Are You Listening?
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For the weekend of 8th and 9th May 2026, Reading's town centre will pulse with music and excitement as Are You Listening? festival takes over for a lively two-day celebration. This energetic event turns the city into a buzzing live-music playground. Music fans and newcomers alike gather to enjoy a packed lineup of performances, with bands playing everything from rock and indie to electronic and folk from afternoon through late evening. Each set flows into the next: as one show ends, another begins just around the corner, letting you wander Reading's streets and pop into venues at your leisure, always discovering something new at every turn.
Bands and artists span a broad spectrum. You might wander into a laid-back acoustic set at one venue, then dash into a high-energy guitar-powered rock band at another. A single festival wristband lets you roam between any and all venues throughout the weekend. The lineup usually mixes beloved local favourites with fresh new acts that audiences will be talking about for months afterward. It's essentially a music-lover's treasure hunt: you never know which performance might become your new favourite.
What makes Are You Listening? so special is how it animates the entire city centre. Historic venues, arts centres and churches open their doors for live shows, and even pubs and cafes become impromptu concert stages. Reading's Market Place transforms into a friendly festival hub, with outdoor performances, food stalls and a buzzing social scene between sets. Nearby, larger spots like the Town Hall concert hall and the South Street Arts Centre host headline acts and late-night gigs. All weekend long, music spills across Reading – from a garden gig at the Purple Turtle pub to a DJ set at the Face Bar. For those two days, the whole city really feels like one big festival venue.
Fans of all ages fill the streets. It's family-friendly during the day, with children dancing alongside students and music lovers of all stripes. Early shows welcome everyone (many are all-ages), while by Saturday night some venues shift to 18+ for wild after-parties. The atmosphere remains safe and inclusive throughout, thanks to friendly staff and volunteers. People arrive ready to chat, dance and enjoy the moment; you'll even catch strangers swapping band tips or dancing together in the crowd. It's a celebratory vibe that everyone can enjoy.
And it's for a great cause. Are You Listening? benefits Reading Mencap, a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities. Every ticket and wristband helps raise money for this organization, so your weekend of fun also gives back to the community. Over the years the festival has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds, making each memorable performance into something even more meaningful. That feel-good factor really adds an extra layer to the whole experience.
Many festivalgoers start the weekend with a Friday-night warm-up show (in past years, this has even taken place at a special venue like St Laurence's Church). Then on Saturday, the main event runs from afternoon into late night. Some attendees carefully plan which acts to see, but part of the fun is stumbling onto amazing surprises along the way. And when the official schedule wraps up, lively after-parties in local bars keep the music going for those who can dance on. It's truly a full weekend of music; if you can keep up, you'll get your fill.
All of this adds up to why Are You Listening? has become a highlight of Reading's live music calendar. It's more than just a series of concerts; it's a community celebration. You'll make memories with friends new and old as you dance, sing along and discover fresh new bands. By the time Sunday arrives, you'll probably already be planning to come back next year. Come ready to enjoy great music and great company: this lively festival will make May in Reading one to remember.
Reading has a major train station in the town centre that makes arrival easy. Direct trains run frequently from London Paddington (journeys take about 25-30 minutes on a fast service), making it a quick trip from the capital. Thanks to the Elizabeth Line, travelers can also take a single train from Heathrow Airport to Reading in under an hour. Trains from cities like Bristol, Bath, Oxford and Cardiff also connect here (sometimes with just one change). The station is right in the heart of town, so once you arrive you'll be within walking distance of most festival venues.
Heathrow is Reading's closest major airport (around 20 miles away). You can board the Elizabeth Line at Heathrow and ride directly to Reading, or take the Heathrow Express to Paddington and hop on a Reading train. Gatwick is a bit further (roughly 75-90 minutes by train via London), and Stansted or Luton require a change in London. Coaches (National Express) also run from the airports to Reading if needed. Generally, the journey from any London airport to Reading takes 1-2 hours by public transport.
By car, Reading sits conveniently on the M4 motorway. From London or Bristol, follow the M4 and exit at Junction 11 (Reading). Approaching from the north or midlands, you might use the M40 toward Oxford then the A329(M) into town. Once in Reading, plenty of road signage will guide you to city centre car parks. Many visitors use the Mereoak Park & Ride (off M4 J11): parking is free when you catch the bus into town (buses run about every 20 minutes). Otherwise, central car parks like Queen's Road or Station Road are a short walk from most venues. Just be aware that traffic can be heavier on event weekends, so plan extra travel time if driving.
Getting around in Reading is straightforward. The city centre is compact, so it's easy to walk between venues. If you prefer not to walk, Reading Buses operates many convenient routes across town all day. Santander Cycles bike-share and e-scooters are available for quick trips, and a taxi rank sits by the station for late-night rides. In short, once you're here you can hop from one gig to the next with no trouble.
When it comes to accommodation, book early to lock in the best spots. Many attendees stay near the station or in the town centre for maximum convenience. Well-known hotels (such as the Hilton or Novotel) are clustered around the station, and there are lots of smaller hotels and guest houses nearby. If city-centre lodging fills up, consider nearby towns like Bracknell or Wokingham – both are a short train ride away. Staying in or near Reading will cut down on transit time so you can enjoy more of the festival.
In summary, traveling to Reading is easy. By train or car it's a quick trip from London, Bristol and other cities, and Heathrow Airport is directly connected by rail. Once you arrive, the compact town centre and clustered venues make it easy to move around on foot or with a short bus. With a bit of planning, you'll find Reading smooth to navigate – leaving you free to focus on enjoying Are You Listening? festival.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eeklo Apartment | 0.3 ml | £130.00 | Book | |
| 11 Butterfield House | 0.4 ml | £115.00 | Book | |
| Pravonix - Jago House | 0.7 ml | £300.00 | Book | |
| Elephant at the Market | 0.8 ml | £95.00 | Book | |
| The Hatchet Inn - a JD Wetherspoon Hotel | 0.8 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| Pravonix Studio | 1.0 ml | £120.00 | Book | |
| Pelican House | 1.0 ml | £110.00 | Book | |
| The Chequers Hotel | 1.1 ml | £51.00 | Book | |
| Bacon Arms by Marstons Inns | 1.1 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Berkshire Rooms Newbury Apartments | 1.3 ml | £70.00 | Book | |
| Hare & Hounds Hotel | 1.8 ml | £64.90 | Book | |
| Donnington Grove Country Club | 2.1 ml | £87.00 | Book | |
| The Yew Tree | 2.1 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
| Donnington Valley Hotel Golf and Spa | 2.4 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| The Vineyard | 2.5 ml | £155.00 | Book |
Reading, RG14QU
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