Sub89
Sub89, Reading, hosts 2 upcoming events between 26 Nov 2026 and 13 May 2027, with tickets from £44.68. General admission from £56.66.
Some events here are sold only by the venue or the club. Sub89 official site
Upcoming shows and schedule
Across November 2026 – May 2027, Sub89 hosts 2 upcoming events. Featured headliners include Red Richardson and UK Subs. Tickets currently start from £44.68.
Area and accommodation
Compare hotels and accommodation near this venue on an interactive map from our partner Stay22.
Loads content from stay22.com and needs marketing cookies. If you have not allowed them yet, this opens your cookie settings.
Upcoming events at Sub89
How much are tickets at Sub89?
The lowest price each part of the house has been listed at across 2 upcoming dates. Seats are sold by individual block, so a specific date may differ.
| Where you sit | Tickets from | Dates listed |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | £56.66 | 2 |
What time do doors open at Sub89?
Door opening times vary significantly depending on the event, so it's best to check the specific event listing for precise timings.
Most upcoming dates start at 18:30 (1 of 2 listed dates); each event page carries its own start time.
Door times vary by event — check your ticket or the venue's own website on the day.
About Sub89: Layout, History & Architecture
Sub89 occupies the premises of the former ABC Cinema, a purpose-built Art Deco picture house that first opened its doors in 1937. As such, the architectural character of the exterior on Friar Street retains some of its original cinematic grandeur, albeit adapted for modern venue use. The interior, however, has been significantly reconfigured to function as a live music and club space. The primary performance area is a large, flat standing floor, capable of accommodating approximately 650 patrons, converting the original cinema stalls into an open-plan auditorium.
The room’s design, typical of a converted cinema, means that sightlines from the main floor are generally unobstructed towards the stage, positioned where the screen once resided. There are no tiered balconies for live events, ensuring a unified standing experience. Acoustically, the high ceilings and largely concrete construction, inherent to its cinematic heritage, can lend a somewhat lively, reverberant character to the space. Consequently, the venue relies heavily on its installed sound reinforcement system to manage and shape the audio, providing clarity and impact within the expansive hall.
The Live Experience & Current Schedule
Entry to the venue is directly from Friar Street, leading into a compact foyer area with access to the main performance hall. Patrons typically find one or more bars operational within the main auditorium or adjacent antechambers, catering to the standing crowd. The atmosphere inside can vary significantly depending on the event type, ranging from energetic and tightly packed for popular concerts to more relaxed for club nights or niche performances. The open floor plan encourages direct engagement with the stage. With 2 live performances scheduled, upcoming entry prices start from £44.68. The next confirmed event on the calendar is Red Richardson on 26th November 2026.
How do I get to Sub89, Reading?
Sub89 is at 110-117 Friar St, Reading RG1 1EP, UK. Open in Google Maps
By train and tube
The most convenient train station for reaching Sub89 is Reading Station. Located approximately 500 metres from the venue, it's a short 7-minute walk. Reading Station is a major hub served by Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. Numerous train lines connect Reading to key UK cities, including frequent services from London Paddington, typically taking around 25-30 minutes. Services from Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are also available, though journeys will be significantly longer, often requiring changes. Trains from London are very frequent, running multiple times per hour throughout the day. Reading Station offers comprehensive facilities, including a ticket office, multiple ticket machines, accessible toilets, lifts, and a range of retail outlets and waiting areas. This makes it a well-equipped gateway for attendees travelling to Sub89 from across the country.
By car and parking
For those travelling by car to Sub89, the venue is conveniently located within Reading town centre, making it accessible from major road networks. Drivers approaching from the M25 should typically follow signs for the M4 towards Reading. Exit the M4 at junction 11 and follow the A33 into Reading town centre. The postcode for navigation systems, which is close to the venue, is RG1 2BN, though it's best to aim for the Friar Street area directly. Parking in the immediate vicinity of Sub89 can be challenging due to its central location. However, several multi-storey car parks are available nearby, including the Garrard Street Car Park and the Reading Station Car Park, both within a 5-10 minute walk. Parking costs are typically charged per hour, with daily rates available, often ranging from £2-£3 per hour or £15-£25 for a full day. Park and ride services operate on the outskirts of Reading, offering a more economical option, with buses connecting to the town centre.
Accessibility
Sub89 strives to be accessible to all its patrons. While the venue is housed within a historic building and may present some challenges, efforts have been made to improve access. Wheelchair access is generally available to the main floor and bar area, though specific details regarding lift access to any upper levels or restricted viewing areas should be confirmed directly with the venue. Accessible toilet facilities are typically available on the main level. For those with hearing impairments, it is advisable to inquire directly with Sub89 about the availability of hearing loop or induction loop systems, as these are not always standard in all music venues. Assistance dogs and service animals are usually permitted entry; however, it is crucial to inform the venue in advance when booking tickets to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made. Accessible parking can be found in the public car parks near the venue, which are a short walk away. Venue staff are usually available to provide assistance to patrons with accessibility needs upon arrival.
Entry and security
The main entrance is clearly signposted on Friar Street. Queues typically form on the pavement directly outside the venue. Standard security procedures, including bag searches, are in place upon entry. For popular events, arriving 15-30 minutes before the advertised doors open time is recommended to ensure prompt entry and preferred viewing positions.