Reading Festival of Languages

Book your language taster sessions and interactive activities in French, German, Italian and Spanish brought to your secondary school by the Department of Languages and Cultures 

Time: 9am to 12pm

• German Taster Session
• French Taster Session
• Spanish Taster Session

Children’s stories in different languages

Time: 3pm to 4.30pm

Venue: Central library, ground floor, children’s books area

Each language has its own rhythm and sound. You may speak a language other than English at home yourself.  You may just be curious about languages. You may be interested in stories from different places. At this event, you can hear children's stories in six different languages from around the world. The stories are read out by volunteers who are speakers of these languages. The stories are aimed at primary school aged children, but the event is open to all ages – parents, younger siblings, and anyone who is interested in languages and children's stories, all welcome! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Address: Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading. RG1 2LU

Book your language taster sessions and interactive activities in French, German, Italian and Spanish brought to your secondary school by the Department of Languages and Cultures 

Time: 9am to 12pm

• Spanish Language Taster
• French Language Taster
• German Language Taster

Language and Culture Workshops: Japanese 
Fold, Create, Discover: Japanese Origami

Time: 4pm to 5:15pm
Venue: Quaker Meeting House Room 2 (Hall) 

Discover the traditional Japanese art of origami (paper folding) in this fun, hands-on workshop. Suitable for all ages and complete beginners, you'll learn how to transform a simple sheet of paper into a dog, cat, and a practical box for storing small items or sharing snacks. If time permits, we'll also create a heart and other simple designs. Come along, get creative, and take home your own origami creations!

Walk-in events, all are welcome!

Language and Culture Workshops: Russian
Learn Traditional Russian Dance and Games! 

Time: 5:15 to 6:30pm
Venue: Quaker Meeting House Room 2 (Hall) 

Come and have fun while discovering something new! This activity is suitable for all ages and for anyone who enjoys trying something different and is open to new experiences. 

Through traditional Russian dances and fun games, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself and ask someone’s name in Russian, as well as discover useful Russian words related to topics such as family, fruits, and vegetables. 

No previous experience is needed — just bring your curiosity and have fun! 

Walk-in events, all are welcome!

Film Workshop with Q&A Session 
Run Lola Run (German with English Subtitles)

Time: 7pm to 9pm
Venue: Reading Biscuit Factory, Oxford Road, Reading

Foreign-language film screenings (with English subtitles), introduced by University of Reading experts and
followed by Q&A session

Description from IMDb: 'Run Lola Run' delivers an electrifying, adrenaline-fueled experience with groundbreaking originality and a brilliantly executed non-linear structure that explores fate and choice across three distinct timelines. Franka Potente's magnetic performance and the film's relentless pacing create heart-pounding thrills that remain rewatchable and thought-provoking. However, some found the simple plot lacks depth and substance beneath its stylistic flair, with a few feeling disconnected from the material or questioning whether the inventive approach compensates for minimal characterization.

With an introduction by Dr Ute Wölfel and Q&A afterwards. The film is included in the A-level curriculum for German.

Languages Day on Campus

Time:10am to 3pm

A full language immersion experience, with taster sessions in French, German or Spanish in the morning and beginners' sessions in Arabic, Italian, Japanese and British Sign Language in the afternoon.

Reading connections: From Reading to Santiago: tracing St James’ Way and Spanish connections in Reading

Time: 2:30-4pm

Meeting point: Pantry Café at Reading Museum, Old Town Hall, from 2:00 pm. 20 available spaces, minimum age is 16 - Book here

Film Workshop with Q&A Session 
Untouchable (French with English Subtitles)

Time: 7pm to 9pm 
Venue: Reading Biscuit Factory, Oxford Road

Foreign-language film screenings (with English subtitles), introduced by University of Reading experts and followed by Q&A sessions

Multi award-winning comedy by directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. Description from IMDb: Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, hires Driss, an ex-convict, as his caregiver. Despite cultural and social differences, the two form a deep friendship that transforms their lives. Through humour, empathy, and mutual respect, they navigate physical, emotional, and social challenges. The film explores friendship, personal growth, and human dignity, blending comedy and drama to highlight the transformative power of connection and understanding across divides.

