What to expect at Down at the Abbey
Down at the Abbey returns for its fourth edition to the stunning 900-year-old Reading Abbey Ruins on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September 2026.
Just a five-minute walk from Reading train station, two stages of thrilling live music (no band clashes) bring this magical setting to life. Siren Craft Brew provide their award-winning craft beers; there will also be cider, non-alcoholic drinks including beers and mocktails plus a selection of local independent food stalls to delight your senses.
This intimate, family friendly event also features free children’s activities. As dusk falls the Ruins are illuminated to create a spectacular backdrop for the event. The event is a series of one-day events and are timed to finish to catch last trains back home for those who are not staying in the local area.
Friday 11 September: Antony Szmierek, Nubiyan Twist and many more
Antony Szmierek is a Manchester-based poet, songwriter and producer whose work blends spoken word with indie, electronic and hip-hop influences. The former English teacher had been working at a college for special needs students when his blend of spoken word and dance music started taking off, earning him accolades such as 6Music’s Artist of the Year, and frequent comparisons to Mike Skinner, Jarvis Cocker and John Cooper Clarke. Anthony has recently been on tour supporting The Streets, and his new album Decoding Birdsongs is out in August.
Nubiyan Twist are a Leeds-based collective blending Afrobeat, jazz, soul and global rhythms into vibrant contemporary music. Following their acclaimed collaborations with musical icons including Nile Rogers and Fatoumata Diawara, the band continue to push boundaries uniting cultures, generations and genres through music that celebrates connection, freedom and groove. They are now one of the UK’s most respected live acts, and have earned MOBO and AIM Award nominations, sold-out tours and praise from Rolling Stone.
Saturday 12 September: Joshua Idehen, Ibibio Sound Machine and many more
Joshua Idehen is a Nigerian-born, London-based poet, vocalist and songwriter known for his distinctive blend of jazz, soul, spoken word and electronic music. His new album I Know You’re Hurting, Everyone Is Hurting, Everyone Is Trying, You Have Got To Try featured the viral hit Mum Does The Washing. Joshua’s April UK tour was entirely sold out in advance, and his music soundtracked the worldwide Apple Airpod advert starting Brazil and Real Madrid World Cup star Vinicius Junior.
Ibibio Sound Machine are a London-based collective blending West African rhythms, electronic production, funk, disco and post-punk influences. Led by Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams, the band create energetic, genre-defying music that celebrates cultural fusion, dancefloor innovation and the vibrant sounds of global traditions. Their discography spans five critically acclaimed albums that showcase their evolution from afro-electronic innovators to dancefloor commanders. They’ve performed around the globe including high profile sets at Glastonbury, WOMAD, Wilderness, 6Music Festival, Green Man, Rock En Seine, and many more, as well as supporting Coldplay at Wembley Stadium, and appearing on Later…With Jools Holland twice. Their sixth album will be released later in the weekend of Down at the Abbey!
When is Down at the Abbey?
Down at The Abbey festival is on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September 2026.
How to get to Down at the Abbey
Down at The Abbey is located in the 900-year-old Abbey Ruins in Reading town centre, a five-minute walk from Reading train station or a two-minute walk from the world-famous Banksy mural.
More Information about Down at the Abbey
- Friday 11 September: Doors at 17:00. Event close 23:00. Ages 11 and above (with adult)
- Saturday 12 September: Doors at 12:00. Event close 23:00. All ages (with adult)
- Saturday is a family-friendly day event opening at 12:00. Under 11s go free (ticket registration required), plus there will be free kids activities hosted by Reading arts charity Jelly.
Get tickets and more information at the Down at the Abbey website.