Explore our festival zones and discover an incredible variety of stallholders. From handmade crafts and unique gifts to inspiring research stands and interactive activities for all ages.

Click on the arrows to learn more about each stall holder, and where you can find them on the day. This functionality works best on the Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers.

Girl at a research stall

Research Stands

100 Years of Coffee Flavour

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

This year marks 100 years since the molecule that gives coffee its characteristic flavour was discovered. If you have ever wondered what makes coffee smell so unmistakably like coffee, then visit this stand to uncover the science behind the scent!

Berkshire Ornithological Club x UoR Bird Society

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Want to meet some of the feathered residents on campus? Join the University's Bird Society and the Berkshire Ornithological Club for a walk around the beautiful Whiteknights campus lake to see some of the species we have. You may even be able to handfeed a robin or a goose!

Beware, Floods Ahead

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Try your hand at flood defences and see if you can save homes from flooding at this fun and interactive exhibit created by hydrologists at the University of Reading. Learn how experts predict floods and discover why these extreme weather events are happening more often across the globe.

Bioblitz

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Join us for an exciting 24-hour Bioblitz celebrating the wildlife on our campus. A Bioblitz is a friendly challenge to record as many species as possible in a set time, and ours is designed to be accessible to everyone. Using smartphones, AI-powered identification tools, and expert guidance, participants of all ages and experience levels can take part.

In celebration of the wildlife on our campus visitors can also explore overnight wildlife recordings, take part in short guided nature walks, and enjoy interactive activities.

Cole Museum

Location: Green zone, Health & Life Sciences building

During the Centenary Community Festival, the Cole Museum of Zoology will also be celebrating its resident elephant Norman’s 175th birthday!

From 12:00–17:00, we will be hosting a range of talks from scientists, a chance to get up close to our museum collections and some live animals, arts and crafts, our pop-up gift shop and a scavenger hunt with prizes.

Head to the Cole Museum to join in the celebrations. Check our Cole Museum events page for more information and updates on talk times.

Crystals, Guts and Worms – What Do These Things Have in Common?

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Crystals, worms and poo! Never before has there been a more important time to understand links between diet, gut microbiome and health.

Come and see how Reading scientists are using human poo, computer modelling, 3D crystal structures and worm models to better understand age-related diseases at the molecular, cellular, and whole animal level. Discover how this research seeks to develop new treatment strategies to improve our health.

Food at Risk: How Maths Helps Bring Food to your Table

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Do you have what it takes to deliver our food in a climate changed world? Come to play our game and find out!

Learn about how we are using mathematics to predict the impact that climate change will have on our fresh food supply chains and have a go at planning your own supply chain. Find out how we are predicting potential climate changed futures and try to make your own predictions.

Food Futures for Reading

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

Could insects be on the breakfast menu in the future? Help us rethink what we might be eating in Reading in 2050 and how it will be produced. Get creative and explore the food system YOU would like to see for Reading with this hands on workshop.

How Sweet?! A Menus of Change Taste Test

Location: Green zone, Eat at the Square

This interactive tasting experience from the University of Reading brings together researchers from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Dining Services to explore ways of reducing sugar without compromising enjoyment.

As part of the University’s involvement in Menus of Change, visitors can taste, rate and compare biscuits, and discover how flavour and enjoyment can be shaped in surprising ways.

Come and put your taste buds to the test!

Languages for All at the University of Reading

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

The University of Reading is proudly multicultural and multilingual, with a Languages for All programme that sits at the heart of this vibrant community.

Join the team for a fun, welcoming day where everyone can share the languages they speak, whether they are one or 20!

Enjoy activities for all ages, discover new languages, and take part in a highly interactive British Sign Language session.

Come along and celebrate the many voices that make our community so special. 

Leading Impact from Henley Business School: How Business Research Helps Society

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Henley Business School is exploring research that truly makes a difference. From asking whether robots can genuinely care, to discovering how tech can help people stay independent for longer, Henley researchers are shaping the future of wellbeing. They're even uncovering how AI is helping the NHS cut down on missed appointments. Big questions. Bold ideas. Real-world impact.

Learning by Speaking: Voice-Based AI Simulations for Real-World Skills

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Step into a live, voice-driven conversation with generative AI and experience what it is like to practise real business situations without real-world pressure.

In this interactive session, participants will speak with a personalised AI system that simulates sales meetings and negotiations, responds in real time, and provides tailored feedback.

