Town Hall
Reading Town Hall enjoys a long and illustrious history. It consists of four buildings built in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1786 the oldest building - the Victoria Hall - opened as a purpose built town hall designed by Charles Poulton.
A new council chamber and a clock tower designed by Alfred Waterhouse opened in 1876 followed by the Museum, Library and a Concert Hall, designed by the architect Thomas Lanson.Art Gallery and Library Reading room were added and then in 1975 new civic offices were built to serve Reading Borough and the Town Hall ceased its administration function.
Reading Town Hall survived the threat of demolition in the 1970s and was comprehensively refurbished in the late 1980s. It has undergone further changes to meet modern requirements and now hosts a leading conference and banqueting venue, The Concert Hall, Reading Museum and the Berkshire Coroner's Office.
The Concert Hall
Centrally located within The Town Hall complex, The Concert Hall is one of the finest of its type in Britain.
Originally built in 1882 and refurbished in 2000, it also houses the restored Father Willis Organ, boasting superb acoustics.
The Concert Hall hosts a varied programme of classical music, organ recitals, blues, jazz, folk, acoustic pop & rock, stand-up comedy, and lectures to suite all tastes.
View the Reading Arts Autumn 2024 What's On Brochure HERE
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Lunchtime Organ Recitals
Supported by The Berkshire Organists' Association
All recitals take place at The Concert Hall
Special Offer -You can now save time and money by booking your organ recital ticket in advance.
Advance Price: £5
On Doors: £6
Online bookings are available until 12.45pm on the day of the recital.
(PLEASE NOTE: The Town Hall/Concert Hall is now a Cashless venue, so payment by CREDIT/DEBIT card is required.)
Berkshire Organists’ Association
Patron: Dame Gillian Weir
The Berkshire Organists' Association is proud to support the series of organ recitals on the historic Father Willis organ in the Concert Hall, ensuring that this important instrument is played and heard regularly.
Our association was formed in 1921 with the aims of promoting the art of organ playing, bringing the organ and its music to the public, and providing advice and support to players. We hold regular organ-related events monthly for members, including social gatherings and visits to churches, cathedrals and concert halls across Southern England. We also arrange public organ concerts in local churches.
New members, who need not be players, can be assured of a very warm welcome. We hope that anyone interested in the organ and its music will join us.
For further information please visit www.berkshireorganists.org.uk
