Food, fashion, music and boats at Reading Water Fest
- Celebrate Reading’s waterways with boat parades and activities on the water
- Four stages showcasing local talent performing music and dance from around the world
- Pre-loved and vintage fashion shows, nature trails, Norman combat demonstrations and much more
Reading’s annual celebration of its waterways will boast a programme packed with fun, food, fashion, music, boats and ducks, plus much more.
The 37th Water Fest returns to Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk and Huntley Wharf along the Kennet on Saturday 27 June, 11am-5pm.
The popular free event, organised by the Council in partnership with the Kennet And Avon Canal Trust, promises a huge variety of activities and entertainment which can be enjoyed by families and residents of all ages.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Trust and there are a host of activities on the water throughout the day with two parades of beautifully decorated boats, canoe and kayak taster sessions and the renowned duck race at 4pm.
Four stages will be showcasing the finest local entertainment all day, starting from around 11.30am.
The Main stage in the Abbey Ruins will feature WolfNote, Selina and the Howlin' Dogs, Left Foot Forward, Kalakunj, Rufus Ruffcut and Otto & The Mutapa.
The acoustic stage in the South Transept of the Ruins will include performances from Progress Theatre, Jackie Doe and The Uncertainty of Passion, Reading Rep’s Youth Theatre and Peter Doyle and his Guitar Orchestra of Reading.
The Huntley Wharf Stage will feature rich cultural experiences, such as Reading Chinese School, Bengali Cultural Society, Kryla Choir and Damien Passmore.
And University of Reading music presents a day of unforgettable tunes on the floating stage, including Redfin Jazz Collective, Lemonade and the Will McCrea Trio.
There will also be Medieval songs and live music at the Bandstand in Forbury Gardens brought to you by Ghaetta. We will also step back 800 years to experience life in 12th century Reading with Historia Normannis as we look forward to next year’s Year of the Normans. The programme includes Norman Drills for Children, Norman Fashion Show and a combat demonstration.
Fashion also features with The People’s Catwalk in front of the Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens where individuals, groups and communities model pre-loved, vintage and upcycled attire.
Followed by Reclaimed Runway: A Second-Hand Fashion Affair where the crowds can witness a spectacular fusion of sustainability and style. There are also opportunities to take part in garment upcycling and mending workshops.
Nature Nurture will be bringing The Nature Connection Clinic to the Forbury Gardens. Join them and the Nature Doctor for a playful wellbeing check-up inspired by the Natural Health Service. Visit A&E (Awe & Excitement), check in at Tree-age, and explore a range of fun, hands on activities inspired by the five senses. Discover how nature can help lift your mood, reduce stress and support your wellbeing.
Art organisation Jelly will be holding a free print workshop and a paper streamer workshop where youngsters can create water inspired streamers to use in the Water Fest Parade led by World Groove drummers at 4pm.
Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:
“There is a huge variety of activities and entertainment at this year’s Water Fest. You are guaranteed to have a good time wherever you are on the site at whatever time.
“You can experience music and dance from around the world on the four different stages throughout the day and take a journey back to 12th century Reading with medieval songs and music on the Bandstand.
“Sustainability is a key theme of Water Fest again this year with the People’s Catwalk and Reclaimed Runway as well as workshops on how to upcycle and mend your clothes.
“Visitors will also not want to miss the action on the water, with the special parades of beautifully painted boats, canoe, kayak and paddleboard taster sessions and the much-anticipated duck race.
“Water Fest is one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar and brings together so many people and groups from Reading’s communities. You will not want to miss it.”
For more details and to read the Water Fest 2026 brochure on line, visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/things-to-do/events/water-fest/.