Down At The Abbey 2026
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Down at the Abbey 2026
Reading Abbey Ruins
- Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September 2026 -
Gates open: Friday 6pm - 11pm (18+) & Saturday 1pm - 11pm (all ages)
- Witness history in a truly stunning setting -
Two stages of thrilling live music (no clashes) to bring this magical setting to life, free kids’ activities (Saturday only with Jelly), award-winning Siren Craft beer, cider, and more, plus delicious gourmet Street food, all in the spectacular 900-year-old Reading Abbey Ruins.
Friday: Antony Szmierek and Nubiyan Twist & More
Antony Szmierek is a Manchester-based poet, songwriter and producer whose work blends spoken word with indie, electronic and hip-hop influences. Known for his witty, heartfelt storytelling and observations of everyday life, he has built a devoted following through acclaimed releases and captivating live performances. His unique style combines humour, nostalgia and social commentary, making him one of the UK's most distinctive emerging voices.
Nubiyan Twist are a Leeds-based collective blending Afrobeat, jazz, soul and global rhythms into vibrant contemporary music. Founded in 2011, the band are known for dynamic live performances and genre-defying sounds, celebrating cultural diversity through inventive arrangements and infectious energy.
Saturday: Joshua idehen and Ibibio Sound Machine & 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. A celebrated collaborator, he has worked with artists including Sons of Kemet and Nubiyan Twist, bringing lyrical depth, rhythmic flow and powerful storytelling to his performances and recordings.
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.
Friday
NUBIYAN TWIST, KATHRYN JOSEPH, NATHAN FAKE, ROSE REY.
Saturday
JOSHUA IDEHEN, IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE, C DUNCAN, PAIGE KENNEDY, SUNDAUGHTER, THE NEW EVES, THE WAVE PICTURES, ZIYAD AL-SAMMAN (full band)
+ the below artists -
Beatroots Bateria
Dolly and The Clothespegs
Kah’Nya (Friday)
Lost Velvet
Ma Bessie
Readipop XOX Showcase (Fri & Sat)
The Amazing Tiger Band
The Race
Food and drink partners TBA soon.
Down at the Abbey 2026 promises another unforgettable weekend of exceptional live music in the unique surroundings of Reading Abbey Ruins 🏛️
For the latest festival updates, please visit the website.
The Down At The Abbey Festival site is in the Reading town centre and a 5-minute walk from the station or a 2-minute walk from the world-famous Banksy mural.
Come and witness history.
For the latest festival updates, please visit the website.
Festival Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WrxUgLKBWAf9dmzjqycnt?si=y9Nfgdh-S6K-hJYVf_vPAw
The Down At The Abbey Festival site is in the Reading town centre and a 5-minute walk from the station or a 2-minute walk from the world-famous Banksy mural.
Come and witness history.
Info / Tickets on-sale now! Under 10's go free! (all kids must be registered)
For tickets and festival info: www.downattheabbey.co.uk
- Tickets sold subject to capacity and age restrictions. Line-up subject to change. Proof of age may be required. -
Please keep an eye on our socials (@downattheabbey) and website for the latest info: downattheabbey.co.uk
-------
- Festival Background -
The creators of the award-winning Are You Listening? Festival return with the third iteration of Down At The Abbey in the stunning setting of Reading’s Abbey Ruins. After the enourmous success of the festival’s inaugural in 2019, and in the returning years of 2021, 2023 and is back again for 2026!
The Grade 1 listed Reading Abbey Ruins is a venue like no other. King Henry I started the construction of Reading Abbey in 1121 and once built, the great royal abbey was one of the largest monasteries in Europe for some 400 years, housing monks and religious relics including the hand of St James. In 1539, on the orders of King Henry VIII, Reading Abbey was destroyed, the monks were banished, and the Abbot was executed. The oldest piece of English music 'Sumer Is Icumen' dating back 1240 was discovered here.
The Abbey Ruins was re-opened after a 10yr restoration closure in 2018. Down at the Abbey was successfully launched in 2019 and featured artists including BC Camplight, Kathryn Joseph and The Wave Pictures. In 2021 the festival also ran a festival 'Warm Up Party' in the ruins on the Friday before the Saturday. Some of the artists who played in 2021 includes Snapped Ankles, The Comet Is Coming, Los Bitchos and more.
The festival site backs onto the Kennet & Avon Canal and is a short distance from the Banksy mural located at the neighbouring Reading Goal.
