Hundreds of sun lovers and families from across Berkshire flocked to Forbury Gardens for the launch of Reading’s Annual Children’s Festival.

Hosting a range of workshops, funfair rides and performances, Forbury Fiesta is a treat for all the family looking for a fun day out.

The Major of Reading, Cllr Tony Page opened the festival on its 35th year in Reading at 11 am today (11/5).

Cllr Page said: “I think this year we’ve got an even better range of activities to attract parents and their children. The three weeks of activities include sports themed events, arts and crafts and here today there are a range of very appetising food tents.

“It’s an excellent start to the event and I hope over the next three weeks there is an opportunity for children to get involved in things that interest them and their parents. It’s a good start to the festival.”

The range of entertainment on offer throughout the day includes Kala the Arts – a South Asian Dance Performance group, Dance Reading + MCDC dance performance, Irish dance performances from the O’Gara School of Irish Dance and much more.

Gemma Cannon, who attended the event with family and friends praised the activities on offer throughout the day.

She said: “The kids are loving it. We come every year but this year is one of the best because of the gorgeous weather. I always bring the kids down to things that are happening in Forbury Gardens and they always have a great time.”

This year’s festival has a focus on everything sporty to get ready for the 2024 Olympics and Euros. There will be a mix of sport themed events across the borough over the next few weeks.

Tompson Chauke, the Autism Practitioner at the Prior’s Court School in Hermitage attended the event at Forbury Gardens to support two students who were performing on the main stage.

Tompson joined Jamie Lawrence, 21, and James Sugarman, 25, on stage as they performed for families. The two students sang a range of songs including 'Any Dream Will Do' and the school anthem ‘Let Me Shine’.

Tompson said: “It’s great to bring the students down here and get them involved in music because it opens up their world and gives them opportunities to express themselves.

“Because the students have severe complex needs and are often isolated, coming to something like this integrates them into the world and allows them to meet other people.

Prior’s Court is a boarding school located in Hermitage which specialises in autistic young people with complex needs between the ages of 5 and 25.