The world famous Club Velocity New Year's Party is back to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023!

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

Drawing can be relaxing, but sometimes it's hard to decide what to draw and easy to worry about how to draw it!

You’re invited to Anita Oui's Suspenders 

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

Independent Venue Week (IVW) is the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and wo

Independent Venue Week (IVW) is the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and wo

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Ahead of the 

An exhibition at the Rising Sun curated by volunteer and artist Emeline Nevers-White.

An exhibition at the Rising Sun curated by volunteer and artist Emeline Nevers-White.

An exhibition at the Rising Sun curated by volunteer and artist Emeline Nevers-White.

Relax and clear your mind with Meditation

Secluded Bronte are Adam Bohman, Jonathan Bohman and Richard Thomas.

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

Regular tap dance classes from Tuesdays: 21 Feb - 28 Mar

Fast Beginners' class: £60 for 6 weeks (£10 per session) 7.30 till 8.30pm

Book a class and try it out before you commit!

After the huge success of In Malcolm We Trust Number 11, 2023 back in its regular slot! This is an evening celebrating the birthday of Malcolm Unwin... hooray!

Drawing can be relaxing, but sometimes it's hard to decide what to draw and easy to worry about how to draw it!

Relax and clear your mind with Meditation

Regular tap dance classes from Tuesdays: 21 Feb - 28 Mar

Fast Beginners' class: £60 for 6 weeks (£10 per session) 7.30 till 8.30pm

Book a class and try it out before you commit!

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Regular tap dance classes from Tuesdays: 21 Feb - 28 Mar

Fast Beginners' class: £60 for 6 weeks (£10 per session) 7.30 till 8.30pm

Book a class and try it out before you commit!

Regular tap dance classes from Tuesdays: 21 Feb - 28 Mar

Fast Beginners' class: £60 for 6 weeks (£10 per session) 7.30 till 8.30pm

Book a class and try it out before you commit!

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

Regular tap dance classes from Tuesdays: 21 Feb - 28 Mar

Fast Beginners' class: £60 for 6 weeks (£10 per session) 7.30 till 8.30pm

Book a class and try it out before you commit!

Drawing can be relaxing, but sometimes it's hard to decide what to draw and easy to worry about how to draw it!

Regular tap dance classes from Tuesdays: 21 Feb - 28 Mar

Fast Beginners' class: £60 for 6 weeks (£10 per session) 7.30 till 8.30pm

Book a class and try it out before you commit!

Club Velocity will be 20 years old on March 31st 2023.

You’re invited to Anita Oui's Suspenders

That's right, we're excited to announce that Anita Oui is taking over the Rising Sun again on Sat 1st April!

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

New Term Begins Tuesday 18th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Non Canon, stage name of Bristol-based songwriter Barry Dolan, and poet Suzannah Evans have been friends since they met on their first day of university in 2001 and bonded over a shared love of Idl

New Term Begins Tuesday 18th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Club Velocity presents... The Snags/Horse Rock/Alan Caruso

The Snags
Lords of UK garage punk rock.The Benson sound for the masses.First gig in years.They are back

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. Relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

New Term Begins Tuesday 18th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

submerge yourself in queer art, film and performance at the rising sun arts centre!

We're delighted to once again be part of the multi-venue Are You Listening? Festival, celebrating it's mammoth 10th anniversary this year!

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. Relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

New Term Begins Tuesday 18th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

An exhibition of handmade books by The Move Up Project

With special guests ZAP Publishing

Thursday 11 May 2023

11am - 2pm

Café refreshments

A selection of Mary Riley’s altered books will be exhibited on the ground floor main room of the centre.

Learn about altered books, and start one of your own at this mixed media workshop. All materials, including old books to use, are provided.

Bookface Chapter 14 - Artists' Book Fair

Saturday 13 May, 11am - 4pm.

We're bringing you the best of our spring and summer time acts for this unique show!

Learn to Use Storytelling, Technology, and Social Media to Promote Your Craft!

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. Relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

New Term Begins Tuesday 18th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

The Bad Worm himself has curated a selection of some of Reading's finest and most outrageous punk music for your listening pleasure.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

New Term Begins Tuesday 18th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Bringing Seán McGowan back to the Rising Sun with full band!

Seán McGowan

Our sincere apologies that this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Doors open at 10:30am for teas and chats, the Assembly begins at 11:00am and ends at about 12:15am, then more coffee and cakes until 1:00pm.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Draw from a life model, a variety of short and long poses. Relaxed atmosphere suitable for expert and beginner alike.

