Hi Everyone

We appear to have reached the two week point in December.  As I speak, the disembodied voice of Andy Williams is telling shoppers that "it's the most wonderful time of the year.  (I'm partial to a bit of Andy Williams, but it's a little disconcerting to hear him sing about "scary ghost stories. And tales of the glories of the Christmases long, long ago" when you just want socks or a towel)  A soft drink company will be driving a load of trucks around with their logo on it, the Salvation Army will unleash their trumpet players from their underground lair, and somebody is rushing from the pub to the bookies so they can place an ill-advised bet on a white Christmas.

But that, dear readers, is not all for it's also time again for I, your humble narrator, to let you know what's happening at the Rising Sun this weekend...

On Friday we have none other than THE BIG UNTIDY NIGHT OUT

The Big Untidy Night Out specialises in bringing new unusual talent into the Rising Sun.  Singers, songwriters, poets, punk outfits, ambient experimentalists, sensational cellists and demonic banjo-players, the possibilities are endless.

This time the good people at Untidy HQ bring you another DARK CHRISTMAS festive smorgasbord of things that neither neat nor er, tidy

They love the oncoming festive season as much as anybody else .....but it can all get a bit jolly cant it?

ORDER#227 "are the best new punk band I have seen this year" (so says some bloke down the pub wot knew for definite), brutal uncompromising and brilliant GRANT SHARKEY is a modern day political troubadour on an endless mission to bring down hypocrisy with smart funny songwriting and great performances. THE CHATEAU BATEAU BAND bring great ensemble playing to their country and western tinged Americana. THE DISAPPOINTMENT CHOIR provide a smart quirky take on the pop duo.

We're open at 7.30pm and it'll cost you a very festive £3 on the door

On Saturday evening, we're pleased as punch to bring you a TRIBUTE NIGHT: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

íTwas the Trib Night before Christmas... After the success of last year's new addition to the Tribute Night schedule, weíre going off-piste once again for another seasonal soiree!

Join us for another Yuletide jamboree of Christmas-related ditties as we immerse ourselves indulgently in festive spirit! A bunch of local musicians and Rising Sun regulars will treat you to a delicious spread of musical Christmas cheer and a right old knees-up it will be too.

A bunch of local(ish) musicians and Rising Sun regulars will treat you to a delicious spread of Christmas songs and Christmas Number Ones and a right old knees up it will be too. Yes, it's basically a Christmas concert wrapped up to look like a Tribute Night, the way you might wrap up a Wham! LP to look like an ashtray.

We'll be open at 8pm for a prompt 8.30 start, and as usual, there will be no charge on the door, but  we suggest you keep £5 or more aside in that tiny pocket-within-a-pocket in your jeans to donate when a friendly looking person thrusts a cash-hungry hat towards you during the interval.

That's everything for another week, just to remind you that we are, as always, at 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST (If you pop it into your satnav or Google, we shall magically appear!)

Have a nice weekend!