Uni to host new community festival
THE UNIVERSITY of Reading will welcome residents from across the town onto its Whiteknights campus for a new family-friendly event.
Its Community Festival on Saturday, May 13, will feature live music, theatre and performance, street food and a packed programme of hands-on activities for visitors young and old.
The one-day event will be held across multiple indoor and outdoor venues, bringing together local artists, performers, cultural organisations and food vendors.
Visitors can also take the opportunity to showcase some of its leading research taking place at the university.
Prof Robert van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “Our first ever Community Festival is aimed at bringing together everyone in the area, including students, staff, alumni and their families, and local residents for a free one-day celebration of what makes Reading great: our diverse and welcoming community.
“As well as a full day of entertainment, visitors can explore our gardens, buildings and green spaces that make the university one of the UK’s leading centres for study and discovery.
“We are looking forward to welcoming lots of people across Reading to join us in this start of summer celebration for the whole community.”
The inaugural event will be organised by the university and the Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU), in collaboration with partners from across the town.
Members of the public can get active on the day through a host of sports taster sessions and campus walks and tours, or have a bite to eat with friends in the meadows and stroll around the Whiteknights lake.
Molli Cleaver, community relations manager at the university, said: “We are committed to creating a university that positively benefits our local community and works in partnership to make an impactful contribution to the town and surrounding areas.
“A lot of passionate Reading residents are creating this oneday festival that reaches further than ever before to invite our neighbours from across the town on to campus.
“Bring your friends. Bring your family, young and old. Bring your picnic blankets, and your dogs for a free festival celebrating Reading in our beautiful meadows.”
The full festival line-up will be announced in April.
The event will take place from 10am-3.30pm on Saturday, May 13. Entry is free and there is no need to book.