News

• Further £85k funding announced for Reading’s historic high streets
• The investment will allow for a three-year programme of cultural activities

• Reading based creative groups Berzerk Productions, StrikeUp, and Ma Bessie have been commissioned to create digital art pieces
• The digital events will be released in the lead-up to the Water Fest, the flagship celebration event to mark the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey on Saturday 19th June
• The commissioned artists will have a share of the £10,000 funding pot, provided by the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage

• New online exhibition, ‘Where Smooth Waters Glide’ launching on Friday 7 May.
• Thames Conservancy archive highlights 250 years of lock building, pollution and flood management

• Southcote Library is now due to reopen next Tuesday, initially for 3 hours per week, from 1-4 pm
• Palmer Park Library to reopen later in May

• Reading Water Fest will take place on Saturday 19 June 2021, between 11am and 5pm
• The free festival will celebrate the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey
• Stringent measures will be in place to ensure the event operates within current Covid guidelines

• Reading among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund
• This award will significantly contribute to the service’s preparations for reopening

• Battle library due to reopen next week from Tuesday 6 April
• The Council will look to continue the planned phase of reopening of wider library services over the coming months

• Mayor’s annual singing competition moves online for 2021
• For the first time, extended to the talent competition is all musicians and singers

• Abbot Hugh received 40% of the vote
• The carving will be unveiled in June 2021 to mark the Abbey’s 900^th anniversary

• Funding applications invited from any Reading-based individuals, artists or arts organisations for a share of the of between £3K and £5K 
• Call to create digital artistic content in response to and in celebration of the Abbey from 1121 to the present day.

• Behind Closed Doors will be available for a limited time only until Friday 12th March.
• Enjoy the performance from the comfort of your own home, on-demand at a time of your choosing.

- A free online event of speakers, choral performances and an address from a keynote speaker will be taking place online to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 on 20th January

- It is organised by Reading Borough Council and ACRE and supported by Reading Hebrew Congregation, Maidenhead Synagogue, Reading Refugee Support Group and Berkshire Rwandese Community

- Viewing the event online is free. For more information and to register to view, visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/news/holocaust-memorial-day-2021-online-event/