The session offers a hands-on glimpse into how generative AI can be used to build confidence, sharpen skills, and personalise learning at scale, while keeping humans firmly in control of the experience.

Lessons on Building Knowledge and innovation in Regenerative Agriculture

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

Life and Death at an Anglo-Saxon Monastery

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Since 2021, the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology been excavating the site of an Anglo-Saxon monastery in Cookham, Berkshire, uncovering exciting evidence of how the nuns and monks lived, and revealing how they cared for the sick in their wider community.

Visit the team and learn more about the site, handle artefacts and see up close a 3D model of the excavation.

Living with a Star

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Come and see live images of the Sun (weather permitting!) and learn how solar activity drives auroras, disrupts technology, and impacts other planets.

The Sun constantly blasts out charged particles in all directions in a stream called the solar wind, driving space weather across the solar system. At this stand, you can view live images of the Sun through a solar telescope and learn where this wind comes from.

We invite people to explore how scientists monitor solar activity to better understand and predict our star’s impact on planetary environments.

Museum of English Rural Life

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Meet the team from the Museum of English Rural Life, a free museum on the University's London Road campus.

Get creative with badgemaking, design a poster for your chosen cause, and learn more about the Museum’s galleries, collections and events.

Museums Unlocked: What Lessons Can We Learn from Animals of the Past?

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

What’s behind-the-scenes at museums? They have big collections of animals – many more than people see on display.

Scientists can study them to understand their habitats, what they ate, and when they lived. This is often the only way to learn about animals from the past, since they are no longer alive to tell us, especially for extinct animals like Tasmanian tigers.

The future of the wildlife around us today depends upon understanding how the natural world is changing. Animal bones are just one of the tools to do this – what can we tell from these skulls?

Nation of Refuge

Location: Pink zone, Library

Throughout history, Britain has offered sanctuary to people fleeing persecution – and Reading itself is rich in refugee histories.

Discover what it was like to arrive here as part of different refugee movements and explore the range of public responses migrants encountered.

At a pivotal moment for international migration decisions, join us to reflect on how we think and talk about Britain as a Nation of Refuge.

Natural History Museum

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Join us for a day of hands-on nature activities with the Natural History Museum!

Discover the wonder of nature in our local parks and outdoor spaces, find out about the Museum's latest research into nature and biodiversity, and find out what you can do to help nature thrive.

Through fun self-led activities, families can connect to wildlife on campus in new and creative ways. You can learn to identify bird songs in your local area, build a DNA strand using LEGO, and discover the world.

Come prepared to get up and close with nature!

Nourish your Brain: Explore Nutrition and the Microbiome

Location: Pink Zone, Palmer Quad

A hands‑on journey into brains, food and fun! Try lightning‑fast memory and thinking games on our laptops, explore colourful displays about the microbiome, and discover how fruits, veggies and everyday foods connect to your health.

Kids can get creative with painting, and everyone can take part in quick challenges with small prizes up for grabs.

Come along to play, learn something new, and see how brilliant your brain can be.

PEARL – Climate Adaptation Research Group

Location: Pink zone, Palmer

Discover how we facilitate climate adaptation and risk analysis in some of the world's most vulnerable communities and how it can apply to your own lives.

Raising the Pulse

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

Find out how beans in toast could revolutionise the UK’s diet and improve human and environmental health.

Reading Bee Team Stand

Location: Pink Zone, Palmer Quad

Come and see bees up close and personal in the Bee Teams Bumblearium, then go 'shopping' to discover just how much our everyday lives depend on bees and other pollinators.

Reading Classics and Outreach: Ancient Games and Society

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Step into the world of ancient play and discover how people thousands of years ago kept themselves entertained. Based on current University research, the Reading Ancient Games project explores the games played in the ancient world and how they were a part of daily life. Try out the games for yourself and consider the social and health benefits of playing!

Reading San Francisco Libre Association

Location: Pink Zone, Palmer Quad

Did you know that Reading is twinned with a tropical town? In 1994, a new 'twin' was born: San Francisco Libre, a town in Nicaragua near the capital Managua.

For over 30 years, RSFLA has supported environmental and educational projects there, working closely with local residents. And the University of Reading has been particularly active!

Find out about this valuable work and perhaps even speak directly to San Francisco Libre residents via video link.

Safer Science: Live Invertebrates for Testing & Discovery

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Live Invertebrates for Testing & Discovery invites visitors to explore how tiny animals are helping to transform modern research.