----------
downattheabbey.co.uk | @downattheabbey
---------
Support Down at the Abbey founders Heavy Pop by becoming a Friend with Benefits:
heavypop.co.uk/friends-with-benefits
Sign up to our mailer: heavypop.co.uk/#signup
Reading Abbey Ruins
- Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September 2026 -
Gates open: Friday 6pm - 11pm (18+) & Saturday 1pm - 11pm (all ages)
- Witness history in a truly stunning setting -
Two stages of thrilling live music (no clashes) to bring this magical setting to life, free kids’ activities (Saturday only with Jelly), award-winning Siren Craft beer, cider, and more, plus delicious gourmet Street food, all in the spectacular 900-year-old Reading Abbey Ruins.
Friday: Antony Szmierek and Nubiyan Twist & More
Antony Szmierek is a Manchester-based poet, songwriter and producer whose work blends spoken word with indie, electronic and hip-hop influences. Known for his witty, heartfelt storytelling and observations of everyday life, he has built a devoted following through acclaimed releases and captivating live performances. His unique style combines humour, nostalgia and social commentary, making him one of the UK's most distinctive emerging voices.
Nubiyan Twist are a Leeds-based collective blending Afrobeat, jazz, soul and global rhythms into vibrant contemporary music. Founded in 2011, the band are known for dynamic live performances and genre-defying sounds, celebrating cultural diversity through inventive arrangements and infectious energy.
Saturday: Joshua idehen and Ibibio Sound Machine & 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. A celebrated collaborator, he has worked with artists including Sons of Kemet and Nubiyan Twist, bringing lyrical depth, rhythmic flow and powerful storytelling to his performances and recordings.
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.
Friday
NUBIYAN TWIST, KATHRYN JOSEPH, NATHAN FAKE, ROSE REY.
Saturday
JOSHUA IDEHEN, IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE, C DUNCAN, PAIGE KENNEDY, SUNDAUGHTER, THE NEW EVES, THE WAVE PICTURES, ZIYAD AL-SAMMAN (full band)
+ the below artists -
Beatroots Bateria
Dolly and The Clothespegs
Kah’Nya (Friday)
Lost Velvet
Ma Bessie
Readipop XOX Showcase (Fri & Sat)
The Amazing Tiger Band
The Race
Food and drink partners TBA soon.
Down at the Abbey 2026 promises another unforgettable weekend of exceptional live music in the unique surroundings of Reading Abbey Ruins 🏛️
For the latest festival updates, please visit the website.
The Down At The Abbey Festival site is in the Reading town centre and a 5-minute walk from the station or a 2-minute walk from the world-famous Banksy mural.
Come and witness history.
For the latest festival updates, please visit the website.
Festival Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WrxUgLKBWAf9dmzjqycnt?si=y9Nfgdh-S6K-hJYVf_vPAw
The Down At The Abbey Festival site is in the Reading town centre and a 5-minute walk from the station or a 2-minute walk from the world-famous Banksy mural.
Come and witness history.
Info / Tickets on-sale now! Under 10's go free! (all kids must be registered)
For tickets and festival info: www.downattheabbey.co.uk
- Tickets sold subject to capacity and age restrictions. Line-up subject to change. Proof of age may be required. -
Please keep an eye on our socials (@downattheabbey) and website for the latest info: downattheabbey.co.uk
-------
- Festival Background -
The creators of the award-winning Are You Listening? Festival return with the third iteration of Down At The Abbey in the stunning setting of Reading’s Abbey Ruins. After the enourmous success of the festival’s inaugural in 2019, and in the returning years of 2021, 2023 and is back again for 2026!
The Grade 1 listed Reading Abbey Ruins is a venue like no other. King Henry I started the construction of Reading Abbey in 1121 and once built, the great royal abbey was one of the largest monasteries in Europe for some 400 years, housing monks and religious relics including the hand of St James. In 1539, on the orders of King Henry VIII, Reading Abbey was destroyed, the monks were banished, and the Abbot was executed. The oldest piece of English music 'Sumer Is Icumen' dating back 1240 was discovered here.
The Abbey Ruins was re-opened after a 10yr restoration closure in 2018. Down at the Abbey was successfully launched in 2019 and featured artists including BC Camplight, Kathryn Joseph and The Wave Pictures. In 2021 the festival also ran a festival 'Warm Up Party' in the ruins on the Friday before the Saturday. Some of the artists who played in 2021 includes Snapped Ankles, The Comet Is Coming, Los Bitchos and more.
The festival site backs onto the Kennet & Avon Canal and is a short distance from the Banksy mural located at the neighbouring Reading Goal.
----------
downattheabbey.co.uk | @downattheabbey
---------
Support Down at the Abbey founders Heavy Pop by becoming a Friend with Benefits:
heavypop.co.uk/friends-with-benefits
Sign up to our mailer: heavypop.co.uk/#signup
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Where is it happening?
Abbey Ruins Reading, Abtei der Kluniazenser, Abbots Walk, Reading, RG1 3BD, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherDown at the Abbey Festival
