What’s on

May & June 2023

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Ongoing

Public trips on the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust’s tripboat Jubilee (Sat, Sun and Thu)

Newbury Wharf, Wharf House, Wharf Street, Newbury RG14 5AP jubilee.katrust.org.uk

A 75-minute relaxing trip through historic Newbury with plenty of interest to see as we rise up Newbury lock and cruise through the swingbridge at West Mills on to Northcroft and back. Adults £8, Children (2-15) £5, under 2 are free but must have a ticket. 12pm/2pm

1 May Wokingham May Fayre

Elms Field, Denmark Street and Market Place, Wokingham, wokinghamlions.org.uk

There will be a funfair, petting zoo, picnic areas, circus performers and children’s rides, as well as a full calendar of stage performances throughout the day.

1 May South Stoke May Fayre 2023 South Stoke Primary School, Reading, RG8 0JS southstokeschool.org/news-andevents

We are entertained by Morris Dancers, the Goring and Streatley concert band, and each year features an additional band with past performances from old school pupils. 12–5pm

1 May

Bluey and Bingo come to 4 Kingdoms

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY 4-kingdoms.co.uk

Bluey joins us at 4 Kingdoms

Adventure Farm. Come and meet him. 10am–4:30pm

1 May Jousting Tournament

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP blenheimpalace.com/whats-on Visitors will have the chance to enjoy old English traditions including archery and falconry. 10am–3pm

1 May, 11 June

Jocks Lane Miniature Railway

Running Day

Jocks Lane Park, Bracknell, RG12 2BH, bracknellrailwaysociety.co.uk Miniature steam train rides. £1 per ride. 1–4pm

3-7 May

Long Live the King! West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS booking.westberks.gov.uk/ heritage_events

Drop into the Museum to make a mini Union flag or design and colour a crown to display in celebration of the coronation. Free. 10am-4pm

6 May–4 Jun

Reading Children’s Festival 2023

The festival gets off to an actionpacked start with a royal themed Forbury Fiesta on Saturday 6 May, where there will be something for everyone to get involved with on the day. Head down to the Forbury Gardens from 12pm to join in the fun!

7 May

Berkshire Young Farmers’ Country Fayre

Newbury Showground, Hermitage, Thatcham, RG18 9QZ berksyfc.org.uk/welcometo-berkshire-young-farmers/ berkshire-country-fayre

Enjoy countryside activities, demonstrations, machinery, trade stands, craft stalls & food fayre, plus a competitions to enjoy. 9am–5pm

7 May

Reading Children’s Book Group at Fourbears Books Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JG fourbearsbooks.co.uk/event-details

Join us on the coronation weekend to find out about and celebrate a host of inspirational leaders from the past and present. Suitable for ages 5-8. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but pre-booking essential by 4pm on Saturday 6th May. 10am-11am

7 May

Hats Off to the King Garden Party

The Flowing Spring, Henley Road, Playhatch, Reading, RG4 9RB theflowingspringpub.co.uk

We’ll have hot and cold food, an outside bar, a hat contest and loads of live music going into the evening. Free. From 1pm

7 May

King’s Coronation Tribute Festival in Reading Abbey Ruins Abbey Ruins Reading, Chestnut Walk, Reading, RG1 3HW whatsonreading.com

The top UK tribute bands come together for a day in the sun to celebrate the King’s Coronation in one of Reading’s most prestigious heritage sites. Live Paw Patrol meet and greet. 12–6:30pm

7 May

Public Running Day

Prospect Park Railway, Reading, RG30 2BE, rsme.uk Miniature train rides. 60p per ride. 12–3:30pm

7 May Woodley’s Coronation Picnic in the Park Woodford Park, Haddon Drive, Reading, RG5 4LY, Woodley.gov.uk The celebration will include live music on a stage, live entertainment, live circus skills and FREE ice cream (first 300 people)! Free entry. 2–5pm

10-14 May

Reading Walks Festival visit-reading.com/whats-on/ seasonal-events/reading-walksfestival

Reading Walks Festival is as much about telling the stories of Reading as walking for its own pleasure, so you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to take part and you’ll find that our volunteer guides have lots to share with you along the way.

