Kids Village with lots of free activities, roaming entertainers, funfair rides, silent disco marquee and plenty of food stalls and merchandise stands.
WHEN: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July
WHERE: Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst, RG10 0TH
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: The UK’s Biggest & Longest Running Tribute Festival – Marvellous
Reading Festival
The festival that puts Reading on the map.
Reading Festival is back at Richfield Avenue this August Bank Holiday with a line up that promises something for everyone. From Bring Me The Horizon to Chappell Roan and Travis Scott, there’s genres spanning rock, pop and RnB at this festival.
WHEN: Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August
WHERE: Richfield Avenue, Reading, RG1 8EW
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: Rockstar Energy presents Reading Festival | First Release 2025 Tickets ON SALE NOW
Readipop Fiesta
Local heroes The Amazons will be headlining Readipop Fiesta this year alongside drum and bass legend Roni Size, Liverpudlian synth pop trio Stealing Sheep and many more.
Whilst live music is the draw here, there will also be music & arts workshops, family activities, local real ale and craft beers, street food, Reading’s Indie Market and mini record fair.
WHEN: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September
WHERE: Reading Student’s Union, Pepper Lane, Reading, RG6 6EH
WEBSITE: Visit their website for further info: READIPOP FESTIVAL | Readipop
