Reading Children's Festival

A vibrant three week festival of events and activities for children of all ages at

venues across Reading, including:2

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See inside...and much more!

CONTENTS

For full details visit www.reading.gov.uk

CONTENTS

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Special Events and Carnivals4-7 Meadow Madness14 Foster Care Fortnight20 Reading Community Carnival28-33 Town Centre Day

Story Telling & Literature10-12 Join in the fun at Reading Libraries

Family Fun15 River Clean Up Day16 Children’s Fun Day at the Avenue16 Kalikoottam 201017 Children’s Olympics at the

Milestone Centre18 National Family Week19 Southcote May Fayre27 Children’s Funday34 Family Playday34 League of Friends Summer Fete34 Coley Park Funday

Children’s Specials21-22 Thames Rivercruise22 Reading Children’s Festival at the

Broad Street Mall35 Reading Blooms Schools Challenge

Discovery & Workshops13-14 Half Term Fun at Reading Museum15 TVU at Reading Girls School Open Evening18 Dance-Act-Sing at Theatretrain Reading24-25 Half Term Fun at The Museum of

English Rural Life25 REME Make Music Day26 Steel Band Workshops27 Mini Assualt Course at REME Museum26 Talent Show

Sport and Leisure17 Whitely Higashi Karate Club20 Half Term Playclubs21 Come and Try Canoeing23 Skoot Holiday Activities35 The Reading Dance Showcase

Theatre and Music8 Snow White on Ice8 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra9 Beauty and The Beast9 Across the Deep Blue Sea17 Carnival of the Animals19 Forbury Band Concert

(in aid of Action for Children)

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This year’s festival celebrates its 21stanniversary with three fun packed weeksof events and activities for children allover the borough. Kicking off withMeadow Madness on Saturday 15 May,Reading’s Children’s Festival promises tobring to Reading plenty of fun, mayhemand madness.

From sport and circus workshops to fundays with art and craft sessions, takeyour pick from the many exciting eventstaking place at venues across Reading.

Use this diary as your guide to makingsure you don’t miss out on any of thefun, and remember many of theseactivities are free!

Every effort was made to ensure that the details inthis publication were correct at the time of going toprint. However, Reading Borough Council cannotaccept responsibility for any changes, amendments orcancellation of events or activities listed, nor anyinaccuracies that may have been printed in error.Adverse weather conditions may cause some eventsto be cancelled, relocated or rescheduled. If in doubt,you are strongly advised to confirm details withvenues before leaving home.

For enquiries relating to this publication, call0118 937 2771.

CELEBRATING 21 YEARSOF FUN!

MEADOW MADNESSSaturday 15 May, 11am-4pmChristchurch Meadows.George Street, (Reading Bridge)

Supported by

MEADOW MADNESS RETURNS FOR THESEVENTH YEAR RUNNING AS THE LAUNCHEVENT TO READING CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 2010.

This fantastic riverside setting is the perfectvenue for kids to have fun in. It has the addedvalue of a play area and loads of green spaceto run around in. Attractions on the day will

include children’sentertainment and workshops,charity and information stalls,tombolas, refreshments, facepainting, arts and crafts,balloon modelling and that’snot all.

Join in the fun at the ‘Largerthan Life’ Circus workshop runningthroughout the day. Try your hand atjuggling, uni-cycling, hand-held stilts,diabolos, spinning plates and evenwalking the tight-wire. Also stickaround to see John Caudrey performhis very own juggling show at 12.20pm

in the arena.

Don’t miss the magicalmedieval magician DaveMoylan with Bagshot's Cabinet

of Curiosities. Be amazedas he dazzles you withtricks involving coins,cards, cups and balls, bits ofrope and otherprestidigative delights withmedieval street swindlesaplenty!

Also look out for Sir Lupinof Pipwithers. Sir Lupin is aknight in armour who haslost his horse and so standstall upon the heads of his

4 For full details visit www.reading.gov.uk

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unfaithful peasants Bleare and Bloutte.Standing nine feet high and wearing real metalarmour - Sir Lupin will delight and amaze youin his quest to find Shergar, his missing mount,while the peasants beneath his feet, quietlymutter and occasionally revolt!

The team from Citrus Studio will be there tohelp you get creative with an

exciting art andphotography workshopwhere you can getcreative with glitter,sequins, paint and

much more.

Look out for ReadingBorough Council’s Mobile Rangers

who will be running a giant Medieval assaultcourse, why not build your own magicalchariot, test your archery skills and climb the24ft castle wall to win your special prize? TheCastle Wall is provided by the team from PrimeSports and up to four climbers can take to thewall at once, under the watchful eye of trainedclimbers.

Join Read Dance and Theatre Company inthe arena at 1pm where you can watch a streetdance performance and then get involved witha mass street dance which is open toeveryone. Come and join in by leaning somenew moves and getting groovy in the meadow– the more the merrier!

Join the team from the Jelly and take part increating a medieval banquet and utensils usinga variety of recycled materials.

Reading YMCA will be providing a wide rangeof soft play equipment, there will also be a

biscuit icingactivity as wellas a tombolaand stall.

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Why not join New Directions at theirstall for a messy play session?

The MAD Academy will run four free20 minute taster sessions for kidscombining music and dance withcarefully structured

learning. Sessions willrun at 12noon (2 to 4years), 1pm (Walkers to 2

years), 2pm (Babies and Crawlers)and 2pm (2 to 4 years). Sessionscan be booked on the day or inadvance on 0118 977 0050.

Take part in fun and games at The DingleyFamily and Play Therapy Group tent. There willbe a range of arts and crafts for you to takepart in.

