A Century of Creating Possibilities for Tomorrow
2026 is the University of Reading’s centenary year, marking 100 years since it was granted a Royal Charter.
We are marking this momentous milestone by connecting our community, our actions, and our impact through a series of celebratory events throughout our centenary year.
The University of Reading's 100-year anniversary is not just a reflection on our past, but a beacon guiding us towards a future filled with promise, innovation and impact. Our history is an investment in the future. Together, we will continue to shape a better world for the next hundred years and beyond.
2026 Celebrations
To celebrate 100 years of our communities, we have planned a vibrant programme of public events. We’ll be hosting everything from festivals and lectures, to performances 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.
Upcoming Centenary Events:
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Let's Lift The Curfew Let's Lift The Curfew is a supportive, safety-first running initiative created for women. Funded by the University of Reading Centenary Grant, it is launching on Whiteknights campus as part of Sport England's 'This Girl Can campaign', that aims to get more women being active during darker months. Almost three-quarters of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines during winter due to fears around their safety; one in four ensure to take well-lit routes; almost a quarter avoid certain areas altogether; and one in five glance behind them to ensure they’re not being followed. This running initiative is open to students, staff, and the community. Join every Thursday for structured sessions led by qualified run leaders, welcoming all abilities - beginners, intermediates and advanced runners. Every Thursday from 29th January - 26th March, 5pm meet |
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Celebrating Class Library Display As part of the University of Reading’s Centenary celebrations, Celebrating Class: Working-Class Identities at Reading looks at the past, present and future of working-class life at the University. The Celebrating Class exhibition in the library foyer brings together research, stories and experiences to showcase the impact of class on the University of Reading. 2nd - 26th February |
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100 For 100 Music The University of Reading is an exciting place for making music. This year, to celebrate our centenary, we're launching 100 for 100: 100 gigs, events, and groups you can join throughout 2026. 9th-13th February - Open Week / come along rehearsals |
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Bioblitz
Join the latest Bioblitz walk and help collect data on trees and wildlife on our beautiful Whiteknights campus - the next walk will be a funghi walk led by the team on Saturday 14 February. We'll also share details later in the year about the upcoming 24-hour Bioblitz initiative for our centenary year this summer! Saturday 14th February Email bioblitz@reading.ac.uk if you intend to attend or if you'd like any more information about the group. |
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Centenary Heritage Tours Discover the University of Reading's rich history and heritage. Join us to uncover fascinating moments from our history, explore architectural gems, absorb the beauty of our green spaces and cherish the generations of voices who have studied, worked, lived and helped to inspire the university we know today. This is part of our Memories of the University of Reading Centenary Grant project. 19 February - 10 December 2026 |
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Sparks, Parks, Halls & Balls: 100 Years of Campus Life Sparks, Parks, Halls & Balls is a vibrant, site-specific celebration of 100 years of the University of Reading. Set on our Whiteknights Campus, this immersive promenade production invites audiences to journey through a century of student life. From the University's earliest days to the bustle of a 1950s common room, the energy and protest of the 1970s, and the unmistakable sounds of the 1990s - bringing past moments vividly into the present. This is an invitation to wander, listen and connect with the many voices that have shaped campus life. Inspired by in-depth interviews with students, staff, alumni and members of the local community, alongside discoveries from the University's archives, these real memories form the heart of an experience that celebrates community, creativity and impact. This is part of our Memories of the University of Reading Centenary Grant project. Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026 Book your ticket via the Reading Arts website Casting Call-out We are seeking a group of 15-20 students to act in the show Sparks, Parks, Halls & Balls. No experience is necessary, but commitment and enthusiasm for theatre is essential. Maybe you're a member of RUDS, maybe you study theatre and performance, maybe you're a lover of theatre and you'd love to act, or maybe you would value a professional theatre credit for your CV? We are holding auditions to cast a diverse ensemble of 15-20 student actors to play the University of Reading students through the years. Time periods and Situations: 1957: Rag Committee meeting in Park House (5-7 actors) 5-10 minutes scene Dates and Times Auditions: Friday 20th February: 12-2pm Rehearsals: Wednesday 22nd April: 5-8pm Performance Weekend: Preview - Friday 22nd May: Call time 5pm If you can make the above dates and are interested in being in the cast, please email Lucy Tyler and John Luther with a brief paragraph telling us a little about yourself, and why you're interested, and confirming your availability for the above dates. |
| 100 Years of Botany
For our centenary year, the finals of Botanical University Challenge 2026 are coming to Reading. The events will celebrate the influential role of botany teaching and research at Reading during the past century, and our alumni who have made significant contributions worldwide. The next on-line knock-out and quarterfinal rounds will be 11, 18 & 25 February 2026, streamed live on our YouTube channel and available to afterwards. The live semi-final and final will be at University of Reading on Wednesday 19 August 2026 to celebrate 10 years of Botanical University Challenge and as part of the University’s centenary celebrations. You can get involved by voting for the best team name, which will be announced at the final on 19 August. |
Other event highlights - we will share more updates on these and other centenary events throughout the year:
- Our birthday - 17 March 2026
- Centenary Community Festival - 16 May 2026
- RAG Parade - 17 May 2026
- Outdoor Learning Garden - coming in 2026
Find out more about our celebratory events, the University's history and our centenary stories.