A Waterfront Town
Rooted in its early history as a vital river port where the Thames and Kennet converge, Reading boasts over a thousand years of waterfront heritage. The inaugural Reading-on-Thames Festival will utilize this rich backdrop, presenting a vibrant arts and cultural showcase that intertwines with local history and the river’s charm.
River Stories by Walk the Plank
Stories of the River Thames come to life in a multi-sensory spectacle crafted by the award-winning outdoor arts company Walk the Plank. This event, set against the mesmerizing canvas of the river, will enchant all with its theatrical blend of lights, music, and pyrotechnics at Caversham Court Gardens.
Playground Victories by SITELINES
Physical comedy meets circus show in Playground Victories, a captivating performance that traverses the playful and poignant memories of playgrounds. Presented by SITELINES, the show promises laughter and nostalgia in a free performance on Broad Street.
Reading’s Royal Burial: Henry I of England
The legendary journey of Henry I's final voyage back to Reading Abbey is dramatized by the acclaimed theatre company, Reading Between The Lines (RBL). This powerful re-enactment portrays the King's return along the Kennet to his resting place at the Abbey, with a one-time performance at The Oracle Riverside.
What’s the Point of Rivers, Anyway?
Delve into the essence of Reading’s rivers through a series of events exploring poetry, workshops, and discussions. This segment of the festival will reflect on how waterways have sculpted the city's life and thought over centuries.
River Writing and Fry’s Island Swim
Discover the Thames anew with Ian House's poem 'Masterstroke', and join a communal swim around Fry's Island, reinstating the Thames as a central aspect of city life and culture.
Abbey on Wheels and River Heritage Walks
Uncover the narrative of Reading’s Abbey Quarter and participate in river heritage walks hosted by Two Rivers Press, showcasing the tranquil intersection of the Thames and Kennet.
Echoes Around View Island
Indulge in an immersive audio experience crafted by Beautiful Creatures Theatre. Audiences will traverse Reading Thames-side View Island, guided by an audio narrative interwoven with local lore.
All of a Twist and The River Thames LEGO®
Intrigue awaits at the Turbine House, unveiling the impact of rivers on technology and nature. Additionally, get creative with the LEGO® Brick Building event at Broad Street Mall, allowing everyone to contribute to a model of Reading's waterways.
ARENA and Heritage Open Days
In the lead-up to the festival, enjoy free ARENA events inspired by Reading’s waterways. Concurrently, Heritage Open Days provide an exclusive peek into the town's historical sites, enhancing the connection between local history and the festival’s celebrations.
Travel & Accommodation
Whether you're drawn by the historical intrigue, the arts, or the sheer enjoyment of riverside festivities, the Reading-on-Thames Festival is a cultural oasis set against the timeless flow of the Thames. For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the festival's offerings, local accommodation options range from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay enriched with cultural discovery.
London
- Premier Inn London
- One Hundred Shoreditch
- St Giles Hotel London
- Nobu Shoreditch
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
- Chelsea Harbour Hotel
- Leonardo Royal Hotel
- Mandrake Hotel
- Conrad London St James
- Ibis Canning Town
- The Hoxton Southwark
- Strand Palace Hotel
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel
- Broadwick Soho
- Aloft London Excel
- Premier Inn Hub Kings Cross
- The Londoner Hotel
- Hilton London Paddington
- Citizenm Tower Of London
- Holmes Hotel London
- Apex City Of London Hotel
- W Hotel London
- The Orange
- Karma Sanctum Soho
- Park Grand London Kensington
- Bed And Breakfast London