DAYS OUT LOCALLY

A brand stonking new event from the masterminds behind the magical Solstice at The Mount, introducing: Equinox at Wasing (20 – 22 September). The one-off, two day celebration will see in the new season with mesmerizing music, evocative talks, nature connection, wild swimming and woodland sauna.⁠ No better way to say C’est la vie to summer if you ask us. The legendary Fireside Sessions are not to be missed.

It’s all happening at the Windsor Festival (now – 1 Oct) this year. Expect spectacular musical performances at St George’s Chapel, child-friendly opera shows, historical walks, a talk from Theresa May and Lady Carnarvon, plus a drop in or two from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. All popping up at various spellbinding venues around Windsor.

Classic and Retro Car Show at Beale Park, Pangbourne

Zoom into the fun for the stellar Classic & Retro Show at Beale Park (29 Sep) in Pangbourne with good food, marvellous motors, and a resident DJ playing all the tunes. You don’t have to be an all out petrol head to enjoy this brilliant showcase. With fun for all the family, the kids will love the bouncy castles, slides, and face painting, plus there’s free radio-controlled truck racing (adults, you won’t be able to resist) with trophies for the winners, and free garden games like croquet and Jenga.

Newbury Show (21-22 Sep) will be pitching up once again for more agricultural delight, rural crafts, and plenty of sheep shearing. Overflowing with fun for young, old, and everything in between, you will find local artisan foods in the famed food tent (see you there!), horsey displays, and the ever popular grand parade of livestock. With more going on than you can swing a chicken at, boredom certainly won’t be on the cards.

Ready, set, GO! Cheer from the side-lines or clamber your way to the finish line as you dart around the gorgeous Great Windsor Park. Up for taking on the challenge of the Windsor Half Marathon? (29 Sep). Entries close on the 28 September.

FOOD & DRINK

Milaanj at The Beehive is one of the coolest new openings in Berkshire, serving a funfair fusion of British gastropub classics, elevated with Indian flavours. Catch their next foodie event on 25 Sep. Taste of Fall Season will be a tasting menu extravaganza costing £75pp. More details coming soon.

Over at Muddy faves Goat on the Roof, there’s lots happening this September. Their Wines of the Camino Portuguese night takes place 19 Sep – exploring wines of coastal Spain & Portugal (minus the walking boots). Then there’s Ancient Land, Pastures New (30 Sep), a celebration of the first book by local vineyard owner Christopher Cooke. Wine involved, obvs.

You can never have enough wine (or cheese for that matter). Make a month of it at Cobbs Farm Shop in Englefield for their Wine & Cheese Tasting (27 Sep) hosted by wine experts, Bancroft Wines. £40pp.

Remember, remember, the end of September – something you’ll unlikely be doing at the series of Oktoberfest celebrations cropping up across the county. Start at Siren Craft Brew on 28 Sep where there will be a big ole knees up with street food and a vintage vehicle day nearby. Renegade Brewery’s festivities are on the same day with traditional German food, axe throwing, live music, and plenty of beer. Finally Double Barrelled bring Oktoberfest to Reading across two days (27 & 28 Sep) of all out hoppy shenanigans. Live music, games, and steins aplenty – time to break out the lederhosen!

For something on the upper end of the classy scale, The Vineyard always has it going on. All eyes are on the Meet the Pros – Wiltshire Truffles & Prunotto evening (25 Sep) where a delicious three course meal paired with wine awaits. £89pp.

And if you thought there wasn’t enough grape juice action going on this month, Thames Valley Wine School has you covered. From reds to cheese pairings and entire wine tasting courses (sign me up), there’s something for everyone. Check out this month’s offerings here.

COMEDY

The highly popular The Comedy Cellar is back at South Hill Park 20 Sep to 13 Dec for their weekly Friday night bash. Four acts will grace the stage each week with previous big names including Al Murray, Eddie Izzard, Greg Davies, Sarah Millican, Micky Flanagan, Katherine Ryan, Jack Whitehall and Russell Howard to name a few (wowza). The Comedy Cellar is the longest running Comedy Club in the UK outside of London and is in its 36th year of side-splitting fun. It’s no surprise it’s often a sell-out. Book early people.

It’s the second oldest fringe festival (after Edinburgh, obvs) and showcases new talent in music, dance, comedy, drama and art. Windsor Fringe (20 Sep – 12 Oct) is back with another eclectic programme, plus the sought-after Kenneth Branagh Drama Writing Award is returning. Stay tuned for the line up.

