A FESTIVAL celebrating vegan food is set to return to Reading this weekend.
Reading Vegan Fiesta is back, bringing street food, live music, performances, and stalls to the town centre.
More than forty vendors will be setting up to provide plant-based food from around the world, including baked goods and deli.
The Berkshire Sound Therapists will be running a free ecstatic dance workshop, alongside the International Animal Rescue charity raffle, and a live performance from The Lurxx.
Lucky attendees will also receive free treats such as cupcakes, sweets, pasta sauces, and mocktails in a giveaway.
Veganism is a plant-based lifestyle which avoids all animal foods, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, as well as animal-derived products such as leather.
It also means striving, as far as possible, to avoid products tested on animals.
Statistics collated by The Vegan Society show that the number of vegans more than quadrupled in 2024, and the number of people taking up the Veganuary campaign continues to rise year on year.
The UK ranks third in internet searches about veganism according to Google Trends, behind Germany and Austria.
Sarah Zeneli, from Sparkle Vegan Events, says: “We had an amazing time at the first two
years of Reading Vegan Fiesta, so I am very excited to see it back by popular demand and even
bigger than before.
“It is a fantastic community event to raise awareness about veganism and to
showcase it as the fun, friendly and cruelty-free lifestyle that it is.
“There will be delicious food, ethical products, sustainable gifts and charity stands; as well as free workshops, live music and
children’s activities.
“Forbury Gardens is a beautiful venue for the fiesta with its grassed areas for
picnics and town centre location–this is an event not to be missed.”
Reading Vegan Fiesta takes place in Forbury Gardens from 11am-4pm on Saturday, April 20.
Entry is free.
Full details available via: sparkleveganevents.com/readingveganfiesta