Join Sima’s Action Kids for twointeractive fun action sessions at12noon and 3pm. The sessionsare open to any child agedbetween 1 – 12 years. Turn up onthe day or book in advance on0795 699 3439.

Pop into the art marquee andpaint your own specialChildren’s Festival sun-catcherwith Gladys Glass.

Reading Music Centre (the Berkshire Maestros)will be performing throughout the day in thearena. They will also have their own marqueewhere children and adults can try out a varietyof instruments and join in some ‘tuneful’activities.

The Berkshire Renagades will also be on handto demonstrate American Football, why notstick around and have a go foryourself on their quarter backthrowing stall?


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Find out about waste and recycling with Re3,who be providing information and activities forall the family.

Reading 107fm will be handing out freegiveaways from their promo car and ReadingFootball Club will be providing some skillscoaching as well as bringing their very ownKingsley.

Get active with the SportReading Team who will behanding out information on how you can getinvolved in a wide range of Sports Activitiesavailable throughout Reading. Also join theNational Cycling Organisation who will beproviding bikes, trikes and disabled bikes foranyone to come and have-a-go!

Why not get creative and make yourown wonderful willow wand fromrecycled sticks and ribbons! JoinGreen Theme Craft in the art marqueewhere you take part in the 'WillowWand' workshop.

Join Rugbytots Berkshire who will be providingrugby themed play programme taster classes.

Reading Borough Libraries will be on hand witha special ‘Meadow Madness’ bookstart project.

Join Hobbycraft and take part in one of themany fun make and take sessions they will beholding on the day.

Also joining in the fun on the day will be theReading Arts team, Reading San Francisco LibreAssociation, the Museum of Reading, Theatretrainand The Amersham Road Youth Centre.

And as if that’s not enough, there will also be aBBQ, children’s funfair rides,free face painting and free

balloon modelling all day long!

So why not pack up apicnic and make a day

of it? We look forwardto seeing you there!

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0118937 2771www.reading.gov.uk/childrensfest


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BOX OFFICE 0118 960 6060

Wednesday 12 –Sunday 16 MayWed-Sat 7.30pm,Thu, Sat & Sunmatinees 2.30pm

The mostenchanting icetheatre arrives inReading, with anenthralling andexhilarating family-friendly show thathas to be seen to bebelieved.

Following thesuccess of Beautyand the Beast on Iceand Cirque de Glace,leading theatre-on-

ice producers, Wild Rose return with their latest fairytaleextravaganza, just in time for Reading Children’s Festival.

The timeless story follows the Grimm Brothers’ originaltale and features world class and Olympic championskaters the Russian Ice Stars. Filled with ballet,gymnastics, juggling, breathtakingly dangerous aerialacrobatics, leaps, lifts and twirls and sheer dare-devilments this mesmerising, jaw-dropping production isthe ideal way to keep your whole family entertained.

Whether you’re 5 or 105, you will love every thrill-packedminute of this superb ice-dance spectacular.

Tickets: Under 16s: All half price, Adults: £26, £23, £20,Thursday matinee: All tickets £16, Concessions £3 off,Groups of 10+: All £16.50

CLASSICAL MUSIC ALIVEROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Friday 21 May, 7.30pm

Enjoy a fantastic night out at The Hexagon this ReadingChildren’s Festival with the Royal PhilharmonicOrchestra.

The Hexagon’s resident orchestra return with awonderfully rousing evening of Beethoven including thetwo great masterpieces, the ‘Emperor’ concerto and the5th Symphony. The RPO will be joined for this concert byone of England’s finest young pianists, Leon McCawleyunder the baton of conductor, Christopher Warren-Green.

Did you know, children and students can experience liveclassical music for even less throughout the ClassicalMusic Alive season. Under 16 year olds and students infull-time education can pre-book tickets for just £10each.

Tickets usually £31-£15, Concessions & Student Standbytickets available.

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SAINSBURY SINGERS PRESENTAN AMATEUR PRODUCTIONBEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Wednesday 26 – Saturday 29 May,7.30pm & Sat matinee 2.30pm

One of the most moving and enchanting love storiesever told comes to Reading in a delightful newproduction by local amateur company The SainsburySingers. Be our guest and experience the magicalromance of Disney’s Academy Award-winning featurebrought to life in a spectacular stage production that’sperfect for all the family.

A selfish prince is changed into a beast by anenchantress. In order to break the spell, he must learnto love… but time is running out.

Tickets £18 - £8, Concessions £2 off, YRP £1 off, Groups of 10+ 20% off

Special Offer: £3 off single tickets, or Family Ticket: £46.Please quote ‘Children’s Festival Offer’ when makingyour booking.

(Offer not available online, and does not apply to tickets alreadypurchased. Subject to availability and booking fees)

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Sunday 23 May,2pm

A tiny boat, a little lost manand the great wide ocean.How did he get there,how can he gethome, and why dothose fish keepbiting him on thebottom!

Singing whales,pestering piratesand a multitude ofdeep sea creaturesswim to thesurface in thisfantastic aquaticadventure foreveryone aged 3 and over.

Across the Deep Blue Sea features puppetry, physicalcomedy and just the odd squirt of water in a theatrejourney like no other – comic, touching, slightly surrealand full of invention!

