@ReadingCFest

News and events from Reading Children's Festival which takes place every May and June in Reading.

 Reading, Berkshire, UK
Joined April 2012
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Central Library is now open at the Civic Centre! 📖 Visit the children’s section to see a bookmark display by @thejellyReading 🔖 Created by children at Children Festival 2026, each shares a favourite book and artwork. Come along, explore the library and find your next read!
A display of colourful, handmade bookmarks created by children, featuring book reviews and drawings on a library shelf.

ALT A display of colourful, handmade bookmarks created by children, featuring book reviews and drawings on a library shelf.

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That's a wrap on Reading Children's Festival 2026! A big thank you to all the event organisers for creating such a wonderful mix of activities over the past three weeks! If you attended any of the Children's Festival 2026 events, please share your favourite moments or feedback ⬇️
Reading Children's Festival 2026 logo

ALT Reading Children's Festival 2026 logo

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Join your child in developing outdoor skills in @TheMERL garden, with activities themed around the museum collections and the changing seasons. 📆 Sunday 31 May, 10am – 12noon ℹ️ Suitable for children 5+. Free event, but booking is required at rdguk.info/JQhgL
Children and adults toasting marshmallows over a fire pit outdoors on an autumn day.

ALT Children and adults toasting marshmallows over a fire pit outdoors on an autumn day.

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ICHI, from Nagoya in Japan, redefines the one‑man band with quirky handmade instruments, toys & everyday objects. Playful, ritualistic, and totally unique — fun, danceable & exciting. 📆 Saturday 30 May, 2pm 📍 @southstreetarts rdguk.info/LuYTa
Man playing a xylophone in front of an orange wall with whimsical musical contraptions and sculptures.

ALT Man playing a xylophone in front of an orange wall with whimsical musical contraptions and sculptures.

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Little Chefs cooking class at @CiannasSmile! Children will enjoy a hands-on experience making ackee & saltfish and sweet coconut drops, while learning new skills and building confidence. 📆 Saturday 30 May, 11am – 2.30pm 📍 10 Eaton Place, RG1 7LP rdguk.info/XseM8
Poster for Little Chef's Caribbean Cooking Class for Reading's Children Festival, featuring a smiling boy cooking.

ALT Poster for Little Chef's Caribbean Cooking Class for Reading's Children Festival, featuring a smiling boy cooking.

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Learn the basics of fencing at introductory workshops run by VF Fencing Club. The sessions are suitable for ages 8-12. 📆 Friday 29 May, 10.30am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm 📍 Sports Hall, Highdown School, Surley Row, RG4 8LR £2 per session, book at rdguk.info/88wxw
Two fencers in protective gear practicing. Text announces "Introduction to fencing workshops".

ALT Two fencers in protective gear practicing. Text announces "Introduction to fencing workshops".

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Meadway’s Mayors Challenge offers kids the chance to try fun sports with local clubs & the leisure centre. Complete challenges, collect stickers, fill your book & earn a Mayor’s certificate! 📆 Thu 28 May, 10am - 2pm 📍 Meadway Sports Centre, RG30 4BZ ℹ️ Free, no booking required
Children celebrating winning a trophy at Meadway's Mayors Challenge sporting event.

ALT Children celebrating winning a trophy at Meadway's Mayors Challenge sporting event.

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The Ranger Station is holding an open day on Wednesday 27 May! Between 10am and 4:30pm the event includes: 🎫 low ropes course 🏌🏻 mini golf 🌴 climbing wall sessions 💡 imaginary play 🧩 under 5s soft play Free, no pre booking required.
Poster for a Children's Festival at Ranger Station, featuring low ropes and mini-golf on 27th May at Prospect Park.

ALT Poster for a Children's Festival at Ranger Station, featuring low ropes and mini-golf on 27th May at Prospect Park.

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Come along to South Reading Leisure Centre for a Soft Play Party with music and refreshments. 📆 Wednesday 27 May, 9am – 11am For children under 11. £3.40, book at rdguk.info/W5G8K
Promotional image for a South Reading soft play party. A child is lying among large, brightly coloured foam blocks in yellow, turquoise, orange and pink, with arms raised above the head. Overlaid text reads “South Reading soft play party.” Additional text at the bottom states “Wednesday 27 May, South Reading Leisure Centre,” alongside the Reading Borough Council logo. A Children’s Festival logo appears in the top right corner.

ALT Promotional image for a South Reading soft play party. A child is lying among large, brightly coloured foam blocks in yellow, turquoise, orange and pink, with arms raised above the head. Overlaid text reads “South Reading soft play party.” Additional text at the bottom states “Wednesday 27 May, South Reading Leisure Centre,” alongside the Reading Borough Council logo. A Children’s Festival logo appears in the top right corner.