Meet live worms, insect larvae, and aquatic invertebrates and discover how scientists use them to test medicines, chemicals, and materials in safer and more ethical ways.

Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on discussions, this family-friendly stand shows how big scientific discoveries can come from very small creatures.

 

Sticky Science: from Cuts to Clots - Understanding Platelets in Health and Disease

Location: Meadow Marquee B, MB15

Discover how tiny blood cells play a big role in keeping us healthy. Meet researchers from the Reading Platelet Group and explore how platelets help stop bleeding and how clotting can contribute to disease.

Try hands-on science activities, including a pipetting challenge, a platelet quiz, card games, see a real clot under the microscope and test out a giant “build-a-clot” model.

Study at the University of Reading

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students' Union

Discover your future at your local university. Explore our outreach programmes and find the course that will shape your next ambition.

Sustainable Bioplastics from Food Waste

Location: Green zone, Eat at the Square

Sustainable Proteins for the Future

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

Alternative proteins include proteins that are designed to provide alternatives to animal-based proteins. They can be made from plants, algae/seaweed, fungi or insects; cultivated from animal cells; or produced via fermentation.

While many traditionally fermented foods are staples in the UK diet, novel food products derived from biomass fermentation or edible insects are relatively new.

Join us at the “Sustainable proteins for the future” to learn more about the exciting research that the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences is carrying out in the field of microbial and edible insect proteins.

The Extraordinary Chemistry of Everyday Things

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Ever wondered what science is behind the products we use every day?

Come along and explore how modern adhesives hold things together, how cosmetics are made and how AI can help to make new drugs using everyday language.

The Geology in your Mobile Phone

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Mobile phones are an essential part of life for many of us providing instant communications with family and friends, photography, internet, entertainment, navigation and access to a whole range of apps.

These activities include handling some of the amazing minerals such as copper, quartz, gold, lithium and cobalt used in mobile phones.

Can you also work out the origins of these resources from round the world and how they can be recycled?

They Like to Moove It!

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

Come and see how farmers and researchers can use 'cow Fitbits' to identify cows which are sick or too hot. Wear one of our sensors and see how it tracks what you do and with who! By tracking cows’ normal behaviour, researchers then see if that behaviour changes, which might indicate a problem. Our sensors can pick out those changes and alert us to cows that might need some extra help.

Tiny Worms, Big Discoveries: Researching the Future of Brain Health in a Plastic World

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

C. elegans is a tiny, transparent worm that helps scientists uncover how the brain works, how ageing affects our cells, and what goes wrong in neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia.

Despite being just 1mm long, these worms share key biological features with humans, making them powerful models for better understanding these diseases and discovering new treatments.

Our stall will showcase live worms under the microscope, simple behavioural experiments, and hands-on activities from quizzes to crafting neurons, offering fun, accessible science for all ages.

Training Future Health Heroes

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Step into an interactive journey that brings the NHS workforce to life!

Discover how pharmacists make medicines safe and effective, how physician associates support diagnosis and treatment, and how dietitians use the science of nutrition to keep us healthy. Then roll up your sleeves and see if you have what it takes – try out real clinical training models to practise hands‑on skills used by today’s healthcare professionals.

From quick challenges to demonstrations, you’ll get a behind‑the‑scenes look at the amazing roles that keep the nation well.

Your Food Quest Begins Here

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

Ever thought about everything that happens before food lands on your plate? From soil to supermarket, food systems involve a web of farmers, processors, retailers, policymakers, and consumers – all connected in ways most of us never consider.

Join students from the Interdisciplinary Food Systems Teaching and Learning Program (IFSTAL) and let us take you on a journey around the global food system – from sustainability to global trade, production to consumption.

Come ready to think differently. Prizes up for grabs!

Community Stalls

Amnesty International

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students' Union

Spin our Wheel of Fortune at the Amnesty International stand, and test your knowledge of human rights issues.

Animals Asia

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students' Union

Animals Asia are devoted to ending bear bile farming, and improving the welfare of animals across Asia. Visit their stand to find out how they're building a kinder world for all animals.

Aspire 2

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students' Union

Think you've got the fastest hands on campus? Test your reflexes and challenge your friends and family at the Aspire2 'Beat the Buzzer' game. While you're there, discover more about the local charity that supports children and families across Whitley to experience activities that would otherwise be out of reach.

Berkshire Clay

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Polymer clay jewellery handmade with love right here in Berkshire. Hypoallergenic and lightweight, Berkshire Clay jewellery is the perfect gift for someone special in your life, or a treat for yourself!