Tickets £6.50, Groups of 4 (min. 1 adult & 1 child) £22

Suitable for over 3s

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Join in the fun atReading Libraries

MONSTER THEMEDSTORYTIMESTuesdays 18 & 25 Mayand 1 JuneBattle Library, 420 Oxford Road

Themed storytimes forchildren under 5 years

Suitable for under 5 years

0118 937 5100

BABY ANIMAL THEMEDSTORYTIMESThursdays 20 & 27 May and 3 JuneBattle Library, 420 Oxford Road

Themed storytimes for under 5 years


0118 937 5100

MESSY PLAY SESSIONTuesday 25 May, 10am – 12 noonSouthcote Library, Coronation Square,Southcote Lane

Messy play session in the toy library

Suitable for children under 7 years

0118 937 5109


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PYJAMA PARTYThursday 27 May, 6.30 – 7.30pmSouthcote Library, Coronation Square,Southcote Lane

Come along to Southcote Library’s pyjamaparty. Bring your own teddy and listen tobedtime stories, whilst enjoying hot chocolateand biscuits!

Suitable for children aged between 6-10 years0118 937 5109

MAKE SPRING FLOWERSCRAFT SESSIONTuesday 1 June, 2.15pmSouthcote Library, Coronation Square,Southcote Lane, Reading, RG30 3BA

Craft session making spring flowers

Suitable for children aged between 6-10 years

0118 937 5109

CREATIVE CRAFTSTuesday 1 June, 11.30am – 12.30pmWhitley Library, 205 Northumberland Avenue

Creative crafts sessionat Whitley Library


0118 937 5115

STRING PAINTINGTuesday 1 June, 3-4pmTilehurst Library, School Road

Come along to a string painting session atTilehurst Library

Suitable for children up to 10 years

0118 937 5112

MAKING FRIDGE MAGNETSTuesday 1 June, 11.30am – 12.30pm Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road

Craft session making colourful fridge magnets.

Suitable for children aged between 5-11 years0118 937 5106


BUSY BEES CRAFTACTIVITYThursday 3 June, 2.15 – 3.15pmCaversham Library, ChurchStreet, Caversham

Come along and make BusyBees at Caversham’s craftactivity

Suitable for children agedbetween 5-11 years

0118 937 5103

RUSSIAN STORYTIMEWITH CRAFTFriday 4 June, 10.30 - 11.30amReading Central Library, Abbey Square

Stories in Russian for the under 7s. There willalso be the opportunity to do a craft activity.

Suitable for children up to 7 years

0118 937 5950

CREATE & DECORATEA PARTY HATFriday 4 June, 2.30– 3.30pmBattle Library, 420Oxford Road

Craft sessioncreating anddecorating partyhats

Suitable for 5-8years

0118 937 5100


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READING MUSEUMDon’t forget to visit ReadingMuseum during the festival for fun,free activities for all the family.Throughout the May half term wewill have our activity cart out foryou to enjoy a range of art and craftactivities. We also have a range of trails andworksheets available throughout the year.

PADDINGTON’SSCRAPBOOKTuesday 1 June, 10am; 11.15am;1pm & 2.15pm – 1hoursessionsReading Museum, Town Hall, Blagrave Street

Design a cover for your ownexplorer’s scrapbook, completewith fun fur.

Cost - £2 (pay on day)

Suitable for children aged5+ and families

0118 937 9800

PERUVIAN CRAFT WITHPADDINGTONWednesday 2 June, 10am – 12noon & 1-3pm(half hour slots)Reading Museum, Town Hall, Blagrave Street,

Come down to our Make & Take and makesome Peruvian craft

Free event (tickets willbe issued on day)

Suitable for all ages

0118 937 9800

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Paddington Bear™© Paddington and Company Ltd./

FilmFair Ltd. 2010 Licensed by ©opyrights Group

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TEDDY BEAR’S PICNICThursday 3 June, 10am – 12noon &1-3pm (Drop-ins between 10am - 12pm and 1-3pm)Forbury Gardens

Calling allBears!! Bringyour ownersalong to theForburyGardens.Join in with stories, games and craft.Don’t forget your marmaladesandwiches.

(In case of bad weather please come to the Museum)Suitable for all families

0118 937 9800

Visit our stall at Meadow Madness onSaturday 15 May to handle objects from ourcollection and make something to take away.

*Our drop-ins are very popular. Please arriveearly in the day to avoid disappointment.

0118 937 9800

FOSTERING:A CAREER THAT CHANGES LIVES17 – 30 MayFoster Care Fortnight

There are 50,000 children in foster care onany given day in the UK. More foster carersare needed to provide these children withsafe and caring homes while they areunable to live with their own families.Currently, there is a shortage of over 10,000carers in the UK.

Foster Care Fortnight is a nationwideannual campaign which raises the profile offostering and highlights the need for morefoster carers. Reading Borough Council’s


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A Reading Museum event

Fostering Team is using this opportunity torecruit more carers in the Reading area.

The team will be taking part in MeadowMadness on 15 May and Town centre day on4 June with an information stand. Comeand chat with members of the team, andpick up some free giveaways for children.

If you are interested in finding out moreabout becoming a Foster Carer thenplease contact the Fostering Team on0118 937 3740.

RIVER CLEAN UP DAYSunday 17 MayWokingham Waterside Centre, ThamesValley Park

Help your environment by cleaning up theriver. Use safety gloves and remove therubbish. Collect rubbish from a canoe ortake a stroll along the scenic river Thames.Bring a picnic to make a day of it or join infor the afternoon.

0118 926 8280

www.wokinghamwatersidecentre.com

TVU AT READING GIRLS SCHOOLOPEN EVENINGTuesday 18 May, 6.30 – 8pmPost 16 Centre, TVU at Reading Girls School,Northumberland Avenue

Come along for a tour around our brandnew, state-of-the-art Post 16 Centre foryoung women. Meet the teaching staff andhave a chat about a range of courseincluding hairdressing, beauty therapy,travel & tourism and many others.

