READING Borough Council has announced the schedule for the return of its annual Children’s Festival, sponsored by FM Conway this year.
The event sees three weeks of performances and activities aimed at families and children, and marks its 36th year in 2025.
It kicks off with the Forbury Fiesta on Saturday, May 10, which will see a whole host of offerings in Reading’s Forbury Gardens.
These will include Theatretrain, who will performing a musical medley and host dance workshops; performances from Universal Voices; a miniature petting zoo and craft stations from Signature Senior Lifestyle; an interactive virtual hive from Tilehurst Beekeepers; workshops from Reading Vibes with Aaliyah; and circle skills sessions.
The event will be started in earnest by Jamie, from Prior’s Court, who will be opening the day’s performances on the main stage, and an original song written and performed by the children of Katesgrove Primary School.
As this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, Waterstones will also be marking the occasion with Austen-themed story times at the Fiesta.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture said “I’m delighted our fantastic Children’s Festival is returning for its 36th year.
“Last year more than 10,000 visitors joined in, and this year let’s make it even more.”
“The Council’s Children’s Festival is always maximum full-on fun for children and parents alike, do pop along and try something new at Forbury Fiesta and during the three weeks of fun free and affordable events across the borough.”
The Fiesta is just the first of nearly a month of events, however, which also includes Four Bears Festival from Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18
Fourbears Fest will take place on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18.
The Abbey’s Festival of Sport is scheduled for Saturday, May 17.
The Reading Symphony Orchestra Children’s Concert will be held on Saturday, May 17.
The Street-style Doodle Art Wall at Station Hill will be featured on Saturday, May 24.
The Reading Canoe Club will offer taster sessions on Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27.
Palmer Park will host a Multi-Activity Day on Tuesday, May 27.
The Green Park Reading 10k and Family Fun Runs will take place on Sunday, June 1.
