Where to Play in Reading: Venues That Book Live Music

Reading's live music scene runs deeper than its festival reputation suggests. Between the town centre and its surrounding neighbourhoods, working musicians will find 12 bookable venues: 4 theatres, 3 cultural centres, 2 clubs, 2 event venues and 1 pub. Rooms range from grassroots stages like the Purple Turtle and Sub89 to community-driven spaces such as the Rising Sun Arts Centre and South Street Arts Centre, up to larger seated halls like The Hexagon. Each listing on this page includes direct contact details, so you can pitch the person who actually handles bookings instead of sending messages into a generic inbox. No venue guarantees a reply, and programming policies vary, but a short, targeted email with your links and available dates remains the most reliable way to get considered. Use the list below to plan your outreach in Reading.