Countdown to a fun-filled King’s Coronation weekend

THE COUNTDOWN has started for a right Royal King’s Coronation weekend in Reading (6-8 May 2023).

The town is set to host a huge variety of events and activities to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. They include the annual launch event for Reading Children’s Festival, a Coronation-themed digital trail, a very special concert, a tribute festival and a Coronation Rhyme Time in the Forbury Gardens.

There are also 39 street parties taking place across the borough on Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Monday 8 May, organised by residents and local communities themselves after the Council waived its usual road closure fee.

Christchurch Bridge will also light up Reading’s skyline in red, white, and blue in celebration of the Coronation.

Below are some of the highlights of what promises to be a very special weekend in Reading:

Reading Children’s Festival (Saturday 6 May to 4 June 2023): This year’s festival celebrates its 34th anniversary with a record four fun-packed weeks of free and low-cost events and activities for children all over the borough. 

The festival gets off to an action-packed start with the free, royal-themed Forbury Fiesta on Saturday 6 May, 12noon – 5pm, where there will be something for everyone to get involved with on the day. Head down to the Forbury Gardens from midday to join in all the fun!

Reading’s four-week-long Children’s Festival promises to bring plenty of fun, mayhem and madness. From sports and music workshops to fun days with art and craft sessions, take your pick from the many exciting events taking place at venues across Reading. 

The King’s Wardrobe: As part of the King’s Coronation celebrations, you can take part in our free, specially created augmented reality trail in Reading. Sir Lawrence Lion is about to be crowned King, but he doesn’t know what to wear! Visit all the King’s friends around Reading and see what they suggest he wear for his Coronation (spoiler alert, they are not all very sensible!). Complete mini-challenges, try on the items yourselves and take selfies with them on. When you’ve met all 10, you can see the fully prepared King in augmented reality. The trail runs from 6 May to 4 June. To find out more about the trail, visit the website: www.highstreetsafari.com/kingswardrobe

Coronation Creative Challenge: A showcase of all the creative ways people across the country and Commonwealth are celebrating the Coronation. From making your own street party bunting to designing a royal invitation or creating a recipe fit for a King, there are lots of ways to get involved. However you’re celebrating the Coronation, share your creations for a chance to feature in the Creative Challenge gallery: https://coronation.gov.uk/coronation-creative-challenge/ 

Scouting for Girls in the Abbey Ruins: The fun continues into the evening on Saturday 6 May, with the sensational group Scouting for Girls live from the Abbey Ruins in celebration of the King’s Coronation. With guest DJs and support bands, including The Royston Club. 

Tribute Festival in the Abbey Ruins: On Sunday 7 May, join the King's Coronation Tribute Festival in the Abbey Ruins between 12noon – 6.30pm. Top UK tribute bands come together for a day in the sun to celebrate the King's Coronation in one of Reading's most prestigious heritage sites. With live tributes to Queen, Elton John, Oasis, Take That and Madness and a Paw Patrol meet & greet for the kids at the start of the event.

Coronation Celebration Rhymetime in the Gardens:

On Thursday 11 May Reading Borough Libraries are holding their free Coronation Rhymetime in the Forbury Gardens, in association with Teddies Music Club. Join regular Rhymetime staff for this Royal celebration! There will be two sessions 10.15 - 11.15 and 11.15 -12.15. Bring a picnic or wear royal fancy dress, but please remember water, sun hats and sunscreen. In the event of wet weather, the Rhymetime will take place in the Central Library.

For more information visit: https://whatsonreading.com/coronation