Latest news

All the latest news and updates from across the arts, culture and heritage community in Reading.

Sneak preview of award-winning independent Reading bar Milk’s new design

Sneak preview of award-winning independent Reading bar Milk’s new design

Popular independent Reading bar Milk, winner of the Pride of Reading 2023 Hospitality Award, has teamed up with local interior design company MacGregor Studio to give the venue a full refresh. Milk, which recently celebrated 12 years since their opening, will reopen to the public with a new look, new cocktail menu, new staff and a new sound system as Milk’s founder Tim Hooper gets back behind the wheel.

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Reading Walks Festival returns for 2024

Reading Walks Festival 2024 programme announced

REDA, Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, has announced the programme for Reading Walks Festival 2024. Following on from last year’s successful inaugural festival, the 2024 festival will see almost 50 guided walks take place across nine days in May. The festival is suitable for all ages and walking ability with walks ranging in length from a one-hour wellbeing stroll to a two-day pilgrimage.

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Original Theatre and Reading Rep Theatre Announce "The Importance Of Being Oscar Wilde"

Original Theatre and Reading Rep Theatre Announce "The Importance Of Being Oscar Wilde"

Micheál Mac Liammóir’s renowned play The Importance of Being Oscar returns to the stage following huge critical acclaim. Told in the shadows of Reading Gaol, where Wilde was imprisoned, the strictly limited run will immerse audiences in a compelling journey through the loves and losses, successes and struggles of the iconic man - from the eccentric socialite to the imprisoned outcast.

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Broader smiles than ever on Broad Street for Launchpad's Pancake Race

Broader smiles than ever on Broad Street for Launchpad's Pancake Race

A total of £8,500 (so far!) has been raised at Launchpad’s annual Pancake Race which saw 34 teams brave the weather and batter it out on Broad Street, celebrating Shrove Tuesday. The money raised by all the amazing teams will help fund Launchpad’s vital services across Reading. Helping people who are homeless, or at risk of losing their home.

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Berkshire Music Trust logo

Berkshire Music Trust raising funds to provide musical opportunities for all.

“Making music for everyone” is at the heart of what we do here at Berkshire Music Trust as registered music charity with the aim of providing musical opportunities for all.  We run music lessons in schools and our music centres across Berkshire with also ensembles, early year groups, singing cafes for people with Parkinsons and Dementia taking place and so much more!

We are running an online raffle which is live now until 19th March, with over 40 prizes from organisations across Berkshire! Prizes range from family days out, hampers full of goodies, restaurant vouchers and much more! We would like to thank the organisations who have donated, we really appreciate their kindness and support!

The money raised from this raffle will help us raise the necessary funds to continue our work in the community.

Raffle tickets are just £2 each:

We thank you for your support, good luck!

Reading Rep Theatre Announce The Launch Of Reading Rep Theatre: Reborn In Film

Reading Rep Theatre Announce The Launch Of Reading Rep Theatre: Reborn In Film

Reading Rep Theatre partnered with Barracuda Films to create five short films to celebrate Reading’s growing artistic community and spirit. Both companies are committed to working with local Reading-based talent. These shorts have been made with a local cast and crew, filmed in local Berkshire locations.

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Berkshire Maestros becomes Berkshire Music Trust

Berkshire Maestros becomes Berkshire Music Trust

Berkshire Maestros are delighted to announce that in line with their new vision, mission and values, they are rebranding as the Berkshire Music Trust this summer. They announced their new name at a Garden Party event, the culmination of their celebrations of having been an educational charity in Berkshire for 40 years.

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£13.7 million project to revitalise Hexagon Theatre reaches first major milestone

£13.7 million project to revitalise Hexagon Theatre reaches first major milestone

The ambitious Hexagon Theatre project will see the creation of an attractive, flexible and exciting new space for performances and community use. The Council today (Wednesday 12 July) announced the official appointment of the internationally renowned professional team who will support this major project moving forward.

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Reading Flies the Purple Flag Again in 2023

Reading Flies the Purple Flag Again in 2023

Reading town centre businesses are officially celebrating after receiving news that its vibrant night-time economy (ENTE) has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation. The award, which is similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am.

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Council Successful in Bid to Revitalise Hexagon and Central Library

Council Successful in Bid to Revitalise Hexagon and Central Library

READING Council has been awarded £19.1 million to revitalise Reading’s cultural offer by transforming the much-loved Hexagon Theatre and building a modern new Central Library. The Council is one of a number of local authorities to be awarded the money as part of the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ funding pot, announced yesterday (Jan 18).

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Hours of taped talks with Samuel Beckett get new home

Hours of taped talks with Samuel Beckett get new home

Private recordings of playwright, novelist and poet Samuel Beckett, hidden away for three decades, have been donated to the University of Reading’s Beckett archive, the largest collection of materials relating to the Nobel prize-winning author in the world.

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Reading Council wins prestigious national accolade for Reading Arts & Venues

Reading Council wins prestigious national accolade for Reading Arts & Venues

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL’S Sports, Leisure and Cultural Service team has been announced as the winner at the APSE, Association for Public Service Excellence Service Awards.

The national awards recognises the best and most innovative local authorities, focusing on the delivery of frontline services and seeks to celebrate those councils who are achieving excellent results in a wide range of different service areas.

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