Reading’s famous canal will be at its most splendid this weekend for the 36th annual Water Fest.
Visitors to the free event will be able to visit workshops, hear talks, music and poetry, as well as learning more about the climate emergency.
It is held on the Kennet and Avon Canal, within Forbury Gardens, and the Abbey Ruins.
The event is the annual celebration of the river Reading was built on and which became a canal more than 300 years ago in 1723.
It will allow guests to take in the beautifully painted boats along the water in Chestnut Walk and Riverside Walk.
They can then head into Forbury Gardens and the abbey to hear the acts on the four music stages.
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Other highlights on the day include:
- Nature Nurture’s outdoor adventure in Forbury Garden. This gives families the chance to explore the hidden connections between people, plants, and animals.
- Charity Super.Mkt pop-up event – This features a range of stalls boasting collections of second-hand treasures, chic, pre-loved clothing and accessories, plus the people’s catwalk at 2pm and 4pm.
- A specially curated sustainable fashion show in front of the Maiwand Lion statue at 4.30pm.
- Forbury Gardens will also host the Blue Collar Street Food Market.
- Mikron Theatre Company’s special performance at 6pm of Operation Beach Hut at Huntley Wharf.
The day will also feature blacksmith demos and garment upcycling workshops.
The event is held on Saturday, June 28, and runs between 11am and 5pm.
What they’re saying about Water Fest
Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “There is so much to look forward to at Water Fest 2025, which will be the 36th year of this fantastic free festival.
“This year’s event, on Saturday 28 June, has the planet at its heart, celebrating our beautiful waterways and inspiring everyday action and changes we can all take to protect them.”
Water Fest is sponsored by network and technology specialists North,Andrew Foster, Managing Director of Public Services, North said: “Here at North we’re committed to embracing sustainability across our business, the communities we work in and the impact we have on them.
“We are proud to sponsor Reading’s 36th Water Fest, where sustainability is at the heart of the event programme.
“This year’s sponsorship builds on our proud partnership with Reading Borough Council, delivering critical services including managed IT networks together with civic campus and public realm safety and security solutions.
“Together, we’re supporting the Council’s commitment to sustainability, community initiatives, and the delivery of essential public services that benefit the local community every day.”
Find out more here.
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