Berkshire Music Trust

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Explore a wide range of musical opportunities that Berkshire Music Trust have to offer, from traditional instruments and orchestras to DJing, music production, and inclusive digital technology.

Visit their stand to learn more and try out a selection of instruments for yourself.

Berkshire Vision Sight Loss Simulation Football

Location: Purple zone, Sports Field

Step into someone else’s shoes by taking on fun challenges like Hook-a-Duck, Hoopla, blind football dribbling, skittles and more, all while wearing our sight-loss simulation glasses.

These activities are great fun for all ages and offer a powerful way to experience what living with a visual impairment might be like, while sparking conversations and raising awareness about sight loss.

Bracknell Amateur Radio Club

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Operate an amateur radio, try your hand at Morse Code and communicate across the world!

Brownie Builders: Swap Ingredients, See What Happens

Location: Green Zone, Eat at the Square

Come and play with colourful ingredient cards and discover how simple swaps can make brownies healthier, more sustainable and even tastier.

By mixing and matching ingredients, you can explore how choices affect taste, texture and nutrition in a fun, hands-on activity that brings food reformulation to life.

Butterfly Buddies Intergenerational

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Discover the heartwarming work of Butterfly Buddies in Reading, where babies, toddlers and care home residents come together through play and shared activities that brings joy across generations.

Chat with the team, enjoy family-friendly games, and create a card or picture to be delivered to a resident, helping spread smiles beyond the festival.

Buttons and Bubbles

Location: Orange Zone, Meadow

Come and learn more about the work of Buttons and Bubbles and explore disability through the creation of sensory art and real conversation, sharing what it means to you.

Cath Baldwin Makes Stuff

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students Union

Come and view a variety of handmade goods and artworks. Talk directly with the artist about methods and inspirations.

Find out about the traditional craft of printmaking and how artworks were created prior to digital copying.

Caversham Storyteller

Location: Pink zone, Library Café

Mike Facherty, the Caversham Storyteller, presents an interactive storytelling session packed with warmth, wonder, and plenty of audience participation – perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.

Centenary Mural Artist

Location: Pink Zone, Palmer Quad

The Centenary Mural will be officially unveiled at the Centenary Community Festival. Come and visit the mural artists, Bridie Cheeseman and Jake Williams – collectively known as ‘Studio Studio’, to chat about the piece and process.

Cianna's Smile

Location: Green zone, Meadow

With a range of interactive activities such as Match the Blood Type and Water Bottle Challenge, Cianna's smile aims to raise awareness about Sickle Cell, including the vital importance of blood donation and why rare and ethnically matched donors are vital for individuals living with Sickle Cell.

Classic Brownie Dog treats

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Healthy treats and supplies for four-legged friends.

Crystal Charms by Bella

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Discover truly one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewellery and keyrings – each piece lovingly made by hand, and completely unique.

Dingley's Promise

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Reading University Students' Union's Charity of the Year. Dingley’s Promise is passionate about giving every child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities the best start in life. Come down and take part in a variety of interactive, exciting activities and maybe even win some prizes!

Esilulo African Print Homeware

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students Union

Esilulo is a Black woman–owned brand bringing bold African print vibes to your home and everyday style. From colourful homeware to standout accessories, everything is handmade, joy-filled, and packed with personality.

Evelyn Crochet

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Evelyn's Crochet Corner makes a range of hand-made, unique crochet items from cute gnomes to scary witches, and even a bag to take them away in.

Freely Fruity Grow Your Own Fruit

Location: Pink zone, Palmer quad

Discover how easy it is to grow your own fruit at home.

Children and adults will learn simple, creative growing techniques using everyday items – plus, take home a free goodie bag packed with seeds, plants, and everything you need to get started.

Friends of the Duchess of Kent Hospice

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Students Union

Brand new clothing, underwear, pyjamas and footwear for adults, children and babies, all at greatly reduced prices. All donated by Tesco Reading.

Friends of the University of Reading

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students Union

Since 1927, the Friends of the University have been supporting Reading students, departments and projects, through a wide range of member-funded initiatives. Visit their stand to find out more about the Friends heritage tours, talks and member experiences and how you can get involved.

Guide Dogs

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Come and meet working guide dogs and play with puppies in training while learning more about the Guide Dogs charity.

Headway Thames Valley Charity

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Headway Thames Valley will be giving your brain a workout with mind-boggling hand-held and life-sized brain games! Prizes to be won if you can win the games!

