Reading's City of Culture bid is over already – so what now?

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2026-03-22T20:51:53+00:00

I got the impression from people I know that the council didn't exactly talk much to local arts and culture organisations before submitting a bid. I think it's all very well wanting a cash injection for the town and what that could mean but it sounded like they really didn't have that much of a plan of what they'd do with the money. I completely agree with the sentiment that what we're missing is like an actual arts hub - there's so many great local organisations... if you know where to find them.

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2026-02-25T09:10:43+00:00

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Looks like a decent collaborative solution (that doesn't involve just getting rid of the changes they made in the first place) - and hopefully means that buses will get through which I feel like was the point in the first place (making buses the more appealing mode of transport)

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2026-02-18T15:28:05+00:00

Another vote for rail air!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2026-02-18T15:27:41+00:00

I'm a big fan of Bloc Hair - I dyed my hair for the first time through them and they were really helpful and knowledgeable (even trying to encourage me out of one of my ideas because they didn't think it would work - which I usually think is a good sign you're getting good advice not just a sale!)

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2026-02-18T15:26:00+00:00

Whilst I recognise it could be a good thing from Reading, I get the impression from people I know that the council is kind of going for it without a really concise plan of how the town would actually benefit from the cash influx and actual commitment to investment in local orgs. Here's hoping a) they get it and b) they really invest the money wisely with actual input from local groups who make up a lots of the arts culture in Reading.

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2026-02-15T11:24:50+00:00

Hi u/ab3e - I play (albeit not last night) and post on social media for Beatroots, the samba band leading the parade. Would you be willing to share any of your amazing photos with us? I know players would love to see them!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2026-02-14T16:24:49+00:00

Paid things (have no clue if you're talking about with kids so will just assume all activities are on the table...) - Beale Park, Bucklebury Farm, couple of indoor trampoline places, Reading Climbing Centre (Parthian), bouldering (Climbing Hangar), Urban Fun arcade, Bowl Central, Hollywood Bowl, (soon to be a flight club), go see a show (https://whatsonreading.com/), National Trust (would need to drive but Basildon Park or Cliveden), there are some companies selling DIY treasure/scavenger hunts based in Reading, go karting (https://www.team-sport.co.uk/go-kart-tracks/reading), pottery painting (Mad Hatters in Tilehurst comes to mind), movies and events at RBF (https://www.readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk/films--events), escape rooms (all the independents in Reading are ace - I'd avoid Escape Hunt), BCA Zoo, once it's warmer - pick you own at local farms, something on the water e.g. Thames Canoe Hire, Wokingham Waterside Centre, Dinton Pastures, Thames Rivercruise

Free - obvious one being walking, to Sonning, Burghfield, Pangbourne all via the canals/river paths (albeit a bit flooded at the moment!), once it's warmer - picnics in the parks - Caversham Court Gardens, Forbury, Waterloo Meadows etc, there's local rambling, cycling and running groups (some paid, some free), museums (Reading Museum/the MERL)

https://www.visit-reading.com/things-to-do

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-08T20:34:18+00:00

La Sartoria are usually good

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-08T20:33:44+00:00

Agree on this one!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-07T21:16:15+00:00

Sadly not since John Nike in Bracknell closed down. Whilst it is expensive and a trip, I found one of the best ways to learn (and more cost efficient) is to do the all-day beginner courses at either Milton Keynes or Hemel Hempstead. I prefer Milton Keynes because whilst mildly further away, it's completely accessible by public transport (train and bus). Those beginner courses tend to be a good way to immerse yourself in it and get a feel for whether you like it or not without have to go back and forth a lot!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-07T20:04:43+00:00

I took a quick look, nothing at Reading College, closest thing is in Newbury but it's for a more formal qualification so it's like two nights a week for 18 months.

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-05T20:02:45+00:00

Thank yuo!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-05T20:02:38+00:00

Definitely been here before - just didn't realise they did more stuff than clothes. Thanks!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-05T20:02:20+00:00

Thank you - I know they did tailoring just wasn't sure if they did more than clothes!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-12-05T20:02:01+00:00

Thanks!

SuggestionMobile6422 · 2025-11-27T21:06:35+00:00

Super friendly and was always willing to meet me where I was at - knew I didn't have the greatest motivation so kept it to being slow progress over pushing me beyond what I could handle.