Reading Children’s Festival 2026

Saturday 9 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Venues across Reading

Colourful illustration of diverse children reading books surrounding a large tilted blue book titled 'Reading Children's Festival'. The children represent various ethnicities and are shown joyfully engaged with their books. A yellow-green banner displays '2026' and the bottom left corner features the 'GO ALL IN.' logo with 'National Year of Reading 2026' text.

This year’s festival celebrates its 37th anniversary with three fun packed weeks of events and activities for children all over the borough. The festival gets off to an exciting start with Forbury Fiesta on Saturday 9 May, where there will be something for everyone to get involved with on the day. Reading Children’s Festival promises to bring plenty of fun, mayhem and madness.

From sport 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.

If you’d like to take part by running an event or activity as part of the festival, please fill in our Children’s Festival expression of interest form.

If you’d like to attend our launch event on 9 May 2026 with a stall or provide a workshop or entertainment, please fill in our Forbury Fiesta expression of interest form.

For the full programme of activities and events, please visit this page nearer the time of the festival.

For more information:

Tel: 0118 937 2771 or 0118 937 2395
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReadingCFest
Instagram: @readingcfest
X: @ReadingCFest

Last updated on 05/02/2026