As we welcome the warmer days of May, I am delighted to share that we have an exciting calendar of community events coming up at the University of Reading this month, which everyone is welcome to join.
These events are a great opportunity for connection between our campus and the wider Reading and Wokingham community, a connection that we deeply value.
Our Community Festival returns to Whiteknights campus on Saturday 17 May. From noon until 5pm, our beautiful grounds will transform into a vibrant celebration featuring live music, performances, street food, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. This year introduces themed zones – Time, Earth, Bodies and Imagination – each offering unique insights into our groundbreaking research.
The festival showcases not only our academic work but also celebrates local talent, with community organisations and businesses participating alongside University departments. Visitors can enjoy sports taster sessions, dance and music workshops, and sample offerings from exceptional local producers.
The University is participating in the internationally renowned Pint of Science festival, bringing cutting-edge research directly to the public.
Between 19-21 May, our scientists will host three fascinating evenings at Park House, exploring topics from archaeological science and plant problem-solving to brain adaptability and environmental conservation.
Each event offers an accessible way to engage with complex research in a relaxed setting – precisely the kind of exchange that benefits both academia and society.
On 20 May, I will personally host our Summer Community Forum. These events provide a valuable opportunity for direct conversation between the University and local community members. Your feedback helps shape our approach to being good neighbours and valuable contributors to Reading life.
At this Forum, we’ll discuss our plans for next year’s Centenary celebrations and would like your help to shape these plans.
Our Community Forum events are popular with limited spaces, so please book early!
We’ve recently seen wonderful community spirit in action. During the recent school holidays, we held flag-bunting workshops at Broad Street Mall, where children created bright and colourful decorations for our upcoming festival.
We’ve also launched a new Community and Events Facebook group to better share information about everything happening at the University of Reading, including public events and activities. Our aim is for this to become a thriving community platform, so please do get involved.
Additionally, applications have opened for our Community Engagement Fund, supporting staff involved in community-based projects, and for our next Charity of the Year.
Universities thrive when they are integrated into the fabric of their local communities rather than standing apart. We’ve been part of the fabric of Reading and Wokingham for more than 100 years, and we intend to be here for the next 100 at least.
As Vice-Chancellor, I believe these connections represent some of our most important work. I warmly invite you to join us at any of these upcoming events and to continue building the strong, collaborative relationship that makes Reading such a special place to live, work, and study. Find out more about all these events at www.reading.ac.uk.
Professor Robert Van de Noort is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading
