Down at the Abbey

Down at the Abbey 2026

Down at the Abbey returns on 12-13 September 2026 at the historic Reading Abbey ruins in Berkshire. This two-day music festival offers live performances within the stunning 900-year-old abbey grounds, just a short walk from Reading town centre and station.

Music

The festival features two stages with no overlapping schedules, showcasing a diverse line-up from indie folk and acoustic to world music and electronic. Enjoy mellow daytime melodies and lively evening dance parties beneath the open sky and ancient stone walls.

Family Activities

Saturday includes free activities for children such as arts and crafts, face-painting, and storytelling. The spacious and safe abbey grounds provide a relaxed, family-friendly environment for all ages.

Food & Drink

A variety of food stalls offer wood-fired pizzas, burgers, vegetarian and vegan options, plus gluten-free choices. Sample local drinks including award-winning Siren Craft Beer and Berkshire ciders while relaxing on the grass or at picnic tables.

Atmosphere

Experience a unique blend of history, community, and music in one of Berkshire’s most beautiful settings. Whether dancing under the stars or enjoying a quiet moment among ancient ruins, the festival promises memorable days and nights.

By train and bus, Down at the Abbey is easy to reach. Reading's main railway station (Reading Station) is only about a 5-10 minute walk from the Abbey Ruins at Abbot's Walk (postcode RG1 3BA). Regular Great Western Railway services connect Reading with London Paddington (around 30 minutes), as well as Oxford, Bristol and the West Country, making rail travel straightforward. Local bus routes also run around Reading's town centre – check Reading Buses for services that stop near Forbury Gardens or Broad Street, both just a short stroll from the Abbey quarter.

If you're driving, Reading is conveniently accessed via the M4 motorway (junctions 10-12) or the A33. Once in town, head towards the riverfront or station area to find the site. Please note there is no parking at the festival site or in the Abbey grounds. Instead, use public parking around the town centre or one of Reading's Park & Ride locations on the outskirts (for example, Green Park or Caversham), then take a short bus into town. Using these options or local multi-storey car parks can save time and hassle on a busy weekend.

By air, the nearest major airport is London Heathrow (about 20 miles / 30 km from Reading). Heathrow is well connected to Reading by rail and road, making it a popular choice. Other London airports include Gatwick (around 50 miles / 80 km) and Luton (around 60 miles / 95 km), each accessible by train via central London. National Express coaches also run to Reading from many UK cities, often stopping near the town centre. Reading itself offers a wide range of accommodation – from hotels and guest houses to serviced apartments – many of which are close to the station or town centre. Since Down at the Abbey events are single-day affairs with no on-site camping, it's wise to book accommodation early so you can stay comfortably nearby and walk to the festival.