Reading's Year of the Normans 2027 - Call out

In 2027, Europe will come together to celebrate one of the most influential chapters of its shared past through the European Year of the Normans, a continent‑wide cultural and historical programme marking the Millennium of William the Conqueror. Led by the Regional Council of Normandy, France, this year‑long initiative invites regions with significant Norman heritage, including the UK, to take part by developing creative, educational, and community‑focused projects that explore the lasting impact of Norman civilisation across Europe. With its deep historical roots, iconic heritage assets, and vibrant cultural sector, Reading is uniquely placed to join this international celebration and contribute to a collective re‑telling of Norman history that resonates well beyond 2027.

Programme Highlights

Reading’s Year of Norman Heritage

Celebrating Reading Abbey and the Bayeux Tapestry - January–December 2027

Reading proudly responds to the 2027 Year of the Normans – Millennium of William the Conqueror call for projects with a curated, year-long cultural programme celebrating the town’s deep Norman roots. Centred on the historic Abbey Quarter and Britain’s Victorian Replica of Bayeux Tapestry, the programme offers a historically and artistically ambitious series of events across Reading’s town centre designed to engage diverse audiences and deepen appreciation of its strong European culture and heritage.

Reading’s Norman Connections 

Reading’s Royal Abbey was founded by King Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, in 1121. The Abbey’s extensive remains are at the heart of Reading’s Abbey Quarter. The town also houses the full-size Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, stunning unique artefact that visually narrates the Norman conquest and the demonstrates the enduring links between Britain and Normandy. These two pillars form the heart of the programme, which explores Norman legacy through performance, education, and community engagement.

Programme Highlights:

Reading Museum – Bayeux Tapestry & Abbey History (All Year)
The Museum will host an inclusive programme of talks, events and family-friendly activities centered around its full-size Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Special events will explore the founding of Reading Abbey and its legacy, linking to the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum from autumn 2026 to summer 2027. The Year of the Normans 2026-2027 | Reading Museum

Abbey Quarter Tours & Heritage Open Days (spring–summer)
Guided walking tours, an opportunity to explore the highlights of the Abbey Quarter, including the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed, the impressive ruins of Reading Abbey built by Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, and the Abbey Gateway. The tours are led by Official Reading Museum tour guides.

Children’s Festival (Saturday 8 May - Sunday 30 May 2027)
A playful and accessible spring celebration featuring storytelling, hands-on workshops, and performances inspired by medieval life and the Bayeux Tapestry. Activities will connect young audiences with Reading Abbey’s history through interactive experiences.

Reading Water Fest (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June 2027) 
Reading’s iconic free family festival will feature themed inclusive installations and performances that highlight the town’s monastic past and Norman connections. Expect heritage boat tours, medieval music, re-enactments, craft workshops, and community art. Artists will be invited to collaborate to produce activities inspired by the tapestry and the Normans heritage.

Abbey Quarter Pop-Up Events & Immersive Performances
Reviving acclaimed Sitelines productions produced by South Street Arts such as: 

  • ‘Threads’ – A promenade performance exploring the creation of Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry by 35 Victorian women led by Elizabeth Wardle.
  • ‘In Ruins’ – A theatrical journey through the layered history of Reading Abbey, from its founding to its cultural legacy.

New performances may also be commissioned to bring the Abbey Ruins to life in fresh and imaginative ways.

Light Installation (November- December 2027)
A large-scale visual installation in the Abbey Ruins symbolically linking William the Conqueror and Henry I, reinforcing the Norman legacy. Designed with low-energy lighting and sustainable materials to minimise environmental impact.

Collaboration & Cultural Impact

This commemorative year offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Reading’s heritage and strengthen its European cultural identity. Key partners include:

Rabble Theatre 
Following investment from Arts Council England, RABBLE Theatre will be producing William the Conqueror in the autumn of 2027.The play is being developed with partners in Normandy, including In Itinere Collectif, and aims to tour to theatres in both the UK and Normandy. Educational and community engagement opportunities are being developed alongside the play, supporting both curriculum and extra-curricular learning. An R&D of the project has already been completed, as evidenced in this Making Of film. 

Historia Normannis at Reading Water Fest 2027- Bringing the Norman Era to Life Through Re-enactment 
A living-history encampment and public demonstrations at Reading Water Fest 2027, supporting the European Year of the Normans through immersive Anglo-Norman storytelling. It includes authentic domestic-life displays, craftsmanship, weaponry, and combat demonstrations, connecting Reading Abbey’s Norman heritage with the wider European narrative and the Bayeux Tapestry. Accessible and family-friendly, this collaboration aims to deepen public engagement with Reading’s medieval history.

Additional Partnerships and Commissions
Future partnerships may include music, dance, and other performance work delivered by local community organisations, helping to showcase Reading’s creative talent and broaden engagement across diverse audiences.

New commissions may also involve European theatre and arts companies, with opportunities for multilingual productions and touring between Normandy and Reading. Discussions are currently underway with Fleur Helluin regarding the potential hosting of the Panem & Formae project in Reading, subject to feasibility and funding considerations.

Programme venues will include Reading Museum, the Abbey Ruins, Forbury Gardens, and other potential sites across the town.

Promotion and dissemination will be coordinated across different platforms with:

  • Reading Borough Council communications
  • What’s On Reading
  • Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency (REDA) channels, including Visit Britain and Tourism Board
  • Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)
  • Great West Way (GWW)
  • Digital content will be hosted on the accessible platform, What’s On Reading with captioning.
  • Other heritage and cultural partners

If you'd like to know more about the project, please contact Christelle.Beaupoux@reading.gov.uk