Suitable for 16 years plus

0118 923 1010

www.tvu.ac.uk/rgs


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CHILDREN’S FUN DAYWednesday 19 May, 9.45am – 12noonThe Avenue School

A whole school fun day celebrating ourpupils and their achievements. The day willbe based aroundthe number 21 tocelebrate our 21stanniversary. Localschools will alsobe invited.

Closed event

KALIKUTTOMSaturday 22 May, 10am – 3pmWarehouse, 1a Cumberland Road

A fun day of activities for all Malayaleechildren in Reading. The day will includemagic, painting, dance, party games,balloons and lots more.

£2.50 per child

Suitable for 3-14 (children must beaccompanied by their parent or guardian)

07768 237906, 07886 217905 or 07728 283871

www.readingmalayalees.co.ukThis event was helped by a community grant

CHILDREN’S OLYMPICSSunday 23 May, 2-5 pmThe Milestone Centre, Milestone Way,Northbrook Road

Various Olympic activities with a medal forevery participant!

Also, there will be the selection of the‘Festival Princess 2010’

In partnership with North ReadingChildren’s Centre

£2.50 per child

Suitable for children aged 3years and upwards

Booking advisable 0118 947 2589


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CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS -CHILDREN’SCONCERTREADINGSYMPHONYORCHESTRASunday 23 May, 3.30pmReading Minster of St Mary the Virgin

Carnival of the Animals by Saint Saens, witheach animal introduced by the incrediblyfunny and atmospheric poems writtenespecially for the Reading SymphonyOrchestra by Dominic Lopez-Real

£12 family ticket;

£5 adults; £3 children

Tickets available on the door [email protected]


0118 986 0707

www.rso.org.uk

WHITLEY HIGASHI KARATE CLUBTues 25, Thurs 27 May, Tues 1 and Thurs 3June, 7-8.30pmSouth Reading Community Centre,Northumberland Avenue, Reading, RG2 7QA

Free traditional karate taster sessions

Free event – tickets available on the door

Suitable for children aged between 6-16years.

07912 760045

www.higashi.org.uk/whitley


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NATIONAL FAMILY WEEKMonday 31 May – Sunday 6 June

National Family Week is a new importantnational initiative to celebrate family life inBritain. Involving local councils, not-for-profit organisations, companies and familiesacross the country, the campaign willculminate in a week of activitiesencouraging families to spend timetogether.

Reading Children’s Festival is proud to bepart of National Family Week with thefollowing events taking place betweenMonday 31 May – Sunday 6 June.

www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk

DANCE – ACT – SINGTHEATRETRAIN READINGSaturday 29 May, 11.30am – 1pmThe Hill School, Peppard Road, Caversham

An opportunity to see what an excitingsession at Theatretrain Reading is like – Freeof charge! Have exclusive access toTheatretrain professionals, resources and anopportunity of see them in preparation fortheir West End performance. Children willbe able to jump in and participate in amusical theatre workshop with industryprofessionals – Be inspired and have fun!


0118 375 0638


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SOUTHCOTE MAY FAYRESaturday 29 May, 12 – 4pmCoronation Square Green, Southcote

Community event including stalls, prizes,activities, games, competitions,entertainment, bouncy castle, facepainting, refreshments and much more.

Suitable for all ages.

0118 901 5622

ACTION FOR CHILDRENSONGS IN THE PARKSunday 30 May, 3 – 4.30pmForbury Gardens

Pack up a picnic and head for an afternoonof music from the Reading Spring GardensBand in the beautiful surroundings of theForbury Gardens. The concert is in aid ofAction for Children.

Choose a piece of music and have itdedicated to your friends and family, whileraising money for the charity. Action forChildren supports and speaks out for themost vulnerable children and young peoplein the UK.

Find out more about the charityby visiting the website.

0118 926 4043

www.actionforchildren.org.uk


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THE 33rd ANNUAL READINGCOMMUNITY CARNIVALMonday 31 May, 12 noon to 7pmProspect Park, Liebenrood Road

Catch the colourful procession as it windsits way through the streets of West Readingin the early afternoon.

The procession ends at Prospect Park wherethe fun continues – stalls, fantastic foodfrom all over the world and live music willfill the park. There’ll be plenty to keep thekids amused too.

0118 937 2395

www.readingcarnival.org.uk

Helped by a Children’s Festival Community Grant

PLAY DEVELOPMENT PLAYCLUBSMonday 31 May – Friday 4 June

Reading Borough Council’s Childcare Teamoffer Playclubs in and around Reading. Theyprovide a wide range of structured playactivities for children through May half term.

Venues for these activities are:

• Waterloo Meadows – Katesgrove Children’sCentre, Elgar Road

• St Michael’s Church Hall, RouthLane/Meadway

• St Joseph’s School, Upper Redlands Road

Age Range – 4*-11 years

8.30am – 1pm & 1-5.30pm (Full days available)

*(4 year olds in full time education)

Reduction for pre-bookings.

For more information and how to bookcontact 0118 937 2637

[email protected]


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COME AND TRY CANOEINGMonday 31 May; Tuesday 1 June &Wednesday 2 June, 10am – 4pm (1hr sessions)Reading Canoe Club, The Warren, Caversham

These ever popular ‘have a go’ sessionsreturn to the Children’s Festival! This isyour chance to take part in an hour longpaddling session. Remember to bring atowel, a change of clothes and sun cream.

Free event. Booking essential.

0149 162 8073

www.reading-canoe.org.uk

THAMES RIVERCRUISEMonday 31 May – Friday 4 JuneThameside Promenade, off RichfieldAvenue, Caversham

Thames Rivercruise are offering FREE boattrips for accompanied children aged 0-16years during the half term week ofChildren’s Festival on the following trips.