Jaine Tonkin Art

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Art that heals, empowers, and brings colour to your inner world. Come and explore original pieces and browse a beautiful selection of prints available to purchase.

Jenny's Bees

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Step into the buzzing world of bees! Explore a range of hive products including honey, cut comb, beeswax candles, and beeswax wraps. Learn about beekeeping from a master beekeeper and experience a live demonstration hive up close!

Julie Gardner Art – The Printmakers

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students Union

The Printmakers is a small group from the local area providing a range of art prints for sale. You will find landscapes, fashion figures, marine creatures and dog prints. You can even try printing for yourself and take the print home with you.

Kaleidoscope Charity

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students Union

Swing by the stall for fun activities for all ages, feel-good wellbeing goodies, and plenty of support, resources and learning — all wrapped up in a warm, welcoming space.

Launchpad Homelessness Prevention Charity

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students Union

Come and see Launchpad and test your strength in some fun interactive games, whilst learning about the amazing work that they do as Reading's leading homelessness prevention charity.

Leafed Matcha

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Our matcha is sourced directly from Japan, where we’ve visited farms and learned the craft behind the cup first-hand. We sell Matcha powder that is as nourishing as it is beautiful.

Little Egg Crafts

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Little Egg Crafts creates handmade amigurumi and crochet pieces inspired by Hongkonger culture, heritage, and the things they love.

Founded by two best friends, this small business is a passion project turned creative space connecting with the East and South East Asian community.

Lloyds Level Up

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Drop by for bite‑sized, practical support on managing your money. Visit our interactive stand, share an anonymous money confession and see you’re not alone when it comes to finances.

Friendly branch colleagues will be on hand for real support and everyday money questions — no jargon, no sales pitch.

Miss Sparkles Facepainting

Location: Green zone, Meadow Grounds

Celebrate our Centenary Community Festival with a touch of magic from Miss Sparkles!

Come along and enjoy free face painting for all ages – adding colour and fun to your day.

NHS Blood and Transplant

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Two minutes now can save up to nine lives – it’s the best thing you'll do today. Sign up to the organ donor register.

Parenting Special Children

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students' Union

Parenting Special Children was founded in 2006 by Ruth Pearse, CEO and founder and parent of neurodivergent children.

The charity was set up to help other parents/carers navigate the world of SEND at a time when there was little known support for families.

Since then, PSC has grown steadily from one person to a team of over 40 with a wide range of specialist knowledge and lived experience who offer a variety of services to over 2,500 families across Berkshire each year.

Reading Ancient Schoolroom

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Here you can discover what ancient Roman schoolwork was like. You can try reading, writing and arithmetic as they were done two thousand years ago, using handmade replicas of ancient equipment. You can also learn to make your own Roman pens and ink.

Reading Classics and Outreach: Ancient Games and Society

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Step into the world of ancient play and discover how people thousands of years ago kept themselves entertained. Based on current University research, the Reading Ancient Games project explores the games played in the ancient world and how they were a part of daily life. Try out the games for yourself and consider the social and health benefits of playing!

Reading Cycle Campaign

Location: Orange zone, car park 4

Meet Reading Cycle Campaign to discover how they’re driving local cycling initiatives and learn more about their advocacy work.

Reading Bike Hub is committed to making cycling more accessible, affordable and enjoyable for everyone in the community, and looks forward to welcoming festival attendees to its stand.

For more information, visit Reading Bike Hub or speak to the team at the festival.

Reading Fostering Service

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Get creative while discovering the power of fostering in your community. Explore how fostering has evolved from 1926 to today, and enjoy fun, centenary-themed arts and crafts for all ages whether you want to learn more or you're just curious.

Reading Green Wellbeing Network

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Get a nature boost with Reading Green Wellbeing Network! Come and create your own garden in a bottle to take home. You will be able to choose from a range of containers and plants that we have grown specially for the event.

Reading Guild of Artists

Location: Pink Zone, Palmer Quad

Come and paint or sketch alongside members of the Reading Guild of Artists.

We meet at the start of the day before heading off individually to find an inspiring spot. At the end of the day we re-group to look at what everyone has created.

Please bring your own materials. Suitable for adults only.

Information can be found about summer painting days on the Reading Guild of Artists website.

Reading Sewing Bee

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Students' Union

Drop by Reading Sewing Bee's booth and give Sashiko a try! This easy, mindful Japanese stitching is the perfect way to add flair to your clothes.