With an introduction by Dr John McKeane and Q&A afterwards. The film is included in the A-level curriculum for French.

Book language taster sessions and interactive activities in French, German, Italian and Spanish brought to your
secondary school by the Department of Languages and Cultures at the University of Reading

Time: 9am to 12pm

• Spanish taster
• French taster
• German Taster

Language and culture workshops at Reading Biscuit Factory

Walk-in events, all are welcome!

Arabic culture workshop 4 to 5:30pm - Arabic House

This is an opportunity to step into the world of Arabic language, art and culture. Explore the beauty of Arabic calligraphy and discover how different styles of Arabic writing have been used in art, architecture and design. 

Have a go yourself: learn the Arabic alphabet and try writing your own Arabic words and sentences. You can also enjoy Arabic music and coffee while meeting Arabic-speaking students who will share their language and culture with you.

Italian Culture Workshop 5:30 to 7pm - Bella Ciao: from Italian Resistance to global anthem

You may have heard the words Ciao and Bella, and know that together they can be used as a greeting in Italian. But invert their order and say Bella Ciao, and Italians will immediately think of one of the most evocative and iconic songs in Italian culture. 

Come and discover the fascinating story of Bella Ciao: from its origins and its association with the Italian Resistance during the Second World War, to its transformation into a global song of protest and rebellion. From Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) to social and political movements around the world, Bella Ciao continues to cross borders and generations. 

By the end of the workshop, you’ll know the story behind the song, learn the words, and, most importantly, we’ll all have the chance to sing Bella Ciao together! 

Film Workshop with Q&A Session 
Pan’s Labyrinth (Spanish with English subtitles)

Time: 7pm to 9pm 
Venue: Reading Biscuit Factory, Oxford Road

Foreign-language film screenings (with English subtitles), introduced by University of Reading experts and
followed by Q&A session

Multi award-winning fantasy film by director Guillermo del Toro. Description from IMDb: In 1944 Falangist Spain, a girl, fascinated with fairy-tales, is sent along with her pregnant mother to live with her new stepfather, a ruthless captain of the Spanish army. During the night, she meets a fairy who takes her to an old faun in the center of the labyrinth. He tells her she's a princess, but must prove her royalty by surviving three gruesome tasks. If she fails, she will never prove herself to be the true princess and will never see her real father, the king, again.

With an introduction by Dr Marta Simo-Comas and Q&A afterwards. The film is included in the A-level curriculum for Spanish.

Book language taster sessions and interactive activities in French, German, Italian and Spanish brought to your secondary school by the Department of Languages and Cultures at the University of Reading

Time: 9am to 12pm 

• French taster
• Italian taster
• German Tasteer

Language and culture workshops at Reading Biscuit Factory

Walk-in events, all are welcome!

4pm to 5:30 pm - British Sign Language: a language for Everyone

Curious about British Sign Language (BSL)? Join this friendly, interactive workshop and discover the basics of BSL in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Designed for complete beginners, the session will introduce you to everyday signs, simple greetings and useful expressions, while offering an insight into Deaf culture and the rich linguistic world of BSL. Through practical activities and games, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and practise. No previous knowledge is required: just come along, have fun and start communicating in a new language! 

5:30pm to 7pm - Chinese Culture Workshop: Learn Chinese characters through Myth

In this workshop, we will explore the history of Chinese characters and the Chinese myth of the world's creator. Participants will learn how to recognise and write simple characters, and basic greetings. The session will conclude with interactive games and activities.  

Panel Discussion: The future for languages in the age of AI?

Time: 7pm to 9pm 
Venue: Quaker Meeting House Room 2 (Hall)

Join experts from the University of Reading for a discussion about the future of languages in the age of AI. We will discuss questions such as: To what extent is AI biased towards languages and cultures that are already dominant? In what ways might it influence the chances of survival for smaller languages? Will humans still need to undertake translation when machines can apparently do the job?