AS SUMMER is officially here, Reading is gearing up for one of its staple events of the season: WaterFest.
The annual celebration of the town’s waterways is returning to the town centre for its 37th outing, bringing fashion, music, boats, and much more.
The free event takes place near the riverside at Chestnut Walk, in the Abbey Ruins, in Forbury Gardens, and on the banks of the Kennet in Huntley Wharf.
The event is organised by the Reading Borough Council in partnership with the Kennet And Avon Canal Trust, which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Across the day, four stages will be showcasing the live music and performances
The Main stage in the Abbey Ruins will feature WolfNote, Selina and the Howlin’ Dogs, Left Foot Forward, Kalakunj, Rufus Ruffcut, and Otto & The Mutapa.
The acoustic stage in the South Transept of the Ruins will include performances from Progress Theatre, Jackie Doe and The Uncertainty of Passion, Reading Rep’s Youth Theatre and Peter Doyle and his Guitar Orchestra of Reading.
The Huntley Wharf Stage will feature rich cultural experiences, such as Reading Chinese School, Bengali Cultural Society, Kryla Choir and Damien Passmore.
And the University of Reading presents the floating stage, which will include Redfin Jazz Collective, Lemonade, and the Will McCrea Trio.
There will also be Medieval songs and live music at the Bandstand in Forbury Gardens brought to you by Ghaetta.
As well as the music, attendees can also step back 800 years into history to experience life in 12th century Reading with Historia Normannis as we look forward to next year’s Year of the Normans.
The programme includes Norman Drills for Children, Norman Fashion Show and a combat demonstration.
Fashion also features with The People’s Catwalk in front of the Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens where individuals, groups and communities model pre-loved, vintage and upcycled attire.
Followed by Reclaimed Runway: A Second-Hand Fashion Affair where the crowds can witness a spectacular fusion of sustainability and style.
There are also opportunities to take part in garment upcycling and mending workshops.
Nature Nurture will be bringing The Nature Connection Clinic to the Forbury Gardens, where participants can join them and the Nature Doctor for a playful wellbeing check-up inspired by the Natural Health Service.
There they can visit A&E (Awe & Excitement), check in at Tree-age, and explore a range of fun, hands on activities inspired by the five senses, to discover how nature can help lift your mood, reduce stress, and support your wellbeing.
Art organisation Jelly will be holding a free print workshop and a paper streamer workshop where youngsters can create water inspired streamers to use in the Water Fest Parade led by World Groove drummers.
Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “There is a huge variety of activities and entertainment at this year’s Water Fest. You are guaranteed to have a good time wherever you are on the site at whatever time.
“You can experience music and dance from around the world on the four different stages throughout the day and take a journey back to 12th century Reading with medieval songs and music on the Bandstand.
“Sustainability is a key theme of Water Fest again this year with the People’s Catwalk and Reclaimed Runway as well as workshops on how to upcycle and mend your clothes.
“Visitors will also not want to miss the action on the water, with the special parades of beautifully painted boats, canoe, kayak and paddleboard taster sessions and the much-anticipated duck race.
“Water Fest is one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar and brings together so many people and groups from Reading’s communities.
“You will not want to miss it.”
Waterfest returns to central Reading on Saturday, June 27, from 11am-5pm.
A full list of events and performances is available via: reading.gov.uk/leisure