30 Minute Round Trip Cruises

Departing from Thameside Promenade,Caversham at the following times; 12 noon,12.45pm and 3.30pm

Adult £4.50 / OAP £4 Children go FREE withthis brochure*

80 Minute Round Trip Cruises

Departing from Thameside Promenade,Caversham at the following times; 2pm and


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4.15pm (on some weekdays, the 4.15pmcruise may be substituted with a 30 minutecruise)

Adult £70 / OAP £6.50 Children go FREE withthis brochure*

Thames Rivercruise are also running 30minute round trip-cruises from Beale Park.For full details please contact ThamesRivercruise on the number below.

*Children must be accompanied by a full farepaying adult. Up to 2 children can travel freeper full fare paying adult.

For more information or to request abrochure please contact ThamesRivercruise.

0118 948 1088

www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk

READING CHILDREN’SFESTIVAL AT THEBROAD STREET MALLMonday 31 May –Friday 4 June

Giant inflatable slide; Shootfor a Goal on South Court; Card Warehousewill be running a treasure trail around theMall

All activities will be running from 10am-4pm

Friday 4 May

Model Zone will be holding a ‘models madeeasy’ parent and child plastic kit buildingcompetition to win gift vouchers to spendin store.

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 May

Model Zone will be holding a ‘revving up’weekend with radio controlled cars andhelicopters.

Free tickets to take part need to becollected from the store in advance.


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SKOOT POWER UPFOR HOLIDAY FUNTuesday 1 June to Friday 4 JuneReading Borough Council Leisure Centres

Looking for something to keep the kidsentertained over half term? ReadingBorough Council's leisure centres have awhole host of fun-packed activities in store.There is something for all interests andabilities -There's plenty for the under 5'stoo. So Get Active this holiday and join inthe fun! Don't forget to look out for themany Your Reading Passport offers,available to Reading Borough Councilresidents. For more information pick up aSkoot brochure from any Reading Sportand Leisure centre, the Civic Centre orother Council outlets.

FREE SWIMMING FOR KIDS

Children who are under 16 years old canswim for free throughout the schoolholidays at leisure centres across theborough. The offer applies at CentralSwimming Pool, Arthur Hill Pool and FitnessStudio, Highdown Sports Centre, MeadwaySports Centre and Academy Sport LeisureCentre from Monday to Friday.

So what are you waiting for? Grab yourswimming kit and get going! Check directlywith leisure centres for exact timings.

Charges still apply at Rivermead Leisure Complex,unless children hold a concessionary YourReading Passport, in which case they cancontinue to swim for free at all swimming pools.

www.readingleisure.co.uk


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HALF TERM FUN AT THE MUSEUMOF ENGLISH RURAL LIFETuesday 1 – Friday 4 June, 9am – 5pmThe Museum of English Rural Life, RedlandsRoad, Reading

Tuesday 1 June

Colourful Countryside – Make a simplelandscape monoprint.

Suitable for families with children aged 5+

Drop In, £2 per child

10am-12noon & 1-3pm

Wednesday 2 June

Fashioning the Landscape

Bring your own plain t-shirt and paint aunique design and be the envy of yourfriends!


Booking required - £3 per child

10-11am; 11.15-12.15pm; 1-2pm; 2.15-3.15pm

Thursday 3 June

Paint a Book

Bring out your artistic side and create yourown picture book.


Drop In, £2 per child

10am-12noon & 1-3pm

Friday 4 June

Landscape in a Box

Design a rural scene or recreate yourfavourite country view in a shoe box.


Booking required - £3 per child

10am-12noon & 1-3pm

How to book

To book places on the above workshops,please email [email protected] orcall 0118 378 8660.


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Please note that children must be accompaniedby an adult. Our fun events and workshops aredesigned so that the whole family can enjoyinteresting and informative new experiencestogether.

1 May – 5 September

Looking at Landscape – The land provides arich source of inspiration for artists,designers, mapmakers and many others.This exhibition is a window on some ofthese diverse ways of looking at the worldaround us. Our family workshops this halfterm are inspired by this exhibition.

Suitable for everyone

Free event

Normal museum times – Tuesday-Friday –9am-5pm; 4.30pm

0118 378 8660

www.merl.org.uk

MAKE MUSIC DAYTuesday 1 June, 11am – 3.30pmREME Museum of Technology, Isacc NewtonRoad, Arborfield

Come along and play music. There will be averity of instruments available for the kidsto have a go on. Musicians will also be onhand to give hints and tips.

Ticket prices – Adult £5; Child £4; Family £15.Under 5s go free. (Prices include entry tomuseum). Tickets available on the door.

Suitable for children aged between 5-12years

0118 976 3254

www.rememuseum.org.uk


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STEEL BAND WORKSHOPSTuesday 1 June & Thursday 3 June, 2- 3pmand 3.15pm – 4.15pmWatlington Hall, Watlington House, 44Watlington Street, Reading, RG1 4RJ

Steel pan music workshops taster sessionsoffering a chance for young people to havea go at playing different styles of music onsteel pan instruments, drums andpercussion. With professional tutors to helpand all the instruments provided in a funenvironment. The workshops are verypopular so book a place for your child now!

7-11 year olds – 2 - 3pm12-18 year olds – 3.15 -4.15pm

Booking essential

0118 937 2771

www.culturemixarts.co.uk

[email protected]


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MINI ASSAULT COURSEWednesday 2, Thursday 3 & Friday 4 June,11am – 3.30pmREME Museum of Technology, Newton Road,Arborfield

Challenge Sir’s all new Mini Assault Course,run by real REME soldiers. Don’t forget tobring a change of clothes.