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Join @Reading_CC to get a great chance to try a new sport! 📆 Wednesday 27 May, 10am-11.15am, 11.45am-1pm, 1.45pm-3pm 📍 Reading Canoe Club, The Warren, Caversham, RG4 7TH For 9 to 17 year olds. £5 per person, booking is required at rdguk.info/r5iYv
People kayaking on a river during a taster session event, advertised for Reading Children's Festival.

ALT People kayaking on a river during a taster session event, advertised for Reading Children's Festival.

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Enjoy a live interactive music session for under 5’s with singing, dancing and real musical instruments! 📆 Wednesday 27 May, 10am – 10.40am 📍 @berksmusictrust, 100 Stoneham Close, Cockney Hill, Tilehurst, RG30 4EZ £5, book in advance at rdguk.info/34kn1
Children and a woman enjoying a music session with instruments, including maracas and a guitar.

ALT Children and a woman enjoying a music session with instruments, including maracas and a guitar.

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rdguk.info/RfU2E

Mini Maestros (Part of Reading Children's Festival) - Booking by Bookwhen

Find all of our holiday courses, workshops and one-off events here! Please select to filter by session type: Mini Maestros Masterclasses Workshops Holiday Courses Sound About Choir

bookwhen.com
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Join West End performer and Vocal Coach, Jamie Read, to learn how to hit the high notes and smash out your favourite songs from hit musicals like Legally Blonde! 📆 Tuesday 26 May, 11am – 12.30pm 📍 @berksmusictrust £10, book in advance at rdguk.info/ERxlo
A girl wearing sparkly glasses sings into a microphone at a musical theatre vocal workshop.

ALT A girl wearing sparkly glasses sings into a microphone at a musical theatre vocal workshop.

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Join CultureMix Arts for their FREE steel band taster workshop, led by friendly tutors. All abilities welcome. Equipment and instrument supplied. 📆 Tuesday 26 May, 5.15pm – 6.15pm 📍 CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF rdguk.info/hxrGY
Child participating in a steel band taster workshop at Reading Children's Festival.

ALT Child participating in a steel band taster workshop at Reading Children's Festival.

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Join Thames Rivercruise this May half-term for their Explorer Activity Cruises along the Thames! 📆 Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 🕓 11.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.00 & 16.00 Special Offer: One child goes FREE with every full-fare paying adult rdguk.info/X6hti
Family Thames river cruises offer on the Caversham Lady boat, with Reading Children's Festival branding.

ALT Family Thames river cruises offer on the Caversham Lady boat, with Reading Children's Festival branding.

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Join @readinglibrary for this year’s 'Reading Loves reading' scheme, launching on Saturday 23 May. They are also running craft activities throughout the half-term week – all events are FREE, drop-in, with donations welcome. Contact your local library for more details 📞
A rocket ship with cartoon aliens in space, promoting 'Reading loves reading 2026' and 'Reading Libraries'.

ALT A rocket ship with cartoon aliens in space, promoting 'Reading loves reading 2026' and 'Reading Libraries'.

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Reading Children’s Festival runs from 9–31 May, bringing three weeks of fun events for families across the borough! It kicked off with Forbury Fiesta last Saturday, packed with performances and activities for all ages. Download the programme of events at rdguk.info/hJdGe
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A show for all without any heavy going science! Astronomer and author Adrian West presents a glorious visual and thought provoking experience for everyone that looks up and wonders. 📆 Sunday 17 May, 6pm 📍 The Hexagon, Queens Walk, RG1 7QF rdguk.info/682dI
The title 'The Night Sky Show' in white text against a starry, dark blue and orange background.

ALT The title 'The Night Sky Show' in white text against a starry, dark blue and orange background.

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Local author Sue Palmer will be visiting Reading Children’s Book Group to talk about her latest book, “The Shell Secret”, an exciting World War II coastal mystery. 📆 Sunday 17 May, 10am – 11am 📍 @FourbearsBooks 🎟️ Free — book by 4pm Sat 16 May at rdguk.info/J4x6q
Woman holding a shell crab craft and the book "The Shell Secret" by Sue Palmer.

ALT Woman holding a shell crab craft and the book "The Shell Secret" by Sue Palmer.

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Jump into the world of Pinocchio in this special performing arts workshop by @TT_Reading! 📆 Saturday 16 and 23 May, 9am – 10.30am 📍 The Hill Primary School, RG4 8TU ℹ️ Target age: 4-6 years 🎟️ £12 Book your spot at rdguk.info/oJwPx
Children excitedly participating in a 'Theatretrain's Pinocchio workshop' for Reading Children's Festival.

ALT Children excitedly participating in a 'Theatretrain's Pinocchio workshop' for Reading Children's Festival.

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