BROAD Street Mall is celebrating 50 years of being in the town centre with a whole host of events to mark the anniversary.

The iconic shopping centre opened in 1971 with BBC presenter David Jacobs officially unveiling the mall infront of dozens before a spectacular parade where Reading folk would have remembered it calling it the Butts Centre, as it was named after the adjacent St Mary's Butts.

READ MORE: Looking back at Reading's iconic biscuit factory on 200th year anniversary

It's made a name for itself in recent years, with the shopping mall transforming one of its units into a Covid-19 vaccination site to help fight the pandemic.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Broad Street Mall in Broad Street is hosting a day of activities later this month, showcasing archive photographs of the Mall’s past and workshops for the little-ones to enjoy.

Steven Connolly, General Manager Broad Street Mall said: "We’re really excited about the Mall turning 50 and have planned a day for everyone of all ages to enjoy. We look forward to celebrating with our loyal customers". 

Borad Street Mall has a fun-filled day planned on Saturday, May 14, with free face painting and balloon modelling, including Topsy the Mascot who will be giving away sweet treats too.

Visitors can also join Jelly on the day with a special doodle and collage workshop for all ages and abilities. In the workshop participants will be invited to draw on, decorate onto, collage and embellish black and white photocopies of historical photographs of the Mall’s past.

This special activity will see shoppers reimagine the Mall’s tropical garden or colour in the clothes from the opening parade. Plus, a doodle table will be set up with a variety of art materials to create drawings of the future.

Sue Ryder will also be running a raffle and selling pin badges to raise money for their charity, Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice - who provides palliative, neurological and bereavement support to help people through the most difficult times of their lives.

Broad Street Mall will be running their biggest event competition giveaway so far and customers should keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details.