Water Fest 2025

The free one day event will take place between 11am and 5pm on 28 June. It is happening in Forbury Gardens, the Abbey ruins and along the River Kennet.

Local groups and organisations will be hosting creative workshops, talks, musical and poetry performances.

Water Fest is Reading's annual celebration of the river the town was built on. There will be a mix of traditional and contemporary music and dance on four stages. 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

Water Fest is a partnership between Reading Borough Council and Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. It is sponsored by North.