The countdown is on for the King’s coronation this weekend, so we have found a list of activities on offer to anyone in Reading.

The town is set to host a variety of events including the annual launch event for Reading Children’s Festival, a Coronation-themed digital trail, a special concert, a tribute festival and a Coronation Rhyme Time in the Forbury Gardens.

There are also 39 street parties taking place across the borough on Saturday, 6, Sunday, 7, and Monday, May 8, organised by residents after the Council waived its usual road closure fee.

Christchurch Bridge will also light up Reading’s skyline in red, white, and blue in celebration of the Coronation.

 

Reading Children’s Festival

Running from Saturday, May 6 to June 4, this year’s festival celebrates its 34th anniversary.

The festival will be launched with the free, royal-themed Forbury Fiesta on Saturday May 6, from 12pm to 5pm.

Reading’s four-week-long Children’s Festival promises to bring plenty of fun, from sports and music workshops to art and craft sessions.

 

The King’s Wardrobe

As part of the coronation celebrations, you can take part in the free, specially created augmented reality trail, designed for family fun. Sir Lawrence Lion is about to be crowned King, but he doesn’t know what to wear - Complete challenges, try on the items yourselves and take selfies with them on. When you’ve met all 10, you can see the fully prepared King in augmented reality.

Augmented reality is an interactive experience that combines reality with computer-generated content.

The trail runs from May 6 to June 4.

 

Coronation Creative Challenge

This is a showcase of all the creative ways people across the country and Commonwealth are celebrating the coronation.

There are many ways to get involved, from making your own street party bunting to designing a royal invitation or creating a recipe fit for a King.

Share your creations at the Coronation Creative Challenge website for a chance to feature in the Creative Challenge gallery. 

 

Scouting for Girls

Pop sensation, Scouting for Girls, will be performing live at Reading Abbey ruins to celebrate the King's coronation.

The award-winning English pop rock band will be performing alongside support bands and DJs, at a music event on Saturday, May 6. 

Craft beers and cocktails will be on sale at the coronation event.

The 18+ event will run from 3pm to 10.30pm.

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

Tribute Festival 

On Sunday, May 7, top UK tribute bands will come together for a day in the sun to celebrate the coronation. 

There will be live tributes to Queen, Elton John, Oasis, Take That and Madness, as well as a Paw Patrol meet and greet for children at the start of the event.

The event will be held in Reading's Abbey ruins from 12pm to 6.30pm.

 

Coronation Rhymetime 

Later in the week, on Thursday, May 11, Reading Borough Libraries are holding a free Coronation Rhymetime in Forbury Gardens, in association with Teddies Music Club.

There will be two sessions 10.15am - 11.15am and 11.15am -12.15pm. 

Join regular Rhymetime staff for the royal celebration by bringing a picnic or wearing royal fancy dress.

In the event of wet weather, the Rhymetime will take place in the Central Library.

 

Afternoon Tea & Festival Evensong

Christ Church is hosting an afternoon tea followed by Festival Evensong on Sunday, May 7.

Weather permitting the event will be in the church garden, if not then it will take place inside the church.

An Evensong is a church service traditionally held near sunset focused on singing psalms and other biblical canticles. 

There is no entry fee or need to reserve a place for the Evensong.

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

Street parties

Reading Borough Council have provided a list of all public street parties taking place in Reading, so we could make a map.

The street party celebrations will see road closures and diversions. 

Read the article here - MAPPED: Reading's street parties for the coronation

6th May street parties include

  •  St John's Street, Reading
  • Armour Road, Tilehurst
  • Wincroft Road, Caversham
  • Lynmouth Road, Reading
  • Silverthorne Drive, Caversham
  • Crawshay Drive, Emmer Green
  • Wantage Road, Reading

7th May street parties include

  • Alexandra Road, Reading
  • Warnford Road, Tilehurst
  • Oakley Road, Caversham
  • Waverley Road, Reading
  • Mayfield Drive, Caversham
  • Russet Glade, Emmer Green
  • Montpelier Drive, Caversham
  • Melrose Avenue, Reading
  • School Terrace, Reading
  • Shepherds Lane, Caversham
  • Downshire Square, Reading
  • Lyme Grove, Tilehurst
  • Blenheim Road, Reading
  • Andover Close, Tilehurst
  • Brooke Street West, Reading
  • Gratwicke Road, Tilehurst
  • Baker Street, Reading
  • Elstow Avenue, Caversham
  • Talfourd Avenue, Reading
  • St Peter's Avenue, Caversham
  • Wychcotes, Caversham
  • Woods Road, Caversham
  • Victoria Road, Reading
  • Watlington Street, Reading
  • Tupsley Road, Reading
  • Ilchester Mews, Caversham

8th May street parties include

  • Oakley Road, Caversham
  • Holmes Road, Reading
  • Northcourt Avenue, Reading
  • Balliol Road, Caversham
  • Deepdene Close, Reading
  • Conisboro Avenue, Reading

Find a street party near you, using our interactive map.