What's on in September

September means a new school term for the kids – and a new season for our wonderful cultural community. From punk legends to brass bands, big name comedians to top tribute shows, there’s lots of live shows to get stuck into. And there’s plenty of big celebrations of local tipples, vegan food and local heritage, too. We struggled to narrow down the highlights of What’s On in September in Reading – do head to whatsonreading.com for so much more!

Heritage Open Days – 6-15 September

The annual celebration of our buildings, natural and cultural heritage returns for 2024 with more walks, talks, tours and other events that give you a “peek behind the curtain”. From the chance to explore some of Reading’s oldest buildings or places that aren’t often open to the public, to exhibitions that celebrate this year’s theme of “Routes, Networks and Connections”, there’s so much to get stuck into.

Beer (and more!) festivals – various dates

There are three very different festivals this month where you can raise a glass! On 7 September, the Caversham Rock n Ale Festival returns for another night of beer and music raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. On 26-29 September, the Castle Tap pub host their tenth annual Autumn Beer & Cider Festival. And on 27 & 28 September, local brewers Double-Barrelled celebrate Oktoberfest, bringing the festive atmosphere of Munich to the tapyard.

Wreckless Eric – 9 September

Punk pioneer Wreckless Eric is celebrating his 70th year with a deluxe re-publication of his much-lauded autobiography “A Dysfunctional Success”, recently described by Marc Riley as 'the best rock n roll memoir ever written'. He’s coming to The Facebar for an evening where he’ll play songs that illustrate the story of his dysfunction, and of course there'll be readings from the book, too.

Top Tributes – various dates

Whatever type or er of music you’re into, there’s a tribute show for you this September! The Hexagon hosts ELO Again and Bye Bye Baby (plus the sold-out Taylormania); at Sub89 there’s Wrong Jovi, UK Foo Fighters, The Style Councillors and Total Stone Roses/Oaysis; more Gallagher fun with Oasiz at South Street; The Facebar hosts Shrek tribute The Ogretones and Straighten Out; there’s a Tina Turner Concert By Candlelight at Reading Minster; and at Rising Sun Arts Centre, local artists pay tribute to Dolly Parton.

Orchestral Maneuvres in the ‘Ding – 14 September

Two different orchestras, two different concerts – but both equally exciting. At All Saints' Church Join Reading Sinfonietta, a small chamber orchestra taken from the membership of Reading Symphony Orchestra, for an evening of classical music including Stravinsky's "Suites 1 & 2 for Small Orchestra". And at the University’s Great Hall, Thames Valley Festival Orchestra bring you an evening of the best of the Beatles and Queen, arranged for symphony orchestra by Dee Palmer.

Author Events – various dates

Waterstones Reading host two fantastic author events this month. On 16 September, it’s An Evening With Robert Harris at St Mary's Church where the modern master of historical fiction will talk about his latest book, Precipice. And on 25 September, authors T.M. Logan and Victoria Selman will be in-store and in-conversation to celebrate the releases of their new books The Dream Home and All The Little Liars.

Cracking Comedians – various dates

Some of the cream of the comedy crop (and those quickly rising to the top) will be bringing their latest shows to Reading this month. Maisie Adam will be carrying out her “Appraisal” at The Concert Hall on 17 September; Harriet Kemsley brings “Everything Always Works Out For Me” to South Street on 19 September; and internet sensation Max Fosh exploits a “Loophole” at The Hexagon on 23 September.

"Illuminating Alice!" by Alice d'Lumiere – 18 September

Alice d'Lumiere chose her name, her gender and her wardrobe and now she is revisiting her childhood imagination and exploring the fantastical tales which led to her real-life choices... “Illuminating Alice” is a highly personal piece from an accomplished writer/performer, coming to South Street. Expect dynamic performance poetry, engaging comedy, voluminous frocks and definitely more than a touch of Lewis Carroll.

Heavy Pop present: Welly – 18 September

Crashing together the best bits of escapist pop, indie-disco, punk and DIY electronics, the group—made up of Welly and his school-mates—show early ambition to reconnect the great, grassroots British tradition with the mainstream band. And after playing this year’s Reading Festival, they’re back in town for a FREE show at Purple Turtle.

Reading Vegan Festival – 21 September

The Reading Vegan Festival will take over the town centre once more, with of 50 stalls offering all manner of vegan wares, from dairy-free cakes and artisan cheezes to homeware, unique gifts and more. There’ll also be talks, entertainment, kids activities and much more throughout the day!

Reading World Music Festival – 21 September

The Refugee Support Group present Reading’s inaugural World Music Festival, celebrating the global impact of (and on) Reading’s vibrant music scene and raising money for the work they do helping refugees from all over the world. An unmissable gig in the intimate and immersive setting of the Minster, the night will feature Afro-Euro Fusion by Limpopo Groove, Jazz and Blues by Ma Bessie and Harmonic Motion by Peter Doyle.

The Bandsman Concert Series – 28 September

A new concert series comes to the Concert Hall in partnership with British Bandsman magazine that really is a who’s who of the best in British Brass. It kicks off this month with a pair of concerts on 28 September – in the afternoon, it’s the Hatherleigh Silver Band from Devon; in the evening, it’s Flowers Band from Gloucestershire.

Tom Meighan – 29 September

Former lead singer of the award-winning band Kasabian, Tom Meighan is ready to bring his unmistakeable vocals to Sub89 for an unforgettable night. His first solo album – 2023’s ‘The Reckoning’ - with brand-new collaborators, was clearly part of his healing process and heralded the emergence of a more reflective man. Here was a fallen rockstar, older and wiser, baring his scars and grief for all to see through new songs, and part of a new musical clan.