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

The mighty Trib Train continues its epic journey through the lush landscape of popular music, making its scheduled stop for the 2023 summer edition at the point where experimental electronic music

We have decided to postpone this weekend's zine fair, to give more artists a chance to join the stalls and be a part of the event.

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Latin dance night with salsa, la rueda, Argentine tango - possibly some milonga or bachata – see how we feel. Relaxed and friendly, great vibe. Bar open. 

Your local riot grrrlz return to Reading for the Summer 2023 instalment of HOWLING AT THE MOON: A QUEER CABARET !

Work with Syrian artist Ahmad Alazami to create a community art piece that will be a fixture on display in the Rising Sun.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

We’re organising a queer social at the Rising Sun Arts Centre - a place for queer people to hang out and have a drink! This is our first social event, and we’ll be hosting a quiz as well.

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

Tickets will be sold on the door and are available to buy in advance her

Exhibition of paintings by Damascus based artist Malik Alazami

19th – 25th of June

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Exhibition of paintings by Damascus based artist Malik Alazami

19th – 25th of June

Exhibition of paintings by Damascus based artist Malik Alazami

19th – 25th of June

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Exhibition of paintings by Damascus based artist Malik Alazami

19th – 25th of June

Due to unforseen circumstances this event has been postponed.

Exhibition of paintings by Damascus based artist Malik Alazami

19th – 25th of June

You’re invited to Sheer Obsession's Suspenders!

On Saturday 24th June, S.O.S will return to The Rising Sun Arts Centre.

Doors open at 10:30am for teas and chats, the Assembly begins at 11:00am and ends at about 12:15am, then more coffee and cakes until 1:00pm.

Our sincere apologies that this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Exhibition of paintings by Damascus based artist Malik Alazami

19th – 25th of June

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Club Velocity presents Jopy/The Dianas/Barrelhuas

Unfortunately, this workshop has had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We hope to welcome Georgina into the centre at some point in the future.

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Greg Mayston’s Folk, Blues and Americana play country folk and blues songs, new and old, and with love for the traditions the songs represent.

Alan Clayson, chanteur and raconteur, returns to the Rising Sun to explore the most mature and cultivated form of popular song in a thoroughly diverting soirée centred on passion, humour, deep emot

Highly acclaimed tango band Tango Select are back at the Rising Sun for another afternoon of live tango music.

In this informal mixed media workshop, learn about altered books and start your own with materials provided by your hosts - or bring your own existing book, and work on it with company!

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

A place for queer people to hang out and have a drink! We’ll be hosting a quiz as well.

The event is free to attend, but please book in so we have an idea about numbers! 

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Our sincere apologies that this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

An evening of music to support Greenpeace and its campaigns to create a sustainable future.  

Line up includes:

Doors open at 10:30am for teas and chats, the Assembly begins at 11:00am and ends at about 12:15am, then more coffee and cakes until 1:00pm.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Weekly music event with live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

New performers every week

T&C

Ben 'God' Marwood - Living local legend. I personally have been putting Ben on for over 20 years!

Natalie Wilcox and Front Room Theatre present: An accessible drama workshop for all ages, accompanying our production of 'Ready, Set, Read: Jack and the Beanstalk', at Reading libraries fr

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

You’re invited to Sheer Obsession's Suspenders!

On Saturday 5th Aug, S.O.S will return to The Rising Sun Arts Centre.

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

The biggest house party of the summer is back for 2023!

In this informal mixed media workshop, learn about altered books and start your own with materials provided by your hosts - or bring your own existing book, and work on it with company!

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Double Okay are excited to host making sessions for LGBTQIA+ people at the Rising Sun Arts Centre! All sessions are free to LGBTQIA+ people, but please sign up for a place as we ha

Every 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 7pm - 8pm

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Tomorrow Bird
Male/Female duo, they deal in great heartfelt songs

Making your own Watercolour Paint - the basics

Saturday 26 August, 2pm - 4pm

Monday 28th August, start at 7pm

£3 per ticket / £6 for a family ticket

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Every 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 7pm - 8pm

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Friday 8 September, 7pm, free entry, come and join us

Open mic for short films

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

UPDATE: Unfortunately this event will no longer be going ahead this month. We hope to bring you news of another fundraiser event very soon.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has unfortunately been cancelled.

Every 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 7pm - 8pm

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Sunday 24 September, 2pm - 3:30pm

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class

Tuesdays 7:30pm

Club Velocity presents Mr Fogg/The Dianas/Uncle Peanut

Mr Fogg
He is back,where it all started been far too long.

Held on the first Sunday of each month at 7.30pm Dreading Slam is a friendly, open mic poetry competition hosted by The Legend that is Richard Stephenson.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Reading Queer Social would like, if we may, to take you on a strange journey.