We'll hook you up with everything you need: a cool denim patch with a design already marked, a needle, and bright, colourful thread.

It's totally free, super relaxing, and you get to take your unique, hand-stitched patch home to jazz up a jacket or bag. Come and stitch a quick masterpiece!

Reading Students' Union – Be Part of our History!

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Students Union

Join Reading Students' Union in a look back at the last 100 years and some of the key jokes students played as part of raising money for local charities.

Help design a flag so you can take part in the RAG Parade through the town centre on 17 May so you can be part of history too!

Reading Voluntary Action

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Students Union

Come along and learn about the amazing work of Reading's voluntary sector and discover how you can contribute to the goal of making Reading a thriving community, improving and enriching the lives of all.

RG spaces

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Students Union

Step into a visual whodunit! Explore a collection of printed images and put your powers of observation to the test. Some pictures show real objects, others are crafted by artificial intelligence. Can you spot the difference? Look closely, trust your instincts, and discover just how convincing AI images can be in this fun, eye-opening challenge.

Rotary Club

Location: Pink Zone, Palmer Quad

We’re all about being of the community, for the community. We listen, learn, and get stuck in—supporting local causes first, while also backing national and international projects.

From youth clubs, competitions and charity funding to youth camps and a free leadership course for 18–28s (next up: July 2026), there’s something for every passion.

We support vulnerable groups, foodbanks, and community services—and even funded 1,600 healthy meals for food shares through our art fair.

Got an idea? Want to help? We’d love to hear from you!

Scentful Times

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Students Union

Who doesn't like a good scent in their home? This 20-hour burn time scented candle is made using natural ingredients, is hand poured in the UK, and is available in a variety of scents to suit everyone's mood.

Smart Works

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Students Union

We help unemployed women to get the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.

South Central Ambulance Charity

Location: Green Zone, Meadow

Come and see the work our Volunteer Community First Responders carry out on behalf of the South Central Ambulance Service. We will provide the opportunity to practice saving a life, but only on a dummy! If the dummy gets up and walks away there will be a prize!

Study at the University of Reading

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students' Union

Discover your future at your local university. Explore our outreach programmes and find the course that will shape your next ambition.

Sustainable Communities Team – Reading Borough Council

Location: Pink zone, Palmer Quad

Join us to discover the brilliant activities already happening in your local community centres – then shape what comes next by telling us what you want to see, or even explore how to organise your own event.

We'll also be celebrating our community with a crafting activity, designed to add colour and memories to our centres.

Come to say hello, get creative, and help us build event stronger, happier neighbourhoods together!

Two Rivers Press

Location: Pink zone, Library Café

Come and browse a selection of books from Reading's own publisher Two Rivers Press. Lots of fabulous books with a local flavour, including a beautifully illustrated small book telling the story of Empress Matilda, who should have been Queen...

University of Reading Fundraising

Location: Orange zone, Reading Students' Union

Throughout 2026, the University of Reading will be celebrating its centenary with a wide range of events for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Fundraising team's stand to find out more about how you can take part.

Urban Sketchers

Location: Pink Zone, Palmer Quad

Join the Reading Urban Sketchers community – grab a pencil and paper, and join us for some on location sketching around the University campus.

No experience necessary, all welcome.

Whiteknights District Girl Guides

Location: Green zone, Meadow

Take part in hands-on activities like making pin-on badges, friendship bracelets, and crafting paper flowers – all yours to keep at no cost. Relax in the cosy book corner where you can sit and read or take a book home, and explore what Girlguiding has to offer.

Wokingham Library

Location: Pink zone, Library Café

Come along and meet Wokingham Borough Council's Libraries and Community Engagement team and find out about what 's on in your library and about support services in our community.

Women's Aid

Location: Orange Zone, R Reading Students Union

Visit the Women’s Aid team to learn about their work to end domestic abuse and discover how you can support their mission and get involved.

ZZIA

Location: Orange Zone, Reading Student Union

ZZIA has made handmade jewellery for just over three years, creating unique pieces that range from everyday wear to cutesy, trendy designs.

The ZZIA stall will feature earrings, necklaces, bracelets and keyrings, with a strong focus on silver custom pieces but also simple gold colour pieces.

Browse one-of-a-kind designs, learn about the handmade process, and find affordable accessories that reflect personal style. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted and durable, making them perfect for everyday wear or gifting.

Community Festival map

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FAQs

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about our Centenary Community Festival.

How to find us

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