The Sunday Alternative
The Sunday Alternative, now in its 11th year, is an inclusive secular community that meets regularly to celebrate life through music, ideas and human interaction.
In this digital age, humanity is losing the small in-person community interactions our species has all enjoyed. Avatars and AI agents only create shallow facades of ourselves. Emojis are not a substitute for looking in the eyes, reading the faces or hearing the tones of the voices of those we live among.
The Sunday Alternative is an excellent way to meet new people and form deep, lasting friendships. It creates a space where we can all share - to tell our stories, to contribute our thoughts, to combine our voices in song, and natter over food.
No two assemblies are the same because they are not shows; they are the unpredictable interactions of real people.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sunday Alternative?
The Sunday Alternative is an inclusive secular community based in Reading, UK, that meets regularly to celebrate life through music, ideas, and human interaction.
How can I get involved or volunteer?
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.
Can I suggest topics or activities for future gatherings?
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!
When and where are the assemblies?
Assemblies are typically on the 4th Sunday of each month at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading. Doors open at 10:30 am and the assembly begins at 11 am.
The December assembly is earlier in the month for practical reasons.
Upcoming dates are:
September 27, 2026
October 25, 2026
November 29, 2026
December 13 (late afternoon), 2026
January 31, 2027
February 28, 2027
March 28, 2027
April 25, 2027
What is the cost to attend?
The 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 satisfying way of supporting us.
Some use Easyfundraising when shopping online to support the assembly:
What is the motivation behind The Sunday Alternative?
The 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 1000s 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.
Who joins The Sunday Alternative?
The 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.
Slightly more women attend than men.
Some people come from religious backgrounds - they lost their faith but miss the community.
Can you tell me more about the music?
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, for people who sing together become friends more quickly than those who merely chat.
All the lyrics are displayed on a projector.
We find that some people from non-English-speaking cultures may be unfamiliar with some of the songs; having the lyrics to read can make for a meaningful experience.
Contact
The Rising Sun Arts Centre
30 Silver St, Reading RG1 2ST