Water Fest

Saturday 28 June 2025, 11am – 5pm
Forbury Gardens, Reading Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk and Riverside Walk

Back again for its 36th year, Water Fest celebrates and shows off the Kennet and Avon Canal in all its glory, as well as the many historic spots that can be found along the towpath.

This accessible one-day event, brought to you by Reading Borough Council in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, takes place on Saturday 28 June 2025 between 11am and 5pm, within the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the River Kennet, celebrating the Abbey’s rich 900-year history and its environmental and heritage connections with Reading’s waterways. This year’s event will directly respond to the Council’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, using environmental and climate change themes through creative programming and workshops on the day.

Water Fest is Reading’s way of celebrating and showing off the Kennet Canal in all its glory, along with the gorgeous and historic spots on its towpath.  Visitors can take in the sights and sounds as they wander through Chestnut Walk, Forbury Gardens, the renowned Abbey Ruins.  En route you’ll see some beautifully painted boats and meet some of the friendly boaters keen to chat about life on board.

If you would like to take part by running a stall, activity or a workshop as part of the event please fill in our Water Fest stall application form.

This year’s Water Fest will be part of a weekend celebration of events and activities in the Town Centre including silent discos, Armed Forces Day and a special event in the Abbey on Sunday (details to come!).

Come back to this page for further details very soon.

For more information

Tel: 0118 937 2771 or 0118 937 2395

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rdgwaterfest
Instagram: @rdgwaterfest
Twitter:  @RdgWaterFest