Down at the Abbey returns to Reading with two nights of live music

Reading Abbey Ruins will once again provide a spectacular backdrop for Down at the Abbey, with emerging artists, local favourites, family activities and great food transforming the historic site this September.

The 900-year-old setting of Reading Abbey Ruins will once again host the up-to-the-minute sounds of live music as Down at the Abbey returns on September 11th and 12th 2026.

The site where the oldest piece of English music was discovered in 1420, Sumer Is Icumen, will over two days welcome two stages of thrilling music – no clashes – bringing the historic surroundings to life with some of the best local, national and international emerging artists.

The event attracts a family friendly and like-minded audience congregating in the inspiring 900-year-old Ruins, illuminated after dark. In addition to the music, Saturday offers kids’ activities with delicious gourmet street food, award-winning Siren Craft beer, cider and more to enjoy over the two days.

Among those performing on Friday are Antony Szmierek, a former English teacher who has been known to leap into crowds and has been compared to Mike Skinner and Jarvis Cocker. Nubiyan Twist bring their electrifying blend of jazz, afrobeat, soul, hip-hop and dance music to the stage with a brand new line-up and live show for 2026. Kah’Nya is a Zimbabwean born artist whose voice carries the spirit of southern African alternative and indie pop.

Saturday is jam packed with a line up including British-born Nigerian spoken word artist Joshua Idehen, multi-instrumentalist C Duncan brings indie folk and orchestral pop and expect a ritualistic mash-up of folksong, yelping punk and mesmeric drone from The New Eves.

Beatroots Bateria is a long-running community samba drumming group based in Reading and run by Readipop. Reading’s own Ma Bessie (Julia Titus) comes home to the abbey ruins with a set of soulful songs, including her original tribute to the king who rests beneath. Fellow homegrown musicians Sundaughter entertain with their dreamy textures and indie rock band The Race make a welcome return.

Also featuring on both nights is XOX, a heritage and innovation programme lead by Readipop music charity, “preserving iconic vintage synths and drum machines while building a creative community through workshops, events and Electronic Music Open Mics nights”.

For full details on all the acts taking part please see downattheabbey.co.uk/line-up-2026/

For 2026, Down at the Abbey is continuing to offer free entry for under 11s, low-priced Young Person (11-17 yrs) and is introducing a new Young Adult (18-25 yrs) ticket.

Ticket details and to buy at downattheabbey.gigantic.com/down-at-the-abbey-tickets-gcmp/575882999

The festival site backs onto the Kennet & Avon Canal and is a short distance from the Banksy mural located at the neighbouring Reading Gaol.

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