To celebrate 100 years of our communities, we have planned a vibrant programme of public events for the local community, academic conferences, international visits and alumni reunions. We’ll be hosting everything from festivals, lectures and performances to children’s activities and exhibitions.
We’re also preparing a range of exciting events to celebrate the conclusion of our Centenary Grant Projects, ranging from clean air for children and women’s voices in history, to a sustainability student summit, heritage tours, and new arts commissions.
Of special note will be featured collaboration events with local organisations, schools, charities and international partners, as well as alumni celebrations, student-led activism, and more.
Event highlights
Year-round
- Inspiring talks and stories. Across the centenary, you’ll hear from world-class researchers, prominent guest speakers and inspiring alumni – sharing ideas, tackling big questions, and celebrating our values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Honorary Graduate awards. Centenary-year graduation honours celebrating inspirational leaders and change-makers with global impact.
Spring
- 17 March, University Centenary Anniversary Day. Staff, students and senior leaders will come together celebrate the university’s official hundredth birthday. .
- 11 April, Boat Club Centenary Gala. A celebration of featuring legendary rowing personalities alongside current and past University Rowing Club members.
- 16 May, Centenary Community Festival. The centenary edition of our community festival will welcome local communities and include activities for all ages, including live performances, community partnerships, and research highlights.
- 17 May, RAG Parade. Our historic RAG parade enjoys a revival, processing from the University and through the town and culminating with a celebration at Forbury Gardens.
Summer
- Early June, Reading Climate Festival 2026. Spotlighting sustainability and global challenges with talks, exhibitions, and action-taking initiatives.
- Late June, Staff Appreciation Week with a new look Staff Awards Celebration. Recognising inspirational colleagues who make a difference.
- Launch events for our new Nature Park and Educational Walled Garden.
Autumn
- 23-24 September, Just Imagine If. A century of ideas, a future of impact. Our coveted international competition drives solutions for global challenges, where visionary research meets social enterprise to change the world for the better.
- 26 November, Centenary Winter Festival extravaganza. Celebrate a century with sparkle, song, and winter cheer. We’ll be hosting an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, festive food and drink, family fun and a magical winter market.
Stay updated on centenary events
For the full schedule of events, please visit the University Events website, or you can sign up for the University Events What’s On mailing list for featured updates.
Get involved
We’d love you to get involved so why not volunteer to help at events? Whether you can support at just one event or across several, your time and contribution will play a vital role in the success of our centenary celebrations.