University of Reading holds double celebration
Community festival and RAG parade to take place this weekend
The university of Reading is celebrating its Centenary with two festivals this weekend.
The Centenary Community Festival 2026, taking place across the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, with one event at the university and another in central Reading. b
Now in its fourth year, this year's expanded edition spans two venues across two days, with Saturday's celebrations taking place on the University's Whiteknights campus, and Sunday marking the revival of the historic RAG Parade in the heart of Reading town centre.
Saturday 16 May: Centenary Community Festival
Whiteknights campus | 12:00–17:00
As in previous years, organisers say the festival will be packed with family-friendly activities, including live music, street food stalls, sports taster sessions, talks and workshops, and hands-on research activities across the University's picturesque campus, which was named Sustainable University of the Year 2025 in recognition of its long-standing commitment to the environment.
Sunday 17 May: RAG parade and entertainment
Forbury Gardens, Reading town centre | 12:00–17:00
Sunday's celebrations move into the town centre, where Reading Student Union’s historic RAG (Raising and Giving) Parade returns – a tradition revived as part of the centenary year activities, bringing students and the community together. The parade, created by student groups and societies, will start at Broad Street Mall, move down Broad street and into Forbury Gardens for an afternoon of live entertainment and stalls, in partnership with local charities and sanctuary organisations.
Connection
Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: "Our centenary year is about celebrating 100 years of connection between the University and the communities around us – and the Centenary Community Festival is at the heart of that.
"This year we have a real landmark to celebrate together. Whether you've been coming to the festival since the beginning or you've never visited Whiteknights before, we want this weekend to feel like a moment of shared pride – for our staff and students, for our neighbours and partners, and for everyone who has been part of the University's story over the past century. Come along, discover the research happening on your doorstep, and be part of something truly special."
Both events are free to attend and open to everyone.
Find more information about the Centenary Community Festival 2026 on the university website.