Ticket prices – Adult £5; Child £4; Family £15.Under 5s go free. (Prices include entry tomuseum. Tickets available on the door).


0118 976 3254 www.rememuseum.org.uk

UTULIVU WOMEN’S GROUP –TALENT SHOWThursday 3 June, 12noon – 3pmTyndale Baptist Church Hall,2-4 Cressingham Road

Why not come along and showcase your art,music and dance talents. There will be an artcompetition along with music and dancepresentations.

0118 951 5776

This event was helped by a Children’s FestivalCommunity Grant

CHILDREN’S FUN DAYThursday 3 June, 2pm – 4pmApollo Club, Mapp Community Centre, 22Mount Pleasant, Reading

Join in a range of fun workshops includingstorytelling, drumming, dance and arts andcrafts.

Suitable for ages 4 – 12 years.

Entry: £2

0118 916 8416


This event was helpedby a Children’s FestivalCommunity Grant

TOWN CENTRE DAY Friday 4 June, 11am – 4pmReading Town Centre Supported by The Oracle

and Reading UK CIC. Don’t miss out on thisaction packed day asReading’s town centre streets and storescome alive with a whole host of activitiesand entertainment. What better way toround off the half term break?

BROAD STREET Sticks and Stones Stilt WalkersWatch out for the Mad Hatter and anenormous White Rabbit as these enchantingAlice in Wonderland characters appear onstilts! Throughout Broad Street, 11am – 11.45am,1.45pm –2.30pm & 3.15pm – 4pm.

Chucklefoot and Stompie Chucklefoot was such a hit last year that heis returning with his sidekick, Stompie. Theybring with them their wonderfulHumanettes Puppet Booth Shows completewith musical accompaniment! Shows outside Marks & Spencer at 11am,1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Sonny & Rainbow Children’s Festival favourites, Sonny andRainbow descend onto Broad Street bringingwith them their unique blend of mischiefand mayhem! Catch them at one of theirshows or see them as they minglethroughout the crowds in Broad Street.Shows outside Marks & Spencer at 12 noonand 2.30pm.

RASPO Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra bringthe sound of the Caribbean to Town CentreDay as they entertain you with the upliftingsound of the steel pan.

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Performances outsideWaterstone’s throughout the day.

Meet the Central ReadingNeighbourhood Policing Teamat their mobile police stationoutside Sainsbury’s Central.

There will be loadsof interesting information onoffer and exciting freebies too.

Become an artist for the daywith the Jelly artists, New Directions and the Museum

of Reading as they create amini artists studio in the middle

of the town centre. You will beable to join in and try avariety of techniques,maybe even find your workdisplayed. The activities onoffer are free and suitablefor all ages.

Hop on the bus, take a lookaround and even sit in the driver’s seat asReading Transport Limited join in the fun atTown Centre Day. There will be acolouring competition, an on-bus treasure hunt and quizas well as a free lucky dip.

Visit Reading BoroughCouncil’s FamilyPlacements stand and youcan pick up information onthe recruitment of carers andinformation about fostering services. Therewill also be free fluffy bugs and balloons foryou to take away.

Guess the number of balloons in theShakeaway car and you could win one freemilkshake a week for a whole year! The teamwill also be giving away badges and mobilephone tags.

Strange Sweets will be out and about inBroad Street giving away some lovely lollies.

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Stop at the Children’sInformation Centre standand have a go at making aninternational flag for a mapof the world. There will alsobe goody bags up for grabscontaining lots of usefulinformation and freebies.

Explore Learning will be hosting a variety of activities including giantConnect 4, maths and English games and atreasure hunt! The team will also be givingaway goody bags.

Visit the RE3 stand and design your ownreusable bag. There will be lots of Love foodHate Waste freebies on offer too.

Balloon modeller, David Croft will be backwith his amazing creations.

Larger than Life face painters will transformyou into a magical character, or yourfavourite creature and all for free!

Take a ride on the children’s roundabout andget another absolutely free!

And in the shops...Pop into Pumpkin Patch and get freestickers and a balloon. You can also have yourface painted.

Visit the newly refurbished Entertainer,where there will be plenty of fun things todo. They will be running their infamousswap shop for

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GoGo Crazy Bones, as well asMatch Attax and Adrenalin XLtrading cards. There will bedemonstrations,competitions and loadsmore! Drop in to the Early LearningCentre, get a free balloonand have your face painted! John Lewis staff will bejoining the festivities so look out for theirteam in Broad Street dressed as clowns andgiving away balloons. Dolland & Aitchison will be running achildren’s colouring competition and givingaway balloons.

THE ORACLE The Oracle are pleased to beworking with their national andlocal Charitable Partners Breast CancerCampaign and Daisy’s Dream for a funpacked day with lots of fun activities foreveryone.Vue Cinema take part in Town Centre Day forthe first time with special tours around theirprojection room. Places are limited and sopre-booking is essential on 0118 937 2373.Tours take place every half an hour from11am and the last tour begins at 3.30pm Youcan also catch their Kids AM show for just95p a ticket. Show details can be found atwww.myvue.com

Ha ha bar & grill also join Town Centre Dayfor the first time. Kids eat free whenaccompanied by a full paying adult orderinga main meal from the ‘ha ha a la carte’ or ‘haha suggests’ menu. (Excludes the lunchmenu, starters, sharers or sides and desserts.Not to be used in conjunction with any otheroffer or promotion. Only one free meal per child).

Visit Lush and take part in bubble races and


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purchase you can have a go at their LuckyDip and you will receive a free goodie bag with every £15 spent.

Have great fun at the Build-A-BearWorkshop as you take part in their TeddyBear Hunt. Find all 5 bears and you’ll receivea prize. There will also be giveaways ofstickers, bows and ribbons.

