What's on in Reading this month

August brings with it the school holidays, but there’s no break for the wonderful events taking place all over Reading this summer! This month’s highlights include family-friendly festivals, open-air cinema, international tours, plenty of summer fun for kids – and even guaranteed sun! Check out our highlights of What’s On in Reading in August, and as always, don’t forget to check whatsonreading.com for so much, much more!

Summer Holiday fun for kids and families – all month

You’ll never hear the phrase “I’m bored!” this summer, as there’s so much creative fun for kids, teens and families to enjoy throughout August – drama summer camps, art workshops, activities at our libraries and museums, boat trips up our famous waterways and more! And the Shaun The Sheep: Find The Flock trail continues all month long too, along with two screenings of his movie, inside and out!

Don’t Rock The Boat by Robin Hawdon – till 6 Sept

A suitably river-based summer comedy at The Mill At Sonning! Brash, self-made property tycoon Arthur Bullhead is on a mission to seal the deal of his dreams. But instead of a boardroom, he chooses the quirky setting of his converted riverside barge, the Bunty, for a weekend getaway with the local planning committee chairman and his unsuspecting family. In a wild ride down the Thames, the tranquil river waters turn into a storm in a teacup! And, like all shows at the Mill, your ticket includes a two-course meal (unless otherwise specified).

Explore with Walk Reading – various dates

Local walking tour guides Walk Reading lead themed walks around the town – and beyond! – each one covering unique stories in Reading’s history. From Reading’s role in the history of photography and its connection to wars over the years, to the chance to explore the Kennet & Avon canal or Calleva Atrebatum’s Roman ruins, these walks will get your steps in and teach you something new!

Reading MELA – 2 & 3 August

Reading’s largest South Asian event returns for another two-day festival in Palmer Park, celebrating a rich tapestry of music, culture, and food. There’s plenty of live entertainment, from grassroots musicians to international stars like Navin Kundra and Apache Indian, plus bhangra dancers and much more. Your tastebuds will get to explore a delectable and diverse array of food stalls, and there’s lots of fun for kids too!

International artists at the Purple Turtle - various dates

Reading’s long-running nightspot is becoming one of the places for up-and-coming touring bands to make a stop. This month sees a return visit from Netherlands rockers Sonic Whip on 2 Aug, Italy’s “one man, every instrument” maestro Carlo Poddighe on 13 Aug and Argentine Ska/Reggae/Cumbia/Reggaeton/Punk hybrid Negra Santa on 14 Aug! All made possible thanks to funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Top Tributes – various dates

Some of the best songs and the best artists are brought to life with some cracking tribute shows throughout the month. At The Flowing Spring, there’s 2tone fun from Special Kinda Madness on 2 Aug, Moonage perform the best of Bowie on 16 Aug and Oasiz bring the Gallagher goodness on 30 Aug. Johnny2Bad pay tribute to UB40 at the Grosvenor Casino Show Bar on 15 Aug, Glen Leon is Tom Jones at The Club at Mapledurham on 29 Aug, and it’s a double-bill of rock icons with Guns 2 Roses & Nirvanah at Sub89 on 29 Aug.

Open Air Cinema – various dates

Marking the 20^th anniversary of its release, and 250^th anniversary of the birth of its author, Basildon Park is hosting a special outdoor screening of Pride & Prejudice (2005) on 6 Aug – fitting, as it was filmed on location at the house! And on 29 Aug it’s the return of the Frontier Sapiens Film Festival in the Abbey Ruins, with a brand new line-up of short films featuring epic adventures, cultural stories. That’s followed by back-to-back blockbusters from Frontier Screens – The Greatest Showman on 30 Aug and Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix on 31 Aug.

Carnival of the World – 9 Aug

The annual town-centre takeover from CultureMix is back for another year, bringing music, dance and costumes from Africa, South America, Europe and The Caribbean to Broad Street! Music starts from midday, and the parade kicks off at 2pm with spectacular large scale carnival costumes by percussionists, flag bearers and dancers to delight and surprise in equal measure.

Here Comes The Sun festival – 9 Aug

The Rising Sun Arts Centre once again open up all the doors to the building for their annual festival of music and arts. Dubbed “the biggest house party of the summer”, the team of volunteers will transform the centre with bunting, fake grass and more, offering live music and poetry across multiple stages, plus unique décor, kids activities and lots of fun for all.

(Ur)Sprung | Origin – 11 Aug

Experience the vibrant energy of the JBP NRW (Junge Bläserphilharmonie), a dynamic youth wind orchestra from our twin town of Düsseldorf in Germany, performing at the University’s Great Hall as part of its international tour. This special concert showcases the orchestra’s versatility and spirit, offering an evening of musical brilliance and cultural exchange.

Helios at Basildon Park – 15-18 & 22-25 Aug

Last year, Luke Jerram’s Gaia brough the world to the Town Hall. This summer, another of Jerram's pieces brings the sun to Basildon Park! Helios is a seven-metre sculpture that combines solar imagery, light and sound to highlight the sun's intricate details. Along with its glowing light, Helios includes a soundscape featuring NASA recordings of the sun, by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.

Reading Gin & Rum Festival – 16 Aug

If you’re thirsty for knowledge or just thirsty, you’ll be spoilt for choice with over 120 of the best Gins and Rums on the market, including the best of British, spirits from around the world and a huge range of flavoured products. Discover new favourites with samples from hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at themed Gin and Rum bars, and let your hair down with friends whilst enjoying music from DJs and live entertainment.

Reading Pride: Love Unites – 30 August

Reading Pride returns with their annual parade and festival – free, inclusive and open to all. The Festival kicks off when the Parade arrives at 12pm with a full line-up of entertainment across three stages throughout the day along with a funfair, family area, a wide range of food, drink and market stalls.