A SCHOOL in Reading is inviting members of the public to its celebrations as it marks nine centuries of teaching in the town.
Reading School is set to celebrate its 900th anniversary with a community carnival next week as part of a program of events.
The festival will be open to all, featuring live musical and dance performances from around the world, such dance showcases by local Primary Schools, Ukrainian Choir Kryla, Ukrainian Dance ensemble Balamuty, and Brazilian Band brazUKas.
There will be a sports Showcase featuring Reading FC Community Trust, Berkshire Cricket Foundation, Kingfisher Table Tennis, fencing and a chance to play against national badminton champions, and an urban arts showcase featuring street dance workshops and DJ sets.
Andrew Jenkins, finalist on BBC’s The Traitors, will attend and lead a talk on resilience and hope.
The event will also feature a wellbeing zone, including Yoga Reading, Jelly Arts, Storytelling, Sound Therapy, Mandala Workshops, and Massage by Tali, as well as stalls offering Jamaican BBQ, Baked Pizza, Brazilian BBQ, Corny Candyfloss, RSPA Savoury Snacks, an NHS Cake Sale, and the Bluebell Gin Van.
There will also be a community zone featuring PACT, Kennedy Reptile Rescue, Berks Bat Group, Reading Ukrainian School, Hong Kong Cultural Society, Dingley’s Promise, Berkshire Vision, and RISC, among others.
Founded in 1125 by Henry I, Reading School has educated generations of local leaders, artists and entrepreneurs and has included an Archbishop of Canterbury and Prime Minister.
Alongside the Minister Church of St Mary the Virgin, the School is one of Reading’s two oldest surviving institutions.
Since its founding, it has evolved from its original monastic roots within Reading Abbey to become a selective state-funded day and boarding school on Erleigh Road.
Deputy Headteacher Lizzie Ayres says: “We are incredibly excited to welcome families and residents from across Reading to our Community Carnival which has been kindly supported by Mass Media who have helped to share news of the event across Reading.
It’s a chance to come together, celebrate all that makes our community special, and enjoy a summer day filled with entertainment and community spirit.
Whether you’re 5 or 75, there will be something here for everyone – and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.”
The Reading School Community Carnival takes place on Saturday, July 5, from 11am-4pm at Reading School, Erleigh Road.