Show this leaflet when you make a purchaseat Millie’s Cookies and receive a free cookiefor children and a free regular hot drink foradults.

BROAD STREET MALL The Broad Street Mall hasloads on offer inside and out.You can have a go on theirgiant inflatable slide, shoot fora goal or take part in thetreasure trail around the centreorganised by the Card Warehouse.

Model Zone will be holding a Models MadeEasy parent and child plastic kit buildingcompetition in Central Square, giving you thechance to win gift vouchers to spend in-store.

Visit Hawkins Bazaar and grab a balloon anda packet of Haribo sweets with everypurchase.

FRIAR STREET Northern Rock will be hosting a colouringcompetition, a free prize draw, a guess thenumber of sweets in the jar competition anda pick a square and locate the treasure game.The team will also be giving away lots ofgoodies throughout the day.

HARRIS ARCADE (access via Friar Street & Station Road) Go to Reading Collectors’ Centre and seethe special display of vintage toys includingThunderbirds, Dr Who and Captain Scarlet.


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QUEEN VICTORIA STREET Free fruit juice drink with every paying adultat Crumbs.

KING STREET At Jacobs, you’ll receive free sweets withevery purchase.

MARKET PLACE Pop into the Oxfam Bookshop and have a go at designing yourown book cover or bookmark. There will be alucky dip, a treasure hunt (suitable forchildren aged 3-6) colouring in activities andFairtrade chocolate samples on offer. All activities are free.

ABBEY SQUARE Pop along to Reading Central Library’sRussian Storytime with Craft and enjoystories and craft for the under 7s.

This activity runs from 10.30am – 11.30amand is free. Call 0118 937 5950 for moreinformation.

FORBURY GARDENS Drop in at the ForburyGardens and have fun with

Reading Borough Council’s Urban PlayRangers as they lead a variety of activities allday long including soft play and parachutegames. You can also join a treasure trail(lasting approx 30 minutes) at 11.30am,1.30pm and 3.30pm. www.reading.gov.uk

FAMILY PLAY DAYSaturday 5 June, 10.30am – 4.30pmNew Directions, South Reading Centre,Northumberland Avenue

From messy play to cookery. Come and join inwith the various family learning activitiesorganised by New Directions.

A free day out for the family!

www.newdirectionsreading.co.uk

LEAGUE OF FRIENDS SUMMER FETESaturday 5 June, 12 noon – 4pmVictoria Recreation Ground, Armour Road,Tilehurst

Traditional summer fete with a variety of stalls,crafts and businesses. Arena event with SOTA

Adult Rock Choir. Refreshmentsand children’s rides.

Admission 50p per person.


0118 322 8592

www.lof-royalberks.org.uk

COLEY PARK FUNDAY 6 June 11am – 5pmColey Park Recreation Ground, Coley Park

Come along and join in this family funday.There will be face painting, bouncy castles, 5-a-side football, fun fair rides, punch and judy,magician, steel band and lots lots more.

All ages

0779 978 3352

This event was helped by a Children’s FestivalCommunity Grant

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THE READING DANCESHOWCASE

Sunday 6 June, 10am – 6pmRivermead Leisure Complex, RichfieldAvenue, Reading, RG1 8EQ

Dance International presents anextravaganza of dance styles taught inand around Reading. Watch a full dayof performances from

local dance schools and clubs.Take part in free taster classes,chat to local dance teachers andbuy dance related products. Whatbetter way to find a dance stylethat suits you!!

Tickets - £2.50 (with profits goingto charity) available on the day.

Open to all ages

www.dancia.co.uk/reading

READING BLOOMS - SCHOOL’SCHALLENGE Closing date Friday 25 June Across Reading

Is your school running a gardening orenvironmental project? Do you have an afterschool gardening club, are you an eco-school? Have you changed your schoollandscape or introduced a pond or allotment?

All of the schools in the Borough of Readingare invited to enter this year's SchoolsChallenge! There are awards in landscape andenvironmental categories and new for thisyear we are looking for the best schoolin the “Grow to Eat” category –whether you are growing tomatoes inpots, have your own allotment or evenwell-stocked greenhouses. Ask yourschool if it is getting involved - orcontact us. The Schools Challenge ispart of Reading in Bloom 2010 and theregional In Bloom events.

0118 900 1624

www.reading.gov.uk/readingblooms

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GETTING AROUND DURINGCHILDREN’S FESTIVALWhy not use public transport to get aboutduring Reading Children’s Festival. ReadingBuses offers a ‘Busabout’ ticket that allowsunlimited travel in and around Reading forjust £6.50 per day. This ticket allows 2 adultsand 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children totravel all day, under 5’s travel for free. (TheBusabout Ticket is available to buy between9am – 4pm). Reading Busabouts are not validon Football Services 70 - 79 inclusive,Nighttrack services, Daytrack and Fasttrack

Why not visit www.reading-buses.co.uk, andfollow links to the Traveline journey planner tohelp you get to all your favourite Children'sFestival events.

Don’t forget Reading buses can nowaccommodate buggies and wheelchairs withtheir fully accessible low-floor buses. So thereis no need to fold down your pushchair orbuggy!

Don’t forget that Readibus provides anexcellent service for people who find itdifficult to use public transport. Call them on0118 931 0000 to book or for details of specialexcursions, alternatively, visitwww.readibus.co.uk

PARKS AND OPEN SPACESREADING’S PARKS, PLAYGROUNDSAND OPEN SPACES AREGREAT PLACES TO VISITReading boasts some beautiful open spaces -some of them in the middle of busy places,others sit on the banks of the river, and withall the play parks as well, they make a greatvenue for free Children’s Festivalentertainment!