13 May

Young Rangers

Thatcham Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU bbowt.org.uk/explore/visitorcentres/nature-discovery-centre

A wildlife club for 8– 1 year olds who love nature and wildlife. £7. 2pm

13 May

Razzamataz Theatre Showcase

Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury, RG14 1AY, newburyspringfestival.org.uk/ event/razzamataz-theatre-school

A free showcase performance from classic musical theatre to funky street dance. Part of the Newbury Spring Festival. 1pm

13 May

Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow Live

The Hexagon, Reading, RG1 7UA whatsonreading.com

Expect the unexpected as the legendary Creamy Muck Muck game returns and with appearances from Diddy Dick and Dom, and D.I Harry Batt, no member of the audience is safe! £29. 7:30pm

14 May

The Mikado Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD newburyspringfestival.org.uk/ event/the-mikado

A stylish, highly successful production of this Gilbert and Sullivan masterpiece. Part of the Newbury Spring Festival. 3pm

14 May

Steps Ahead Show

Arlington Arts Centre, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, BRK RG14 3BQ Arlington-arts.com

Dancers of Steps Ahead aged 5-18 showcase their talents! 4pm/ 6:45pm

15 and 18 May

Nature Tots

Thatcham Discovery Centre, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU bbowt.org.uk/explore/visitorcentres/nature-discovery-centre Your tots can take part in outdoor nature play, stories, trails and crafts. £7. 10am

17–20 May

The Wind in the Willows

The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, whatsonreading.com

Packed full of toe-tapping tunes and plenty of humour, this is a feel-good show you won’t want to miss.

18–30 May

Gifford’s Circus

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP blenheimpalace.com/whats-on

The village green circus travels the lengths of the UK to bring you a magical show bursting with excitement.

20 May Monkey Puzzle: stories set to music

Corn Exchange Newbury, Newbury, RG14 5BD, newburyspringfestival. org.uk/event/monkey-puzzle

Part of the Newbury Spring Festival. 10am/11:30am

20 May

The Greatest Magician

Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP kentontheatre.co.uk

This astonishing, enigmatic, five star-rated magic show will leave you aching from laughter and dizzy in disbelief. £24.50. 7:30pm

21 May

Reading Children’s Book Group at Fourbears Books

Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JG fourbearsbooks.co.uk/event-details

Come and meet the Mayor of Reading, Rachel Eden, to hear about her work and celebrate a host of inspirational leaders from all walks of life. Ages 9-11. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but pre-booking essential by 4pm on Saturday 20th May. 10am-11am

21 May & 18 Jun

Train Rides

Pinewood Miniature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Wokingham, RG40 3AQ, pinewoodrailway.co.uk

Visit our railway and ride on steam and diesel trains. 1:30–4pm

27 May

Wokingham Children’s Fun Day Langborough Recreation Ground, Wokingham, RG40 2BN wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ourevents

Small fairground rides, visiting farm animals, face painting and more. Free entry. 10am–4pm

27 May–4 Jun

Pop Up Play Village

Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, RG7 1SP wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

Head to our activity tent and get stuck in with the Farm Supermarket and Cafe and sensory play trays, perfect for our younger visitors. 9:30am–5:30pm

27 May–4 Jun

Odds Farm Park’s 30 Birthday

Celebrations

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, HP10 0LX, oddsfarm.co.uk

Visitors will be able to see sheep shearing demonstrations and have the opportunity for hands-on kid goat bottle feeding.

