READING Borough Council has hailed a high turnout for last week’s Waterfest in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, and sponsored by Station Hill.
The annual celebration returned for its 35th outing this year, with more than 12,000 visitors taking part in the festivities in Forbury Gardens and along the canal.
The event celebrates the River Kennet, with Reading having been built on the meeting of the Kennet and the Thames, leading to it being called a “town of two rivers” colloquially.
This year saw the first time the Public Plaza at Huntley Wharf formed part of the festival, which also sees historic spots along the canal included in festivities.
Charity Super.Mkt brought stalls of second-hand clothes as well as a People’s Catwalk, where attendees to take part and showcase their pre-loved clothing, followed by a Sustainable Fashion show, sponsored by Tomato Energy.
It also marked the start of Reading Climate Festival, which runs until Friday, June 21.
The event was part of the council’s participation in the Green Events Code of Practise, in which it is joined by nine other authorities in developing consistent guidance on events sustainability.
The scheme follows co-funding by the Arts Council alongside funding from regional authorities.
The scheme saw the use of renewable energy increased across the site, the provision of mixed recycling and food waste bins, drinking water stations, banning single-use plastics, and priority for local vendors and contractors.
Louisa Dean Reading Borough Council’s Head of Communications and Events said: “Water Fest 2024 was yet again another fantastic event that thousands of residents enjoyed. It was great to celebrate our beautiful waterways as well as launch Reading Climate Festival.
“There were dozens of stalls and activities representing Reading as well as the Charity Super.Mkt pop up event and our first People’s Catwalk, followed by our Sustainable Fashion Show.”
“It was our 35th year of running the event and I am delighted that each year we can change and introduce new elements for residents to enjoy.”
Louisa Dean Reading Borough Council’s Head of Communications and Events said:
“Water Fest 2024 was yet again another fantastic event that thousands of residents enjoyed. It was great to celebrate our beautiful waterways as well as launch Reading Climate Festival. There were dozens of stalls and activities representing Reading as well as the Charity Super.Mkt pop up event and our first People’s Catwalk followed by our Sustainable Fashion Show.”
“It was our 35th year of running the event and I am delighted that each year we can change and introduce new elements for residents to enjoy.”
