Abbey 900 at Reading Water Fest

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Reading Water Fest will take place on Saturday 19 June 2021, between 11am and 5pm

The free festival will celebrate the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey

Stringent measures will be in place to ensure the event operates within current Covid guidelines

2021 is an incredibly auspicious year for Reading - marking 900 years since Reading Abbey, one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries, was founded by King Henry I of England. Reading Water Fest will be the focal celebration event for this landmark year.

Water Fest is Reading’s largest free town centre-based community event. It will feature an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage, through live and digital performances, activities and workshops. The Abbey’s illustrious history will be brought to life with the Forbury Civil War Camp and Medieval Village where people can experience the sounds and smells of the Quarter’s history.

This accessible one-day event will take place on Saturday 19 June 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.

As with all events this year in the light of the ongoing pandemic, Water Fest will look very different from previous years. The event will be delivered in a stringently Covid compliant way. A range of online activities will also be on offer to complement the live event. Once you have booked your Water Fest Abbey 900 ticket you can book additional activity sessions for the day, you will receive a link to the activity booking page with your e-ticket.