Water Fest 2025 Bumper Programme Of Events And Activities

Back again for its 36^th year, Reading Borough Council’s much-loved Water Fest on Saturday 28 June celebrates and shows off the Kennet and Avon Canal in all its glory, as well as the many historic spots that can be found along the towpath.

The free one-day event, brought to you by Reading Borough Council in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, and sponsored by North, takes place on Saturday 28 June between 11am and 5pm, within the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the River Kennet, celebrating the Abbey’s rich 900-year history and its environmental and heritage connections with Reading’s waterways. 

Local groups and organisations will be hosting creative workshops, talks, musical and poetry performances, raising awareness and inspiring action in response to the climate emergency and celebrating 36 wonderful Water Fest years with a programme full of fun, music, dance and activities.

Water Fest is Reading’s annual celebration of the river the town was built on, which became a canal in 1723. The event showcases the Kennet and the gorgeous and historic spots on its towpath. Visitors will be able to take in the sights and sounds as they wander through Chestnut Walk and admire the beautifully painted boats, Riverside Walk, Forbury Gardens and the renowned Abbey Ruins where there will be a mix of traditional and contemporary music and dance across four stages. Visitors will be also able to explore the public plaza at Huntley Wharf. 

Highlights on the day include:

• Nature Nurture’s immersive outdoor adventure in Forbury Gardens, exploring the hidden connections between people, plants, and animals.
• Charity Super.Mkt pop-up event - a range of stalls boasting carefully curated 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 taking place in front of the Maiwand Lion at 4.30pm.
• Forbury Gardens will host Blue Collar Street Food Market.
• Mikron Theatre Company’s special performance at 6pm of Operation Beach Hut at Huntley Wharf.
• Plus, blacksmith demos, garment upcycling workshops, live music and lots more

Find out more about this year’s exciting programme at https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/things-to-do/events/water-fest/

Reading will also mark Armed Forces Day on Sunday 29 June with a vibrant day of celebrations across the Forbury Gardens and Broad Street. In Forbury Gardens, visitors can explore Charity Super.Mkt’s pop-up market, offering a range of second-hand treasures and pre-loved clothing, alongside delicious options from Blue Collar Street Food. Live performances at the Forbury Bandstand will provide entertainment throughout the day. Meanwhile, Broad Street will feature a variety of information and fundraising stalls, with further entertainment including a special performance by the Reading Scottish Pipe Band, paying tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces.

Cllr 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 36^th 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 years 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.”