READING will be home to a flurry of fundraising and live events this weekend.
Forbury Gardens will be decked out in festive decoration for Gig in the Gardens on Friday, December 9.
The event will see live music from The Magical Mystery Four, Kill Committee, and the Tim Kay Band, as well as a roster of other acts, followed by a silent disco.
Street food and drinks will be available, provided by Blue Collar Corner, as well as fire pits to keep to warm by.
The gig will raise funds for the Reading Refugee Support Group.
On Saturday, December 10, the gardens will see a Festive Family Rave, where a child-friendly silent disco will feature a number of music channels to dance along to.
Three sessions will run, each with three channels to choose from: Disney music, pop, and Christmas favourites.
Part of ticket sales will go to Parenting Special Children, which provides specialist for families who have children with special needs.
Later that evening, the lantern parade will light up the town centre as it makes its way to the gardens.
Beginning at Broad Street, the parade sees the fireflies lead a procession of lantern light, celebrating music, light, and community spirit.
The event follows a number of lantern making workshops which have been held across Reading and culminates in a musical finale.
The weekend of events has been provided by Reading’s Business Improvement District, a collaborative body formed of 900 businesses in the town.
Alexa Volker, BID Manager, said: “We have worked hard to put on a series of events that will appeal to the whole community and a wide range of ages.
“From a family rave for primary school age children to live local bands for Reading’s gig-going audience and a magical lantern procession for all ages.
“However you Christmas, we look forward to seeing you in Reading town centre in December.”
Gig in the Gardens begins at 5pm in Forbury Gardens on Friday, December 9, with music beginning from 5.45pm.
Entry is £12, including a £2 donation to the Reading Refugee Group.
The Festive Family Raves take place at 10am, noon, and 2pm on Saturday, December 10, also at Forbury Gardens.
Entry costs £5 per person, with a portion of ticket price going to Parenting Special Children.
The lantern parade will follow, also on Saturday, December 10, with the procession beginning at the top of Broad Street at 5.30pm and heading down towards Market Place
For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/christmas.
