SPORT FANS in Reading will be able to catch one of the biggest sporting events in the calendar in a set of screenings from this week.
Reading Business Improvement District (BID), part of REDA, is bringing the excitement of Wimbledon back to the heart of the town this summer with a week-long programme of free outdoor tennis screenings at Sutton’s Court.
From July 6-12, Forbury Square will be transformed into a relaxed open-air viewing area, where residents, visitors and town centre workers can watch live coverage of Wimbledon’s biggest matches on a large outdoor screen.
Visitors will be able to enjoy deckchair seating or bring their own picnic blankets to watch the action unfold in a laid-back setting, bringing a touch of Centre Court atmosphere to Reading town centre.
Alongside the screenings, neighbouring venues will offer a range of Wimbledon-inspired food and drink throughout the week, including a special Wimbledon Afternoon Tea, seasonal desserts and themed cocktails at the Roseate Reading, and savoury treats at Carluccio’s.
The initiative is part of Reading BID’s ongoing commitment to animating the town centre, increasing footfall and creating high-quality public experiences for those who live, work and visit Reading.
Alexa Volker, Manager of Reading BID, said: “Sutton’s Court is a brilliant example of how we can reimagine shared spaces in the town centre.
“Wimbledon is one of the UK’s most loved summer indulgences, and this gives people in and around Reading the chance to step outside, relax and enjoy it together right on their doorstep.
The name Sutton’s Court also celebrates Reading’s unique connection to Wimbledon through Suttons Seeds, which was founded here in 1806 and has supplied grass seed to the All England Lawn Tennis Club for more than a century.
“It’s a fascinating part of our town’s heritage and makes the spot a particularly fitting place to bring people together to enjoy the Championships.”
Screenings will be dependent on weather conditions and official Wimbledon scheduling; more information is available via: wimbledon.com
Entry is free and no booking is required.
Sutton’s Court is located at Forbury Square in Reading town centre, a short walk from Reading Station.
Full details available via: visit-reading.com/whats-on
