Whether you prefer to visit a festival or a castle, we’ve captured Berkshire’s best arts and culture destinations. Windsor has the beautiful Theatre Royal, nestled in the shadow of Windsor Castle and also in the town centre is The Old Court, a vibrant arts centre which offers a vibrant mix of live music, drama, comedy and film. Over in Maidenhead is the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, an amazing little venue with a varied programme, including tribute bands, record nights, comedy and theatrical production. In Slough is The West Wing Arts Centre, while in Bracknell you’ll find South Hill Park. Newbury has The Corn Exchange and The Watermill Theatre.
Of course Reading is known for a certain festival. The Reading Festival, which takes place in for three days over the August Bank Holiday, is the world’s oldest popular music festival still in existence. But the granddaddy isn’t Reading’s only festival – far from it! You’ve also got, Are You Listening Festival in April, Reading Carnival in May; Readipop Festival for popular music in July and the Fringe Festival, also in July, an arts extravaganza, with performances from acts heading up to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Our picks
Norden Farm
Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF
Norden Farm is Maidenhead’s vibrant entertainment venue offering music, comedy, drama, films and more. Open seven days a week and with over 100 events and films a season, there’s something for everyone all year round. Featuring a licensed cafe bar with free WiFi – all are welcome to stop by for an afternoon coffee and cake, evening drink or a bite to eat from the seasonal menu. Visit website
Reading Festival
Berkshire is home to the world-renowned Reading Festival. The Festival takes place for three days over the August Bank Holiday, and is the world’s oldest popular music festival still in existence. Many of the UK’s most successful pop and rock bands and artists have played at the festival over the years, including The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead and Nirvana. Visit website
Sub89
110-117 Friar Street, Reading RG1 1EP
Located in the heart of Reading is Sub89, one of the town’s best live music venues. It delivers a cracking mix of live bands to cater for all tastes from locals bands to international touring acts. Some of the famous names that have appeared on stage here include Gary Numan, Chase and Status and Ed Sheeran. Visit website
Newbury Spring Festival
33, 34 Cheap Street, Newbury RG14 5DB
If you’re after a day out with a bit of class, you’ve got the Newbury Spring Festival which runs for two weeks in May where international symphony orchestras, ensembles and soloists rub shoulders with jazz legends and world music artists. Visit website
Theatre Royal
32 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PS
If you prefer your art to perform for you on a stage, head to the beautiful Theatre Royal Royal, nestled in the shadow of Windsor Castle. It is the only unsubsidised producing theatre to operate all year round in Britain. Visit website
