THEY danced, they explored, they partied, and they ate. All in a day’s fun for the University of Reading.
The Whiteknights campus was turned into a one-day wonderland on Saturday as the family-friendly Community Festival returned for its second year.
Visitors were offered a feast of entertainment including live music, theatre, research talks and interactive workshops/activities, and stalls packed with street food.
Despite a damp start to the day, thousands flocked to enjoy a mixture of indoor and outdoor events including family yoga, painting, meditation, African drumming and improvisation.
Academics from across campus offered talks and exploratory sessions including science experiments.
Sporting activities included taster sessions of football, netball, volleyball, badminton, rowing, rugby, martial arts and bubble football. And Kidical Mass held a family-friendly bike ride around the campus.
Music included performances from a Ukrainian choir, indie-folk songwriter One Eyed Man, afro-fusion from Limpopo Groove, and a team-up from a rap group and the University’s big band.
Organisers were delighted with how the day went.
Mollie Cleaver, the University of Reading’s community engagement manager, said: “We welcomed thousands of local residents and families to Whiteknights campus for our second Community Festival.
“It was fantastic to bring people together and see so much joy and excitement across the variety of activities on offer.
“We are proud to be part of the community and cannot wait to invite everyone back next year.”