The Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading

Live music at The Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading

Quick Facts

➖ Independent community arts venue in Reading (Silver Street)
➖ Strong focus on live music events
➖ Hosts regular open mic nights and music showcases
➖ Organises the annual Here Comes The Sun festival
➖ Actively supports and employs local artists from Reading and Berkshire

In the heart of Reading, the Rising Sun Arts Centre stands as one of the town’s most characterful spaces for live music. Housed in a historic building on Silver Street, this independent arts venue pulses with grassroots energy. Most importantly, it provides a committed platform for local artists performing live music, week after week.

The programme leans into variety. One night you might find an intimate acoustic session; the next, a full-band showcase or collaborative performance. Regular fixtures such as open mic nights invite emerging musicians to test new material in front of an engaged crowd. Meanwhile, curated events and themed evenings spotlight original songwriting, genre-blending acts and community collaborations.

A key part of the venue’s identity is its support for developing talent. Through recurring music showcases and artist meet-ups, the Centre actively employs and promotes local performers from Reading and the wider Berkshire area. As a result, audiences experience fresh sounds alongside familiar faces. The atmosphere feels inclusive and creative rather than commercial.

Larger highlights also shape the calendar. For example, the annual Here Comes The Sun festival transforms the venue into a multi-stage celebration of live performance. Across the day, audiences move between sets, discovering new acts and reconnecting with established local favourites. In addition, special ticketed events and tribute evenings add contrast to the weekly rhythm of gigs.

The setting itself enhances the experience. The historic interior gives performances a sense of character, yet the focus never drifts from the stage. Sound, connection and community lead the story here. Whether you come for a stripped-back singer-songwriter set or an energetic ensemble performance, the Rising Sun Arts Centre keeps live music at its core.

More live music listed on www.berkshireartistree.co.uk