Ridiculous things always happen to Harriet Kemsley, but this year it’s out of control. In this new show, multi award-winning Harriet talks break-ups, sloths and trying to think positively while everything descends into absolute chaos. Hard relate. 16+. See her at South Street Reading on 19 Sep. Also in Reading, catch Max Fosh at The Hexagon on 23 Sep.

STAGE

A remote island setting, mysterious disappearances, and creepy dolls are just a few of the things you can expect to see in the adaptation of Berkshire author Rebecca Netley’s award-winning novel, The Whistling (27 Sep – 16 Nov). Set to apparate in all its ghoulish glory at The Mill at Sonning theatre this autumn for a huge 7-week run, this is a world premiere you won’t want to miss. Just don’t blame us if things go bump in the night. Psst, you can check out our chin-wag with Rebecca here.

Richard Jones, The Military Illusionist, captivated the nation’s heart and mind, earning his spot as the first and only magician to conquer the stage of Britain’s Got Talent. Now, he’s bringing his wondrous tricks to Berkshire this autumn. Prepare to be amazed. VIP tickets with meet-and-greet and 30 mins of close up magic also available at The Corn Exchange Newbury on 19 Sep.

Join author and comedian Marc Burrows on a journey through the life and work of Sir Terry Pratchett on 21 Sep at South Hill Park, based on his Locus Award-winning biography and officially endorsed by the author’s estate. It’s an all out celebration of Pratchett’s life, influences, impact, wit and wisdom, from his days as a school librarian to his time as a trainee journalist to his untimely death from Alzheimers in 2015.

The productions at The Watermill Theatre are always riveting, and The King’s Speech (20 Sep – 2 Nov) will be no exception. This new production of David Seidler’s play takes an intimate view of one of life’s most unorthodox relationships between Bertie, the soon-to-be-crowned King George VI, and speech therapist Lionel Logue. As Hitler’s threat on Europe encroaches, Bertie fights his own battle to overcome his speech impediment at the time his country needs him most. Suitable for 12+.

Things to do locally this September? How about this Dolly Parton tribute night at Rising Sun Arts Centre in Reading? This rags-to-rhinestones country girl is a global phenomenon and for good reason. On the night you’ll hear a variety of performers take on Dolly’s iconic songs, each played in different ways. Expect faithful renditions and a few surprises along the way. Free, but donations collected at the interval. On 21 Sep.

BOOKS

henley literary festival — Credit: Scarlet Page / Henley Literary Festival

For a little town, Henley really punches above its weight with the glittery line up of world class authors it attracts to the Henley Literary Festival (28 Sep – 6 Oct) each Autumn. This year, it’s a whopper. Book your tickets now to see some big names, including Jacqueline Wilson, David Nicholls, Rupert Everett, Shirley Ballas, Bella Mackie, Damien Lewis, Michael Palin, and SO much more. Some talks are already sold out so go, go, go.

Bookworms rejoice! There’s even more bookish action with the hotly anticipated Cliveden Literary Festival (21 – 22 Sep). It’s set to be one of its best years yet with a star-studded line-up including Salman Rushdie, Rachel Weisz, Ian McEwan, and Tom Holland. Expect mind-bending intellectual literary talks, meet and greet opportunities, and plenty of bubbles to go around this autumn. With a setting as gorgeous as Cliveden, you’ll be feeling like a Georgian Duchess destined for a run in with Lord Bridgeton himself.

hungerford bookshop events berkshire author events

In addition to the cosy autumn literary festivals coming our way, beeline to Hungerford Bookshop for a stellar lineup of guests. There’s Sonia Purnell on 18 Sep, Sarah Steele & Mandy Robotham on 24 Sep, and Tim Spicer on 9 Oct.

Over at Waterstones Reading, you can enjoy the In-Conversation with T.M. Logan and Victoria Selman on 25 Sep, set to be a thrilling evening discussing the author’s page-turning new novels.

CRAFTY & WELLBEING

I’m obsessed with the workshops at new pottery barn Charlotte Manser Ceramics Studios in South Fawley. I went to the pottery and flower arranging day in June and it was just fabulous. Book fast if you want to secure a space on her Pottery and Yoga Weekend Retreat (27 – 29 Sep) or Pottery and Sound Ceremony Day Retreat (22 Sep).

Did someone say full moon swimming? Yep. And it’s happening at Bray Lake Watersports on Thur 19 Sep, 7.45pm – 8.45pm. A night swim in the light of a full moon will be made even more magical with the inclusion of glow sticks for every brave paddler who takes part. £10pp. Book here. When it’s full, it’s full.

