Evening Culture

With its own charming Edwardian theatre, two thriving arts centres, an 8-screen cinema, historic concert venues and some fabulous festivals, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to planning a cultural evening out in the Windsor and Maidenhead area.

Theatre

The greatest names in theatre come to Windsor’s Theatre Royal, as they have since it opened in 1910.  At this intimate little theatre, which had the late Bill Kenwright as its producer, audiences are treated to new productions before they transfer to London’s West End or go off on tour around the country.  West End shows without the London price tag: what a bargain!

Arts Centres

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts is Maidenhead's exceptional venue for cultural activity.  The centre offers an exciting programme of dance, drama, music, film, literature and visual art from both professional touring companies and local arts groups.  You can get involved in workshops, masterclasses and community projects.

The Old Court is Windsor's arts centre venue offering a mix of live music, comedy, drama and cinema.  The local Windsor and Eton Brewery runs the bar here which is perfect for a pre-event drink.

South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell is around 12 miles from Windsor and is well worth a visit.  Its Wilde Theatre hosts ballet, opera, plays and comedy acts, not forgetting the annual pantomime, while the cinema is a great venue showing old and new release films alike.

Festivals

The annual Windsor Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, literature and the arts.  Since 1969 festival audiences have flocked to Windsor to enjoy internationally renowned musicians and prominent literary figures. 

More recently they have also come to experience inspirational family events and the increasingly eclectic programme. 

Windsor Festival takes place over a fortnight every September/October.  The programme includes events at the Theatre Royal, St George’s Chapel, Eton College and the State Apartments of Windsor Castle.

Each year the Windsor Fringe stages an inspired and innovative programme of music, dance, comedy, drama and art.

October is also the month for the Cliveden Literary Festival.

Learn more about Windsor and Maidenhead Festivals.

Evening tours and events at Windsor Castle

If you have visited Windsor Castle by day but are keen to learn more about this unique building by night, there are evening tours of the Castle available on selected dates throughout the year.  This is a behind-the-ropes experience in the State Apartments where famous artwork and sculptures can be seen.  The Castle also opens its doors for a variety of private tours and cultural events, for example immersive performances where actors and dancers use the impressive rooms as a backdrop to tell their story and the audience go with them on their journey.  Visit the Royal Collection website for more information on Windsor Castle's events and activities.

Concerts

Whatever your taste, enjoy a range of wonderful concerts in the Royal Borough.  We have some great classical music concerts in historic venues such as Eton College’s School Hall, the Farrer Theatre or Windsor Parish Church.  Or why not check out the live musical entertainment at Windsor and Ascot Racecourses?  After a great day of horse racing, relax  with family and friends and enjoy some live music from well-known artists such as the Kaiser Chiefs and Rita Ora, top tribute bands and DJ sets such as Sigma. 

Check out our What's On page for up-to-date event information.

Cinema

Discover some great films at both of our art centres.  Both Norden Farm Centre for the Arts and the Screen Cinema at the Old Court show a great mix of independent films as well as popular blockbusters.  There’s also a wide programme of live opera and ballet screenings on offer from the National Theatre and the Royal Opera House.  Both arts centres have bars where you can enjoy a pre-film drink (The Screen’s bar is run by the Windsor and Eton Brewery).

The 8-screen Odeon Luxe, Maidenhead offers stadium seating and features the latest in digital sound technology.  Each seat is body sculpted to give maximum comfort so you can stretch out and enjoy the cinematic experience. 

Nightclubs

Even in the 1960s Windsor was the place to come for music. The famous Ricky-Tick was an influential rhythm and blues club which hosted world-class acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd.  Gigs were also organised at the Drill Hall in Maidenhead and the Ricky-Tick was known for introducing Motown to the UK. 

Today, under the Arches in Goswell Hill, in the centre of Windsor, is where you will discover many bars and clubs ready to entertain with a choice of DJs playing club classics, hip hop and R&B, extensive cocktail menus and delicious food to keep you partying through the night!