What to expect from Down At The Abbey
In 2019, the award-winning team behind Are you Listening? Festival launched a music festival in the stunning 900-year-old Reading Abbey Ruins: Down at the Abbey. The festival returns for its third edition on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 September 2023.
Two stages of thrilling live music (no band clashes) bring this magical setting to life. Siren Craft Brew provide their award-winning craft beers and ciders, and there is always the finest selection of gourmet street food, coffee, cocktails and more to delight your senses. All in the spectacular, 900 year old Reading Abbey Ruins.
Friday headliner: The Comet Is Coming
The Comet Is Coming are an acclaimed London-based cosmic trio that incorporates elements of jazz, electronica, funk, and psychedelic rock, with a love of all things outer space, science fiction, and B-movies. The group were Mercury Prize nominated for their debut album 'Channel the Spirits'. Friday is an 18 plus event with the site open from 18:00.
Saturday headliner: BC Camplight
BC Camplight returns to Down at the Abbey to headline Saturday evening and will be performing material off his new album, The Last Rotation Of Earth, (out 12 May via Bella Union - John Grant, The Flaming Lips). The Last Rotation of Earth is featured in The Guardian's 'Best albums of 2023 so far' and his last album Shortly After Takeoff' was called “A masterpiece,” by The Guardian and given a 5-star review.
Saturday is a family-friendly day event opening at 13:00. Teen tickets are available, kids 10 years old and younger go free, plus there will be free kids activities hosted by Reading arts charity Jelly.
More information
- Lineup artists 2023
- Festival Playlist
- Get tickets and more information at Down At The Abbey website.
When is Down At The Abbey
The Down At The Abbey festival is on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 September 2023.
How to get to Down At The Abbey
The Down At The Abbey Festival site is in Reading town centre, a five minute walk from Reading station or a two minute walk from the world-famous Banksy mural.
