Welcome to the Sunday Alternative

Sunday Alternative is an inclusive secular community based in Reading that meets regularly to celebrate life through music, ideas and human interaction.

We welcome volunteers who want to help organise events, provide refreshments, or contribute in other ways.

Please find Stephen (hosting and the band) or Lynda (serving refreshments) at the assembly.

Absolutely! We value community input and encourage members to propose topics, music, or activities they'd like to see included.

Best to speak to Stephen at the assembly!

Assemblies are usually held at the Rising Sun Arts Centre on the fourth Sunday of each month. Doors open at 10.30am and the assembly begins at 11am.

The December assembly is earlier in the month for obvious reasons.

Upcoming dates are:

• September 27, 2026

• October 25, 2026

• November 29, 2026

• December 13 (3:00 pm), 2026

• January 31, 2027

• February 28, 2027

• March 28, 2027

• April 25, 2027
  
  Check out Meetup for the latest details.

Sunday Alternative is free to attend, and everyone involved with the assembly is a volunteer. We do incur costs for the venue, insurance, etc. We ask for a small donation - £3 per person covers things.

If times are hard, then there is absolutely no need to donate.

If times are good, then consider donating a bit more for those who can't.

Buying teas/coffees and homemade vegan cakes is another great way to support us.

Some use Easyfundraising when shopping online to support the assembly.

Sunday Alternative grew from its initial aim of being a secular version of a church to its current form in providing a highly interactive space for people to commune in the ways humans have done for thousands of years - face to face.

Each assembly is different, yet the aim is to make those who attend the centre of the proceedings, guided by a host and a band. The assembly succeeds by creating friendships.

Maybe think of it as an organised/disorganised party.

Sunday Alternative attracts people who value inclusive, secular communities and want to meet new people and form lasting friendships.

Beyond a steady core, many people come along who are new to Reading, especially from other lands.

The assembly is proud of its diversity.

Some people come from religious backgrounds - they lost their faith but miss the community.

Singing is at the heart of the assembly. The band plays four very well-known songs each month.

The band is not there to be admired, but to encourage you to sing and singing brings people together quicker than merely a chat.

All the lyrics are displayed on a projector.

We find that some people from non-English-speaking cultures who are unfamiliar with some of the songs find reading the lyrics make a meaningful experience.