Forbury Fiesta is a right royal celebration – despite the rain

READING’S annual children’s festival launched on Saturday with a right royal celebration ... and a right royal downpour.

The Forbury Fiesta was held in Forbury Gardens despite rain falling throughout the day.

A main stage saw a host of entertainment including Reading Rep Theatre, Theatretrain, babyballet, the Benagli Cultural Association and Small Strings.

And there were workshops including a storytime from Waterstones, and a deminstration from Matt Fiddes martial arts schools.

Arts collective jelly had a tent where youngsters could take part in a series of royal-themed craft activities and there were opportunities to play in a pop-up village.

Sport In Mind gave people the opportunity to try some activities such as archery, and there was face painting, cycling and a singing workshop.

Marva Carty read from her book Mari Loves Mangoes, Readipop held a jam workshop, and there was an opportunity to take part in King Arthur’s Dragon Epico.

Avanti Cycle provided free Dr Bike checks and repairs and held free cycle training.

And for the hungry, a number of food stalls were in place.

The event was opened by Willie Hartley Russell the Deputy Lord Lieutentant of Berkshire, and the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden.

She thanked people for attending despite the weather.

“I think you’ve done a sterling job despite the very traditional British weather we’re facing,” she said to the people running stalls and events.

“I was very fortunate to meet His Majesty (the King) last month at an event at Buckingham Palace. It really struck me how much he cares about young people.

“It was something he referenced in his speech and by other people at the event.

“When I spoke to him, I said how proud I was that Berkshire, the royal county, was the only county invited to the occasion.”

She said he was committed, through the Prince’s Trust, to give young people a good start in life.

“That is what today is about,” Cllr Eden added. “This is our 34th children’s festival – that means I was a child when this started.

“We have a wonderful set of events for people to attend over the next month.”

Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire Willie Hartley Russell with Reading mayor Cllr Rachel Eden and members of jelly plus some young visitors who made their own badges

Children could takeaway a balloon model

Forbury Fiesta included street entertainment as visitors wandered through Forbury Gardens

Reading Healthwatch were on hand offering advice and support

Sport In Mind offered taster sessions for outdoor activities

Members of Berkshire Women’s Aid on their stall

Members of Theatre Train entertain