Saturday 27th June 2026, 11am – 5pm, Forbury Gardens.
Reading Water Fest 2026 will return to Reading town centre on Saturday 27th June, bringing together local residents and visitors for a day of family-friendly entertainment, music, dance and community activities.
Marking its 37th year, the popular festival celebrates the Kennet Canal and the many historic landmarks along its towpath, including Forbury Gardens and the renowned Abbey Ruins. Part of this year’s event is supported by housing association L&Q, with its nearby development, L&Q at Bankside Gardens, sponsoring activities taking place within the Forbury Gardens area.
Visitors can expect a packed programme throughout the day, including garment upcycling workshops, a thrifted catwalk, community performances and the ever-popular duck race. Beautifully decorated boats will also parade along the canal, while local organisations, community groups and businesses come together to showcase the very best of Reading.
Forbury Gardens will play host to a variety of food, fashion and community-focused activities, providing a vibrant hub for visitors to relax, explore local businesses and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
The sponsorship forms part of L&Q’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and celebrating the waterways that help make Reading such a desirable place to live. As a development located alongside the River Kennet and surrounded by lakes and green space, L&Q at Bankside Gardens shares the festival’s connection to Reading’s waterways and outdoor lifestyle.
Claire Brenlund, Sales & Marketing Director at L&Q, comments: “At L&Q, we’re passionate about supporting the communities in which we deliver homes. Reading Water Fest brings together local people, businesses and organisations to celebrate the town’s rich heritage and vibrant waterways. As a development that embraces waterside living, L&Q at Bankside Gardens is proud to support this year’s event and be part of the celebrations.”
Lucy Daniels, Events and Civic Engagement Manager at Reading Borough Council, comments: “We would like to thank L&Q for their sponsorship at this year’s Reading Water Fest. It is only with the support of businesses like L&Q that we are able to put on such a varied and large-scale community event for the people of Reading every year.”
Located within Green Park Village, close to the River Kennet, L&Q at Bankside Gardens offers a collection of one- and two-bedroom homes available through Shared Ownership. Residents benefit from scenic riverside walking routes, access to four nearby lakes and a range of exclusive on-site amenities, including a concierge service, co-working space, private cinema and gym within the Residents’ Club 51.
The development is also ideally positioned for commuters, with Reading Green Park Station located on-site, providing connections to Reading town centre, London Paddington and destinations across the South East.
Pricing at L&Q at Bankside Gardens starts from £70,625 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment (FMV £282,500).
Reading Water Fest is free to attend, with no advance booking required.
To find out more about L&Q at Bankside Gardens, visit: https://lqhomes.com/banksidegardens/.
