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!
Woodley Carnival - 13 June
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 - 21 June
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 - 27 June
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 - 5 September
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 one of the stages
The team are looking out for performers of all types to take to their various stages - the Main Stage (closing date: 31 May), the PrideXtra Stage (for local community artistes - closing date: 1 July) and the Pride Dance Stage (for local LGBTQIA+ DJs - closing date 30 June)
Down At The Abbey Festival - 11 & 12 Sept
Want to perform at the festival?
In advance of our first announcement this month, we’re opening our application process!
At Down at The Abbey, we’re committed to building diverse and inclusive line-ups by working with artists from all walks of life. Applications close on June 30th
Volunteering
We’re looking for Volunteers to help out at the festival.
We need fun, reliable music lovers to do a number of roles. You will be needed for a half-day shift (including Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening) you will have an on-site induction and continuous support during your shift.
Our Volunteers are an important part of the Down At The Abbey family and for giving up your precious time, you’ll receive a free Festival Wristband and other incentives. Please contact us to learn more.
If you’d like to sign up or have any questions, please get in touch at: volunteers@heavypop.co.uk
SOKA Fest - 10 October
SOKA Fest is a new multi-venue live music festival taking place across Reading on 10th October (12pm–12am). The festival is being held in loving memory of Sophie Sheehan and will be raising money for Reading Pride.
We’ll be programming artists across 5–6 venues throughout the day, creating a town-wide celebration of live music, inclusivity and community.
If you would like to perform, please complete our online form with as much detail as possible. Applications close: 1 August 2026.