READING Climate Festival is returning this year, bringing a host of events aimed at continued efforts to combat the climate crisis.
More than 50 events will run throughout Reading in June, including talks, screenings, and activities, aimed at helping residents engage with the climate crisis and even help cut household bills amid the rising cost of living.
The University of Reading’s Professor Hannah Cloke OBE will lead a marquee public lecture, The Climate Futures We Dare to Imagine, on June 15.
Residents of all ages can share their ideas on a giant Future of Reading Wall and take part in creative activities led by Commando Jugendstil, Cinergy Studios and London School of Solarpunk.
Incredible Edible Reading will offer free growing kits on the day and advice on how to grow food at home, while local businesses Vegivores and Tutu’s Ethiopian Table will offer plant-based food at special festival prices.
Reading’s community samba group Beatroots will also be at the lunch, leading a shaker-making workshop and samba parade for children.
Elsewhere the festival will see the first public screening of What if a Better World Were Possible, a short film about community-led initiatives in Reading, and a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing documentary film.
It will also host talks by Henley Mermaid Laura Reineke, about open water swimming in the Thames, and ‘Swaps Lady’ Sam Drury Shore, about Reading’s sharing and repairing initiatives.
There will also be an introduction to the Reading Climate Action Plan
The festival concludes with a Smart Energy Show at Reading Bike Hub and the University’s annual global Show Your Stripes Day on 20 June.
Gudrun Freese, co-ordinator of the programme said: “This festival is not just about awareness raising.
“It’s becoming an expression of the kind of Reading people want to live in – healthier, more connected to nature and to each other, more innovative and more resilient.
“There’s a growing feeling that we can just do things – from community-owned energy to restoring biodiversity in a wetland to briefing the public on the climate crisis – communities are constantly bringing positive ideas to life.”
RCCP co-chairs Heather Marshall and Dylan Parkes said: “The 2026 programme celebrates the creativity, energy and positive change already happening in Reading.
“We hope the festival will bring people together, spark new ideas and inspire more people to play a part in shaping a greener, more resilient future for our town.
“We’re grateful to Reading’s Economic and Destination Agency (REDA) and Reading Borough Council for support and sponsorship, which has enabled us to give a platform to many more local initiatives this year.”
Councillor John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “This year’s excellent festival programme offers many enjoyable ways to participate in helping Reading reach its climate targets.
“I would encourage everyone to explore this packed programme of events and get involved.”
A full programme of events is available via: readingcan.org.uk/events
