Reading Water Fest

About

Reading Water Fest will be the flagship event to mark the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey. 

When Reading Abbey was founded 900 years ago by King Henry I of England, it was one of Europe's largest monasteries. In 2018 the Abbey Ruins reopened as part of the £3.15m Reading Abbey Revealed project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England. 

Water Fest is Reading’s largest free town centre-based community event. It will feature an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage, through live and digital performances, activities and workshops. The event will take place across Reading Abbey Quarter: Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the River Kennet and will celebrate its historic connections to Reading's waterways.

The Abbey’s illustrious history will be brought to life with the Forbury Civil War Camp and Medieval Village where people can experience the sounds and smells of the Quarter’s history.

This accessible one-day event will take place on Saturday 19 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.

Highlights Water Fest 2021

• The Forbury Gardens will offer a whole range of historical workshops as well as displays, activities and exhibitions from wide range of local community and charity groups. 
• Visit the Forbury Civil War Camp or Medieval Village where you can experience the sounds and smells of the Quarter’s history.
• The Abbey’s dormitory will feature four unique artist-led workshops and still life drawing sessions, co-designed with Jelly.  
• On the Kennet there will be a new floating stage (which will be one of four stages on the day) with local organisations such as CultureMix, Limpopo Groove and a whole host of local acts.   
• South Street Arts will present a brand-new piece of site-specific theatre, as part of their award winning SITELINES programme, taking inspiration from the Abbey’s rich history.
• Rabble Theatre Company will perform excerpts from their current production of The Last Abbot. 
• Riverside Walk will be transformed into a large photo exhibition highlighting the history of the Abbey.
• Chocolate Island will host an extra special children’s show throughout the day.  
• A delicious selection of refreshments will also be available on Chestnut Walk courtesy of Blue Collar with the very best in street food and drink on the day.
• Water Fest favourites will return - beautifully painted narrowboats will be moored along the length of the site who will also take part in two special parades throughout the day.   
• Boat trips will be available around the Forbury loop.
• Don’t forget the extra special annual duck race!

As with all events this year in the light of the ongoing pandemic, Water Fest will look very different from previous years. The event will be delivered in a stringently Covid compliant way. A range of online activities will also be on offer to complement the live event. Once you have booked your Water Fest Abbey 900 ticket you can book additional activity sessions for the day, you will receive a link to the activity booking page with your e-ticket.

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Ticket info

Tickets are free but you must book your entry time in advance.

Children under 1 will not need a ticket; please book a place for any older children.

You will receive a link to the activity booking page with your e-ticket.