Every year The Vixens' very own breast cancer warrior, Mojo Jones, spends the month of October creating 31 pink costumes for breast cancer awareness.

An altered book is an artwork created by changing any existing printed book in some way.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Cinema Night

Spring in a Small Town (1948)

A remarkable art exhibition by local artist Ahmad Alazami. Immerse yourself in captivating oil paintings exploring life’s adventures and the human connections that shape these journeys.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

Join Artist Link-Up and the Rising Sun Arts Centre this October (Saturday 21st) to celebrate Black History Month!

If you're looking for a good time, look no further than The Sunday Alternative! We're a bunch of secular legends who meet monthly in Reading to celebrate life.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

Jessica Lee Morgan is a singer and songwriter raised on a wholesome diet of folk and rock.

You’re invited to Sheer Obsession's Suspenders 

On Saturday 28th Oct, S.O.S will return to The Rising Sun Arts Centre for a Halloween Special 

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

Finchies is a group of people with learning disabilities training to run events. The team are learning to programme, promote manage and staff creative events and their latest project is Halloween.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

Meditation is an effective way to increase happiness, reduce stress, enhance focus, achieve calmness and improve overall wellbeing.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

November is dedicated to the films made by Zap Comedy who meet at the centre. Zap perform live, publish magazines, put on exhibitions and make films.

An exhibition of work by two Iranian Artists Andre Aghassi and Sevin Sohrabi.

Artist Talk Event on Saturday, exhibition continues on Sunday 12th November.

An exhibition of work by two Iranian Artists Andre Aghassi and Sevin Sohrabi.

Altered Book Hour An altered book is an artwork created by changing any existing printed book in some way.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

6 week tap dance course for fast beginners/intermediates. With Penn and Doyle Dance Academy. This is a small, friendly and welcoming class.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

A new night for songwriters and musicians.

Meditation is an effective way to increase happiness, reduce stress, enhance focus, achieve calmness and improve overall wellbeing.

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

6 week tap dance course for fast beginners/intermediates. With Penn and Doyle Dance Academy. This is a small, friendly and welcoming class.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

Every Monday from Nov 27th to Dec 18th a series of making sessions to celebrate and enjoy the season. All sessions are drop in and cost £3 to cover materials. Happy Holiday !!!!!

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

6 week tap dance course for fast beginners/intermediates. With Penn and Doyle Dance Academy. This is a small, friendly and welcoming class.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

Looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season with your queer community? Look no further than our December Queer Social!

“Calling out around the world – are you ready for a brand new beat?”

Join our wonderful, festive Art Market. The perfect opportunity to find that lovely,

handmade Christmas present. We have a wide variety of stalls each year selling,

Every Monday from Nov 27th to Dec 18th a series of making sessions to celebrate and enjoy the season. All sessions are drop in and cost £3 to cover materials. Happy Holiday !!!!!

Beginner and Improver's Balboa Dance Class. Love swing music? Love dancing? Love to be able to dance to swing music? Look no further, Balboa is a partner dance from the 20's and 30's.

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

6 week tap dance course for fast beginners/intermediates. With Penn and Doyle Dance Academy. This is a small, friendly and welcoming class.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

The ultimate Christmas Movie. Is Kris Kringle really Santa? Susan Walker who has been brought up not to believe in fairy tales (played by a young Natalie Wood) believes so.

Howling At The Moon (H@TM) is Reading's first dedicated variety night spotlighting LGBTQ+ women and non-binary artists, ranging from comedy, drag, theatre and live musicia

Every Monday from Nov 27th to Dec 18th a series of making sessions to celebrate and enjoy the season. All sessions are drop in and cost £3 to cover materials. Happy Holiday !!!!!

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

6 week tap dance course for fast beginners/intermediates. With Penn and Doyle Dance Academy. This is a small, friendly and welcoming class.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

Every Monday from Nov 27th to Dec 18th a series of making sessions to celebrate and enjoy the season. All sessions are drop in and cost £3 to cover materials. Happy Holiday !!!!!

Cinderella

Tuesday 19th December starts, show starts at 1pm - 2pm.

FREE ENTRY

Every Tuesday 7pm - 9:30pm

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

Live performances, networking for rappers, singers, producers, DJs, dancers and musicians.

Two classic social dances from Latin America, we teach La Rueda de Casino (Cuban salsa in the wheel) and Argentine Tango.

The big Club V NYE party is back!

This year's line-up:

Pink Diamond Revue
'Spangly gold late-1950s LSD-inspired tripadelica'