This year marks the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and celebrations will be taking place in towns and citites all over the country. In Reading, we're going big with the celebrations, with a four-day extravaganza of events, parties and activities this June, including a record-breaking 57 community street parties.
Join the festivities as Reading marks the occasion with a series of unmissable events across the town, including a four-day bank holiday weekend.
Here are some highlights to look out for:
-
The Jubilee Beacon Trail, running Saturday 14 May – Sunday 5 June. Take part in our royal-themed augmented reality (AR) trail in Reading. Find seven magical characters on a day trip from Buckingham Palace. To learn more or start the trail, go to jubileebeacontrail.com
-
Beacon Lighting Ceremony, with music from the Reading Scottish Pipe Band and Reading Male Voice Choir, Thursday 2 June, 9.15 pm in the Abbey Ruins. Part of a country-wide celebration in which 1,500 beacons will be lit in recognition of the Queen’s service, bringing communities across the globe together to pay tribute. Free event but ticketed due to the limited spaces available. To book a ticket please visit the following web link from the 6 May (when tickets will be released) www.whatsonreading.com/jubilee. Also available to watch virtually.
-
The Jubilee Tribute Concert, Friday 3 June, 4.30 pm in the Abbey Ruins. The top UK tribute bands, including Queen, The Beatles and George Michael, come together for a night under the stars to celebrate the Jubilee in one of Reading's most prestigious heritage sites. Book tickets at fatsoma.com/e/brrxqj5r/the-jubilee-tribute-show-abbey-ruins-reading
-
Reading Water Fest, Saturday 4 June, 11 am – 5 pm in the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the Kennet, between Chestnut Walk and the Riverside Museum. Reading’s flagship Jubilee event. Come along to this free festival to enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and refreshments, Blue Collar street food, water activities, narrow boats, craft and charity stalls and lots more! reading.gov.uk/waterfest
-
Trinity Concert Band Jubilee Children’s Concert, Sunday 5 June 3 pm – 4.30 pm in the Forbury Gardens. As the concluding event as part of this year’s Reading Children’s Festival and Jubilee celebrations, Trinity Concert Band will be performing a free children’s concert at the Forbury Bandstand. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it. reading.gov.uk/childrensfest
Between 28 May and 4 June, Reading Museum is also offering three exciting workshops running during the half term to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee as well as the 200th anniversary of Huntley & Palmers’ biscuits. For a royal experience in the build-up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the new portrait of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge will also be on display at the museum as part of the Duchess's 40th birthday celebrations. The stunning portrait will be on display until Saturday 4 June. www.readingmuseum.org.uk/holiday-fun-reading-museum
Opening on 26 May, Berkshire Record Office presents ‘Happy and Glorious’ - an exhibition celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her longstanding connection with Berkshire. https://whatsonreading.com/venues/berkshire-record-office/whats-on/happy-and-glorious
During May and June, Reading Libraries are offering a whole host of Jubilee-themed craft sessions across local branches and on 3 August will offer a special Jubilee Rhymetime in the Forbury, with two free sessions, one before and one after lunch. Children are invited to wear a crown or tiara (or even full fancy dress) as we’ll be singing some Royal songs as well as some old rhymetime favourites! www.reading.gov.uk/libraries
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Water Fest
Follow us on social media
