Total Reading

3 weeks since Reading and Leeds Festival and our PR and Content Partner, Emma Collins, shares her honest experience of taking six 17-year-olds to Reading Festival and joining them for its spectacular final day.

From choosing an Airbnb over camping to navigating 3am collections, torrential rain and a packed Sunday line-up, here is what parents and teenagers should know.

Read the full review here: https://www.totalguidetoreading.com/entertainment/reading-festival-2026-parent-guide-teenagers/

September in Reading is looking VERY busy! 🍂🎭🎶

From Reading Pride Celebration and Down at the Abbey Festival to live music, comedy, theatre and festivals, there’s plenty happening across the town this month.

Catch performances at South Street Arts Centre, big nights at The Hexagon, live music at SUB89 : Reading, Dracula at Reading Rep Theatre, plus events at Reading Concert Hall, King’s Meadow and more.

Swipe through to see what’s coming up and get those September plans in the diary. 👀

What are you heading to this month? Let us know below! 👇

What’s on in Reading this Bank Holiday Weekend? 🙌

If you’ve left your plans until the last minute, don’t worry, there’s plenty happening in and around Reading this weekend!

🎶 Reading Festival
🎸 Wokingham Festival
🎪 Swallowfield Show
🌿 Whitley Wild Wellbeing Days
🤠 Wild West Night
🎧 Don Letts at Purple Turtle
🎯 Flight Club Brunch Social
🌳 Summer of Play at Basildon Park

From huge live music events and nights out to family days and Bank Holiday fun, there’s something for everyone.

👉 SAVE this for the weekend and tag who you’re taking with you!

Reading and Leeds Festival 2026 is almost here!🙌

Heading to the festival this weekend? Or live locally and wondering how it could affect your plans?

With thousands of festival-goers descending on Reading, we’ve pulled together the key information you need to know before the weekend begins 📍

🚗 Traffic delays & road closures
🅿️ Parking, drop-off & pick-up information
🚆 Getting to the festival site
🚕 Taxis & shuttle services
⚠️ Festival safety advice
📞 Information for local residents
♻️ How to help keep Reading green

Thursday is expected to be particularly busy as festival-goers arrive, while Bank Holiday Monday will see another surge as everyone heads home.

Whether you’re heading straight for the main stage or simply trying to get around Reading this weekend, save our guide so you know what to expect! 👇

Read our full Reading Festival 2026 👉 https://www.totalguidetoreading.com/entertainment/reading-festival-2026-guide/

A gothic classic is taking over Reading Rep Theatre this autumn…🩸

Dracula is coming to Reading, bringing Bram Stoker’s iconic story to the stage for a gripping night of theatre.

Dark, atmospheric and packed with suspense, this new production promises to put a fresh spin on the legendary tale of Count Dracula🧛

Whether you’re already a fan of the original story or simply looking for something different to do in Reading this autumn, this is one to get in the diary.

Book here: https://www.readingrep.com/whats-on/dracula/

WHERE TO WATCH THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN READING! ✨

Eyes to the skies this Wednesday! 👀 On 12th August 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible over Reading and we’ve rounded up some of the best places to watch it.

📍 Prospect Park
📍 Balmore Park, Caversham
📍 Victoria Recreation Ground / Norcot Hill
📍 Caversham Court Gardens
📍 Arthur Newbery Park

The eclipse begins at around 6:17pm, with maximum eclipse at approximately 7:13pm.

🌅 Pick somewhere with a clear view towards the west, get there early and don’t forget your proper eclipse glasses! 🕶️

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this summer? Reading Rep Theatre has a fantastic line-up of creative workshops and family-friendly activities throughout August.

Here's what's coming up:
🧸 Teddy Bear Story Time (Saturdays until 19th December)
Interactive stories, music and sensory fun for little ones.

🎬 Play in a Week (10th–14th August)
Create, rehearse and perform an original play.

🦸 Superheroes on Stage (10th–14th August)
Create and perform your own superhero adventure.

🎓 Drama School Prep (17th–19th August)
Expert coaching to prepare for drama school auditions.

🎭 Create, Move, Perform! Juniors (28th August)
Discover acting, movement and theatre-making.

Visit their website for more info: https://www.readingrep.com/whats-on/?f=all&a=

Looking for something to do in Reading this weekend? ☀️ Here's what's on:

🦕 Summer of Play at Basildon Park - National Trust
🧱 Build-a-Saurus LEGO® Workshop at Broad Street Mall
🎉 Little Ravers Summer Party at Popworld Reading
🎨 Sip & Paint with Mingle'n'Mirth at Calico Bar & Eatery

What are you doing this weekend?

Looking for something to do this Summer Holidays? Make the most of the sunny weather with an outdoor walk!

Here are 5 of our favourites:
🌳 Basildon Park – Stunning countryside walks with incredible views
🌊 Thames Path – A classic riverside route perfect for a relaxing stroll
🌿 Prospect Park – A great local park for walking, picnics, and fresh air
🦆 River Kennet & Waterloo Meadows – Wildlife, waterways, and peaceful paths
🍃 Clayfield Copse – Woodland trails and nature right on the edge of town

Perfect for a weekend walk, morning jog, or a relaxing escape into nature. 🌞