Water Fest As Popular As Ever For 36th Year

Back again for its 36^th year, Reading Borough Council’s much-loved Water Fest on Saturday 28 June celebrated the Kennet and Avon Canal in all its glory as well as the many historic spots along the towpath, with an estimated 11,000 people attending.

The free one-day Reading Borough Council event, in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and sponsored by North, took place on Saturday 28 June 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. 

The day started with the official reveal of the commemorative plaque for Jane Austen’s former Reading school at Abbey Gateway and was packed with entertainment from local groups and organisations including creative workshops, talks, musical and poetry performances. Contributors raised awareness and inspired action in response to the climate emergency as well as 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, Chestnut Walk and the beautifully painted boats, Riverside Walk, Forbury Gardens, and the renowned Abbey Ruins where there was a mix of traditional and contemporary music and dance across four stages. Visitors were also able to explore the public plaza at Huntley Wharf. 

Highlights of the day included:

• Nature Nurture’s immersive outdoor adventure in Forbury Gardens exploring the hidden connections between people, plants, and animals.
• Charity Super.Mkt pop-up event - stalls that boasted curated collections of second-hand treasures, chic, pre-loved clothing and accessories and the people’s catwalk
• Sustainable fashion show in front of the Maiwand Lion
• Mikron Theatre Company’s special performance of Operation Beach Hut at Huntley Wharf.
• Plus blacksmith demos, garment upcycling workshops, live music, and lots more

On Sunday 29 June Reading marked Armed Forces Day with a vibrant day of celebrations across the Forbury Gardens and Broad Street including live performances at the Forbury Bandstand and information and fundraising stalls on Broad Street including a special performance by the Reading Scottish Pipe Band, who paid 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: “Reading Borough Council has delivered the free Water Fest celebration of our beautiful waterways for 36 years now and I know many of us look forward to it every year and the celebration of our beautiful waterways! The day started with the official reveal of the plaque on Abbey Gateway commemorating Jane Austen attending school in Reading, ended with a special performance at Huntley Wharf by the Mikron Theatre Company and was jam-packed with events in-between. 

Then on Sunday 29 June we paid tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces with our Armed Forces Day celebrations in town, another important and popular event. 

I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the stallholders, entertainers and volunteers for supporting both Water Fest and Armed Forces day this year.”

Water Fest was sponsored by network and technology specialists North. David Crawford, CEO, North said "It was a privilege for North to be headline sponsor of Reading’s 36th Water Fest - a fantastic celebration of community along the Kennet and Avon Canal. The event showcased the spirit of Reading, from local artisans and barges to music and family activities, on a beautiful and truly happy summer’s day. It was inspiring to spend the day with Mayor Alice Mpofu-Coles and some of the Reading Council team. I was struck by their passion for Reading and to help and serve the local community.

At North, we’re proud of the partnership that we are building with Reading Borough Council and of the range of critical IT network services that we provide to help the Council run smoothly as well as campus & public security services to help ensure that Reading is a safe place for its community and visitors. Sponsoring Water Fest was a great way to help support an important community event and to engage with the people we serve every day."