Play in the ParkThere are over 50 play parks across the


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borough, ranging fromthe large play areas atChristchurch Meadowsand Palmer Park to smalllocal play parks withinhousing estates. Thatmeans whether you wantto pop to the local park orpack up a picnic and makea day of it, there is a parkthat fits the bill! The fulllist of these parks can befound by visiting www.reading.gov.uk

URBAN PLAY RANGERS This is an all year round service offering freeplay activities for children aged up to 13 yearsof age, taking place across local parks aroundReading. There are two sessions running daily;1.30pm - 2.30pm for the under 5’s and 3.30pm -5.50pm for 8 - 13 years. This is a free serviceand provides children with activities such asarts and crafts, rounders, treasure hunts,football, rock climbing, archery, co-operativegames and much, much more.

THE MOBY The MOBY is a mobile project for childrenaged 5-11 years, visiting venues aroundReading during the summer. This is a FREEservice and provides children with activitiesincluding face painting, uni-hoc, parachutegames, basketball, arts & crafts, co-operativegames and much, much more! These sessionsare weather permitting.

For more information on the Urban PlayRangers and The Moby and a timetable ofsessions and locations contact Andy on 0118937 2635 or visit www.urbanplayrangers.co.uk



Sport and Leisure

Academy SportLeisure CentreNorthumberlandAvenue0118 937 0270

Arthur Hill Pool &Fitness StudioKings Road0118 937 5055

Central SwimmingPoolBattle Street0118 937 5070

Highdown SportsCentreSurley Row0118 937 5095

Meadway SportsCentreDunsfold Road0118 937 5060

Palmer Park SportsStadium Wokingham Road0118 937 5080

Rivermead LeisureCentreRichfield Avenue0118 937 5000

WokinghamWaterside Centre Thames Valley ParkDrive, Reading0118 926 8280

Community and Play

MAPP Centre22 Mount Pleasant0118 916 8416 /7

Milestone Centre,Milestone Way,Northbrook Road,Caversham ParkVillage0118 947 2589

Minster Church of StMary the VirginSt Mary Butts0118 957 1057

South ReadingCommunity CentreNorthumberlandAvenue0118 937 5630

St Josephs ConventPlayclubUpper RedlandsRoad0118 937 2634 /7

St Michael’s PlayclubSt Michael’s ChurchHall, Routh Lane0118 937 2634 /7

The Avenue SchoolConwy Close,Tilehurst0118 937 5554

The Hill SchoolPeppard Road,Caversham0118 937 5560

TVU at Reading GirlsSchoolNorthumberlandAvenue0118 923 1010

Tyndale BaptistChurchCressingham Road0118 986 7195

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Warehouse1a Cumberland Road0118 937 5400

Waterloo MeadowsPlayclubElgar Road0118 937 2637/4

Arts and Culture

Battle LibraryOxford Road0118 937 5112

Caversham Library,Church Street,Caversham0118 937 5103

The HexagonTheatreQueens Walk0118 960 6060

Jelly3rd Floor, 42 MarketPlace

The Museum ofEnglish Rural LifeRedlands Road 0118 378 8660

Reading Museum,Town HallBlagrave Street0118 937 9800

Palmer Park LibrarySt Bartholomew’sRoad0118 937 5106

Reading Canoe ClubThe Warren,Caversham0118 947 8013

Reading CentralLibraryAbbey Square0118 937 5950

South Street ArtsCentre, 21 SouthStreet0118 960 6060

Southcote LibraryCircuit Lane0118 937 5109

Tilehurst LibrarySchool Road0118 937 5112

Whitley LibraryNorthumberlandAvenue0118 937 5115

Others

Broad Street MallReading TownCentre0118 957 6633

New DirectionsSouth ReadingCentre,NorthumberlandAvenue0345 842 0012

REME Museum ofTechnologyIsaac Newton Road,Arborfield0118 976 3375

Thames RivercruiseThamesidePromenade,Caversham0118 948 1088

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A big thank you to all our partners, withoutwhom Children’s Festival would not be thesame!

Please contact specific venues if youwould like details of wheelchair access etc.

Action for Children

Active Parks

Amersham Road YouthCentre

Apollo After School Club

Berkshire Renegades

Broad Street Mall

Caversham Park VillageSocial Club

Children’s InformationCentre

Citrus Studio

Coley Park CommunityAssociation

Dancia InternationalReading

Dingley Family & PlayTherapy Group

Hobbycraft

Jelly

League of Friends of theRoyal Berkshire Hospital

MAD Academy

Milestone Centre

Museum of English RuralLife

Reading Museum

National CyclingOrganisation

New Directions

North Reading Chidren’sCentre

RBC Play DevelopmentTeam

Re3

Reading 107fm

Reading Arts & Venues

Reading Blooms

Reading Buses

Reading Canoe Club

Reading CommunityCarnival Committee

Reading Post

Reading Football Club

Reading Libraries

Reading MalayaleeAssociation

Reading Music Centre

Reading San Francisco LibreAssociation

Reading Sport & Leisure

Reading Spring GardensBand

Reading SymphonyOrchestra

Reading UK CIC

Reading YMCA

REME Museum ofTechnology

Rugbytots Berkshire

Sima’s Action Kids

Southcote Children’sCentre

Sport Reading

Thames Rivercruise

The Avenue School

The Oracle

Theatretrain

TVU

Utiluvu Women’s Group

Whitley Higashi Karate Club

Wokingham WatersideCentre

PARTNERS


Reading Children's Festival

Documents

Transcript of Reading Children's Festival