CULTURE

Art in the Garden, Savill Garden Windsor, Great Windsor Park

Ogle your way around the gorgeous grounds of Savill Garden in Windsor (now – 31 Oct) and marvel at the eye-catching sculptures made in a variety of mediums, materials, and styles. This year’s theme at Art in the Garden is inspired by the natural world. And if you want to take one home? Well, you’re in luck because they’re all for sale.

Head to Shaw House for a breath of fresh air and a saunter around some more artwork. Their Open Air Sculpture Exhibition is on until Sun 29 Sep where you’ll find The Orangery Lawn littered with artworks by acclaimed sculptors. Perhaps a bit of eye candy for the garden too – they are all for sale. Dogs on leads welcome. Entry free.

Want to get ahead of the game? Fill your autumn with the very best of Berkshire’s cultural goings-on with our guide to the best theatre, comedy, music, and days out locally.

OOPS… YOU MISSED IT!

If Woodstock was all about wellness, it would look a little bit like this. No sore heads the next day here though. Mindset Unlimited Festival is taking place on Saturday 14 September at Elms Field in Wokingham – an entire day dedicated solely to your wellbeing with 5 stages of amazing events and activities for adults and children. We’re talking yoga, soundbaths, meditation, ecstatic dance, and lots, lots more. Read our interview with founders Alex and Matt before grabbing your tickets here.

Strap in for Eton’s biggest charity fundraiser of the year – the Eton Action Fair! Taking place on Sat 14 Sep, the college grounds with be transformed into a funfair of games, stalls, rides, crafts, a petting zoo, inflatables, music performances, and lots of street food. All to raise money for a handful of worthy causes.

The Big Ascot Food & Wine Festival, Ascot Racecourse things to do berkshire this autumn whats on locally

Street food, free-flowing drinks, and a top card of racing? It’s officially peaked, people. Canter down to Ascot Racecourse for The Big Ascot Food & Wine Festival (6 – 7 Sep). It’s two days of late summer action with food stalls, Chapel Down wine tasting, BBQ displays, live-cooking demos with Michelin-starred chefs (Adam Smith of Coworth Park!), and live music. Tickets from £30, under 18s go free.

Mary Poppins eat your heart out – Norden Farm is hosting a Kite Festival (1 Sep) at Boyn Grove Park for the frequent (or not so frequent) flyers out there. Take the kids and take to the skies for a day of kite-flying fun. There will be food vendors, live music, and the option to buy a kite decorating kit on the day too.

Henley-On-Thames, the Illuminated Boat Parade

Just over the border in Henley-On-Thames, the Illuminated Boat Parade will be lighting up the waters on 14 Sep. Last year nearly 50 boats and 40 paddleboards took part, all vying to take home the coveted ‘best in parade’ award with their crazy, creative decorations. A dazzling night out for the whole family.

One of 101 Outdoor Art’s most spectacular events Ablaze (13 – 15 Sep) is back with a bang to celebrate 10 whole years of stunning local art and culture. Set to light up the Kennet and Avon Canal with spectacular fire sculptures by legendary French company Carabosse and live music, this isn’t one to miss. Oh, and it’s totally free! Just remember to book your slot. The route starts at West Mills swing bridge and ends at Victoria Park, taking around 30-60 minutes to complete.

Following Running Up That Hill‘s viral revitalisation after appearing in Netflix’s Stranger Things, Kate Bush has been all the rage this past year. So why not relive all the classics with An Evening Without Kate Bush performed by Sarah-Louise Young at South Hill Park in Bracknell (15 Sep)? It was an Edinburgh Fringe Fest fave, and a guaranteed good time.

The Festival of Arts and Crafts, The Base Greenham

Pop the confetti cannon, it’s an arty party in Newbury! A celebration of all things arts and crafts takes over for two weeks for The Festival of Arts and Crafts (7 – 21 Sep), with a Fair (Sat 7 & Sun 8 Sep only), creative Taster Workshops and a stunning Festival of Art Exhibition featuring local artists’ work. Tasters include silk screening, pottery throwing, macramé, decoupage, oil painting, and more. But book, stat.

A number of Heritage Open Days will be taking place across Berkshire between 6-15 Sep this month. And the best part – it’s all free. Shaw House will be opening its doors for various exhibitions and tours, as will Taplow Court Garden. Over at beautiful Basildon Park, entry fees will be waived. The perfect way to pack the kids off into the fresh air.

Saucy September! What’s on in Berkshire this month

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