On behalf of the Reading Civic Society, we share some of the upcoming events and things of note in our town, in August and September:
Reading Rock Festival 1971
Reading Festival, but not as you know it, unless you were a lucky attendee in 1971! It’s the 50th anniversary of the iconic event that put Reading on the map for music lovers across the globe. This anniversary forms the heart of the latest exhibition, which tells the story of that first event, and of the musicians, sounds and crowds that brought it to life. Plan your visit.
Exhibiting from 26th August. Reading Museum.
Reading Refugee Support Group
This fantastic cause is currently running a Pledge Funding campaign with the Big Give to raise funds for their Advice and Drop in Services. Pledges by 5th September will doubled by matched funding. To find out more please visit the Big Give Christmas Challenge page or visit the Pledge page. The Christmas Carol Concert will be held in Reading Minster on 17th December, featuring the Reading Community Gospel Choir. Tickets on sale in due course.
Pledge before the 5th September.
Purley on Thames Festival of Art
From painting to calligraphy, to book binding, enjoy a a wonderful selection of arts and crafting in the charming village of Purley on Thames. Entry is free and there will be a range of children’s activities and artist’s demonstrations on show.
4th September, 10am to 3pm. Purley Memorial Hall – inside and outside.
Reading Libraries Consultation
The Reading Borough Council wants to know more about how residents use the library service, what they think of it, what they think the future should look like for the library – this includes any improvements people would like to see at the Central library. Take part in the survey here. Or you can visit your local library.
Consultations are taking place until 9th September.
Thames Lido
Since the Lido was opened, after a challenging 3 years of planning and building, it has been hugely popular place for Reading residents – recently reaching 1,000 members. The Reading Civic Society is hosting 2 events, with a selection of refreshments, for the Heritage Open Days in the meeting room there. Here’s what’s on:
- 11th September, 6-8pm – Lloyd Turner – Landlords and Conservation, A conflict of Interests? In attendance will be the Mayor and Mayoress.
Click here for info and how to book. - 17th September, 6-8pm – Joe Doak – Look Up to History – Discover some of the hidden history of our town.
Click here for information and how to book.
Modular Homes
Reading Council have been busy working to deliver modular homes to help support homelessness in Reading. Over half of theses modular homes have now arrived, with the rest arriving in the next month. Find out more, see the moment the first ones arrived, and hear Deputy Leader Cllr Tony Page explaining more on the council Facebook page here.
Green Park Station
Reading’s new Green Park Station has been progressing with a new footbridge now built, spanning the two tracks for each platform. The line will be commissioned by Network Rail and is currently scheduled for opening in June 2022.
Find out more here.