Celebrate Sport, Community, and Inclusion at Reading’s Festival of Inclusivity
• A welcoming and inclusive event for anyone aged 8 and over who may face challenges accessing sport, such as physical, learning, or neurological conditions.
The collaboration between Reading Borough Council, GLL and Sport Together Berkshire CIC, will be the first joint Festival of Inclusivity, taking place at Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium on Saturday 13 September with an afternoon of sport, connection and celebration planned.
Participants will have the opportunity to try out a wide range of sports which include athletics, cricket, football, rugby, plus wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball – all in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Families are encouraged to come along, cheer on participants, and enjoy a day out together. Attendees are encouraged to spend the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere at the modern new Council facilities at Palmer Park.
In the ‘Festival Village’ meet groups and organisations including Berkshire Music Trust, Berkshire Brigands Mixed Ability Rugby CIC, Reading Mencap, National Youth Advocacy Services plus many more.
The day will conclude with a sponsored "Start Together Finish Whenever" one mile walk, run, jog, push etc, raising funds to support future inclusive sport initiatives in the community.
Cllr Andrew Hornsby-Smith, Chair of Reading Borough Council’s Access and Disabilities Working Group, said: “We’re proud to be working with our partners Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and Sport Together Berkshire to host the town’s official celebration of inclusive sport. Palmer Park Stadium is the perfect venue to bring people together, and we’re looking forward to a fun, active and inspiring day. Whether you're taking part or cheering from the sidelines, this is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate what makes our community so special.”
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Member for Leisure and Culture said :"I’m grateful to the Access and Disabilities Working Group and their continuing advice on the accessibility of our leisure and culture services. Their voices are vital in ensuring every resident can enjoy all that Reading has to offer. The Festival of Inclusivity will be a wonderful event at Palmer Park Leisure Centre, and I encourage residents to join in the fun of the day."
Event Details
Location Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium, Wokingham Road, Reading, RG6 1LF
Saturday 13 September 2025
Time 2pm–5pm
Entry £3 per person, please purchase tickets in advance, here NEXT EVENT