Get involved in Reading's Festivals
Reading may be known for one particular festival, but we're a town that's filled with them all summer long (and longer!).
And there are usually plenty of opportunities to be part of our festival community - volunteering, performing, offering stalls and more.
Check out all the festival opportunities for Reading and be part of one of our great events!
Reading Children's Festival
This year’s festival once again gets off to an exciting start with Forbury Fiesta on Saturday 9 May, where there will be something for everyone to get involved with on the day. Reading Children’s Festival promises to bring plenty of fun, mayhem and madness.
It continues till 31 May, with events spanning from sport and music workshops to fun days with art and craft sessions.
- If you’d like to take part by running an event or activity as part of the festival, please fill in our Children’s Festival expression of interest form.
- If you’d like to attend our launch event on 9 May 2026 with a stall or provide a workshop or entertainment, please fill in our Forbury Fiesta expression of interest form.
Woodley Carnival
Woodley Carnival is looking for an enthusiastic individual to take on a fulfilling role sourcing, arranging and coordinating our evening concert bands. The role includes liaising between the bands and sound team regarding technical specs.
If you’re available on Saturday 13 June, please email matt.jacobs@woodleycarnival.org.uk. You’ll shadow our Band Manager this year, with a view to taking on the role next year.
East Reading Festival
The free community-focused event returns to Palmer Park on Sunday 21 June, with live music, community performances, a funfair, a small food court with a variety of different cuisines and a wide range of community, charity and commercial stalls.
If you would like to get involved in the festival as a stall holder, performer, volunteer, committee member, etc, please complete our online form
Reading Water Fest
This year’s Water Fest will be returning to the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the River Kennet taking place on Saturday 27 June between 11am and 5pm.
Back again for its 37th year, Water Fest celebrates and shows off the Kennet and Avon Canal in all its glory, as well as the many gorgeous and historic spots that can be found along the towpath.
If you would like to take part by running a stall, activity or a workshop as part of Water Fest please fill in our Water Fest expression of interest form.
Reading Pride
Volunteering
Volunteering your time to help Reading Pride is a fantastic way to support the LGBTQ+ community and make a positive impact in Berkshire and beyond. Pride events are vital spaces for celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and challenging prejudice. By lending a hand, you’ll be contributing to an event that uplifts spirits, fosters a sense of belonging, and raises awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. Whether you assist with event planning, volunteer on the day, or offer your skills in other ways, your support will help create a memorable and impactful Pride celebration for everyone involved.
Perform on the Colours & Fires Stage
Ready to light up the Colours & Fires stage at Reading Pride? We’re looking for talented performers with a strong connection to Reading, who celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community and can bring family-friendly, live performances to the stage. Original music is prioritised — so if you’ve got the sound and the passion, we want to hear from you.