What's on in Reading this month

Spring may not have entirely sprung as we write this, but it’s very much on the way – and reflected in the vast number of events and activities springing up all over Reading in March! We’ve got mini music festivals, choral concerts, cracking comedy and so much more. So check out our highlights of What’s On in Reading in March – and, as always, don’t forget to check whatsonreading.com for so much more!

Spring Choral Concerts – various dates

Reading’s choirs are in full voice this month with a some wonderful spring concerts bookending the month. On 1 March, choose from Reading Bach Choir and their Midwinter Songs or Reading Phoenix Choir celebrating Bob Chilcott. And on 29 March, it’s an Easter programme for Pangbourne Choral Society or the chance to Come And Sing Handel’s Messiah with Reading Phoenix Choir.

Top Tributes – various dates

Even better than the real thing? There’s plenty of top tribute action all month long, with top touring shows and local musicians all paying tribute to some of the best artists of all time, including Elvis Presley (twice!), Tina Turner, Nina Simone, AC/DC and The Ramones, plus shows celebrating the music of punk, country and the Shrek soundtracks!

Anton Du Beke at the Musicals – 4 March

Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, takes to the stage performing songs and dances from some of his favourite musicals. Expect a glamorous evening from classic West End and Broadway shows with Anton, his live band, singers and dancers!

Cracking Comedy – various dates

There’s some big name comedians coming to town this month, with stand-up shows from the likes of Larry Dean (5 March), John Bishop (6 & 7 March), Paul Chowdhry (14 March), Richard Herring (20 March) and a work-in-progress show from Suzi Ruffell. Plus, improv from The Comedy Store Players on 1 March and Reading’s own Mad Monkey Improv on 7 March, as well as our local comedy clubs too!

Lillies On The Land – 6-8 March

Shinfield Players Theatre present this play about four women who join the Women's Land Army during World War II, based on interviews and letters from the original 'Land Girls' as well as songs from the 1940s. The play is a tribute to the women of the "Forgotten Army", and a revealing, funny, and moving portrait of Britain's unsung heroes.

Big Birthday Celebrations – various dates

Two Reading institutions will be celebrating their birthdays this month. On 8 & 9 March, Blue Collar mark three years of Blue Collar Corner and nine years of serving up superb street food with a weekend packed with big eats and big beats! And on 28 March it’s the Club Velocity Birthday Party, celebrating 22 years of top-tier gigs with another top-tier gig headlined by local legend Ben Marwood.

Heroic Heroes & Super Stories – 8 March

Broad Street Mall host an action-packed World Book Day celebration where kids can meet the nation’s favourite high-tech hero and one of Earth’s mightiest warriors at intervals throughout the day! Plus, enjoy thrilling superhero storytelling sessions and show off your best heroic costumes for a chance to win prizes!

March Of The Mods Reading 2025 – 8 March

The annual celebration of Mod music that raises money for Teenage Cancer Trust returns to the Face Bar – and you can expect to see many-a Vespa in the car park! The line-up boasts some of our town’s best Mod and Mod-adjacent bands like The Collective AKA and The Highwasters split across two stages.

Top talks – various dates

Want to spend an evening in the company of someone with plenty of tales to tell? There are three such events this month with a varied line-up of raconteurs with even more varied stories and anecdotes. At The Hexagon, there’s Rick Stein on 10 March and Ben Fogle on 31 March, while on 19 March it’s the University of Reading’s annual Edith Morley lecture with alumnus and Olympian Mathilda Hodgkins-Byrne.

Alabama 3 – 13 March

Emerging out of the haze of the late 1980s South London acid house squat scene, their pioneering combination of soulful, bluesy country rock with the irresistible pulse of techno gave them a sound all of their own. And this month, The Alabama 3 return to Sub89 with a celebration of albums Exile On Coldharbour Lane and La Peste plus The Greatest Hits!

Berkshire Music Trust Junior Music Festival: A Night at the Movies – 24-28 March

Across five evenings at The Hexagon, Berkshire Music Trust will host over 2000 pupils from West Berkshire and Reading, to sing songs and themes from favourite movies - from Matilda to the Magic Flute - and favourite snacks - from Wonka's Chocolate to Oliver's Food, Glorious Food!  Sit back, relax and enjoy some Popcorn!

Jason Donovan: Doin’ Fine 25 – 29 March

Jason Donovan returns to The Hexagon with his latest tour, a spectacular celebration of his remarkable career in music, theatre, film and TV. This show promises to be a musical feast of a night of unforgettable tunes, featuring a dynamic selection of Jason's most beloved songs from stage shows such as ‘Joseph’, ‘Priscilla’, ‘Rocky Horror’ and ‘Grease’  to nods to his TV work like Neighbours and Strictly and of course his biggest pop hits like ‘Especially For You’, “Too Many Broken Hearts’ ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Sealed with a Kiss’.

Big Kid Circus: Kingdom of Kong  27 - 30 March

Celebrate 20 years of thrills with Big Kid Circus! Enjoy non-stop action, daring stunts, and hilarious clown antics, plus the all-female Globe of Death and the awe-inspiring 30-foot King Kong! There's a huge array of circus talent on display that will thrill the whole family.