News from Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is delighted to announce the return of its much-loved Reading Water Fest on 19 June this year as the flagship celebration event to mark the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey.
2021 is an incredibly auspicious year for Reading – marking 900 years since Reading Abbey, originally one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries, was founded by King Henry I of England. Reading Water Fest will be the focal celebration event for this landmark year.
Water Fest is Reading’s largest free town centre-based community event. It will feature an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage, through live and digital performances, activities and workshops. The Abbey’s illustrious history will be brought to life with the Forbury Civil War Camp and Medieval Village where people can experience the sounds and smells of the Quarter’s history.
This accessible one-day event will take place on Saturday 19 June between 11am and 5pm, within the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the River Kennet, celebrating the Abbey’s rich 900-year history and its environmental and heritage connections with Reading’s waterways.
As with all events this year in the light of the ongoing pandemic, Water Fest will look very different from previous years. The event will be delivered in a stringently Covid compliant way. Workshop and interactive activities will be booked in advance and numbers will be limited. Safety measures will necessitate a ticketed system, with reduced capacity and staggered arrival times. It is anticipated that there should be plenty of tickets to go around, but the public is encouraged to sign on early to avoid disappointment. During the event the gardens and abbey will be closed to the general public.
Please note that admission is by ticket only this year. Details on how to book a free ticket at this event are on What’s On Reading. A range of online activities will also be on offer to complement the live event.
To take part either by volunteering, performing at the event or running a stall or activity please get in touch.