What's on in Reading this month

Summer’s here and the time is right for all manner of events, indoors and out! June’s highlights include open-air theatre, classical concerts, solstice celebrations, some big-name stars and plenty of festival fun, too! So check out our highlights of What’s On in Reading in June – and, as always, don’t forget to check whatsonreading.com for so much, much more!

Local theatre – various dates

Two of our homegrown amateur theatre troupes take to the stage with some truly professional-standard shows this month. On 4-7 June, Shinfield Players Theatre bring Agatha Christie’s famous thriller And Then There Were None to life (or not, as the case may be!). And on 12-21 June, Progress Theatre present Parade, the musical based on the real-life case of Leo Frank, a New York Jew wrongfully convicted of murder in the deep south.

Hooked On Classics – various dates

June brings all manner of classical and orchestral concerts, in many different shapes, sizes, styles and locations! On 4 and 6 June, experience two concerts as part of the Berkshire Chamber Music Festival; Classical guitarist Gerard Cousins is at Greyfriars Church on 6 June; Emma Johnson & the Orchestra For The Environment come to the Concert Hall on 17 June; Reading Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Gala Concert is on 21 June; the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are at The Hexagon on 28 June with a Noisy Kids concert in the afternoon and a grown-up one in the evening; a few RPO players can also be heard north of the river that day as part of the Concerts In Caversham Ensemble; and on 29 June, West Forest Sinfonia are joined by guest conductor Joe Davies for their summer concert.

Whiteknights Studio Trail – 7 & 8 June

This walking tour of artists’ studios in the University of Reading area is back for its 25th year! Across 33 venues you can browse (and, in some instances, buy) art and craft work from 48 talented local artists who will be more than happy to discuss their work – and even take commissions! A great way to get your steps in and see some wonderful art.

A Midsummer NIGHTMARE – 11 & 12 June

Open air theatre season kicks off when Midnight Circle come to Reading Abbey with a unique take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Dive into the eerie, mysterious side of Shakespeare’s classic play, where the themes of forbidden love, wild entanglements, and the blurring of reality and dreams take on a gothic, haunting edge. Music, thrilling movement, and an ensemble performance that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

Festivals In Palmer Park – various dates

East Reading is the place to be this month with five festivals taking over Palmer Park – all with their own unique flavour! On Fri 13 June, Olly Murs will take to the stage for pop festival-going at its finest! 14 June sees the return of dance music festival Stories In The Park with some of the biggest DJs around, while it’s more line-dancing the next day when Life’s a Rodeo present Reading’s Biggest Country Music Festival! On 22 June it’s the return of East Reading Festival, the vibrant community event celebrating the many people, places and organisations that make their home in and around East Reading. And on 29 June, Tutu's Ethiopian Table put on their own community festival, bringing people together with food, music, poetry, and joy!

Anton & Giovanni: Together Again - 13 June

Strictly faves Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice are Together Again at The Hexagon with a show packed with more fun, more dance, more song, and even more entertainment than before! With a collection of breathtaking routines, stunning choreography, and a seamless blend of Ballroom, Latin, and Musical Theatre, it showcases the duo’s incredible talents and irresistible chemistry on stage.

Jake Bugg – 18 June

Indie legend Jake Bugg is bringing his much loved Your Town Tour to The Hexagon. He’ll be performing two sets, one acoustic, one with a full band – expect the perfect mix of fan favourites interlaced with cuts from his new album!

Summer Solstice Celebrations – 19 & 20 June

There are two very different events celebrating the longest day of the year, in two wonderful locations. In the Abbey Ruins on 19 June, experience Sound & Silence, a special event combines gentle yoga and a therapeutic sound bath, immersing you in the healing vibrations of a Moon Gong, Crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowls, and other harmonically rich instruments. And on 20 June, Solstice at Wasing takes place in the enchanting Sacred Glade, nestled within The Woodland at Wasing, promising an unforgettable night of musical experiences, with performances by incredible artists Anoushka Shankar, Salif Keita, Omer Gonen-Haela, Âpe Chimba and many more.

Reading Festival Chorus’ 80^th anniversary concert – 20 June

Reading’s longest-running choir celebrates its 80^th anniversary with a performance of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius. They’ll be performing alongside choirs from Reading's twin town of Düsseldorf – Johanneskantorei and the Jugendchor der Akademie fut Chor und Musiktheter – and accompanied by the British Sinfonietta.

Reading Water Fest – 28 June

Water Fest is Reading’s way of celebrating and showing off the Kennet Canal in all its glory, along with the gorgeous and historic spots on its towpath - complete with a programme full of fun, music, dance and activities! Take in the sights and sounds as you wander through Chestnut Walk, Forbury Gardens, and the Abbey Ruins. It’s followed by a Silent Disco in the ruins, and a performance from Mikron Theatre in Huntley Wharf.

William the Conqueror Preview Event – 28 June

A world exclusive event for RABBLE Theatre’s new production, William the Conqueror, comes to St Laurence’s Church, giving you an exclusive insight into the creative process behind the highly anticipated prequel to Henry I. As well as in-development performances of selected scenes from the new play, you’ll get to hear from the writer, director, composer and more.

Reading Buses Open Day – 29 June

The annual charity fundraiser returns with another day jam-packed with fun activities for all ages and a chance to go behind the scenes with Reading Buses! Ride through the bus wash, tour the workshop and control room, see vintage buses and even get your name up in lights – on the front display of a bus!