27 May–4 Jun

Dinosaur Invasion

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Headley, RG19 8JY 4-kingdoms.co.uk

What could be better than spending

Artemis Summer

the a day in the May half term with over 120 dinosaurs? 10am–4:30pm

28 May

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD cornexchangenew.com

All around the world Roald Dahlʼs words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a secret organisation known as the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders can save the storiesand they need your help... 11am/2pm

28 and 29 May

Shaw House Open Days

Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse

Join us for the Shaw House Open Days where you will have the opportunity to access many areas of the House which are not normally open to the public, including the ‘Forbidden Corridor’ on the second floor and the basement tunnel running along the length of the House. Free entry. 11am–4pm

29 May

Jocks Lane Miniature Railway running day Jocks Lane Park, Binfield Road, Bracknell, RG12 2BH bracknellrailwaysociety.co.uk Miniature steam train rides. £1 per ride. 1–4pm

29 May–2 Jun

Animal Farm Week

Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, RG7 1SP wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

Join us for Animal Farm week as we celebrate our resident animals. 9:30am–5:30pm

29 May–2 Jun

River Trips from Caversham Caversham Pier, Thameside Promenade, Reading, RG1 8BD thamesrivercruise.co.uk

Get out on the river, take the air and enjoy freedom.

30 May

Mushroom Kingdom Chaos

Woodcote Village Hall, Woodcote, RG8 0QY masterbuildersclub.co.uk

Join everyone’s favourite video game character on an epic adventure through Mushroom Kingdom. There will be villains to defeat and a Princess to rescue as we build our own track, power up and navigate a fantasy world that is full of surprises. 9:30–11:30am

30 May

Mushroom Kingdom Chaos

Sonning Common Village Hall, Sonning Common, RG4 9SL masterbuildersclub.co.uk

Join everyone’s favourite video game character on an epic adventure through Mushroom Kingdom. There will be villains to defeat and a Princess to rescue as we build our own track, power up and navigate a fantasy world that is full of surprises. 2:30–4:30pm

30 May–2 Jun

Create and Make

Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com

Your little one will get to work with professional practitioners to explore the creative arts, develop new skills and make new friends. 10am–4pm

WHAT’S ON

30 May–2 Jun

Half Term Art Club

The Base, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6AB, thebasegreenham.co.uk

Join The Base Greenham’s art club to experiment with different art techniques and creative projects!

31 May

Mushroom Kingdom Chaos

Badgemore Primary School, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2HL masterbuildersclub.co.uk

Join everyone’s favourite video game character on an epic adventure through Mushroom Kingdom. There will be villains to defeat and a Princess to rescue as we build our own track, power up and navigate a fantasy world that is full of surprises. 9:30–11:30am

31 May

Family Activity Day: Beautiful butterflies

Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse

Decorate a wooden butterfly with paint pens and tissue paper. Then varnish with glue (decoupage) as the Victorians would have done. £2.50 10am–3pm

31 May

Magical Honey

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm Join Maya’s world of Magical Honey with dance, magic, storytelling and live music. £10-£12. 11:30am/2pm

31 May

Mushroom Kingdom Chaos

The Heights Primary School, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7LB masterbuildersclub.co.uk

Join everyone’s favourite video game character on an epic adventure through Mushroom Kingdom. There will be villains to defeat and a Princess to rescue as we build our own track, power up and navigate a fantasy world that is full of surprises. 2:30–4:30pm

31 May–3 Jun

The Rumble Under the Rug Reading Rep Theatre, King’s Road, Reading, RG1 4LY, readingrep.com

Join us on this interactive adventure to discover who is hiding under the rug, and how we can make them welcome in our world. £5. 10am/1pm

June

3 Jun

John Hegley: I AM A Poetato South Street Arts Centre, Reading, RG1 4QU, whatsonreading.com Be prepared to laugh and hark, here in Berkshire. 2pm

3 Jun

Young Rangers

Thatcham Discovery Centre, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, bbowt. org.uk/explore/visitor-centres/ nature-discovery-centre

A wildlife club for 8–11 year olds who love nature and wildlife. £7. 2pm

4 Jun

9 Jun–6 Aug

Kurt Jackson: River

The Base,Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6AB, thebasegreenham.co.uk

Leading British contemporary artist Kurt Jackson brings this new exhibition to The Base Greenham this summer. Under-18s are free!

10 Jun

Dinosaur Adventure Live Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com

2 Jun

Messy Museum Day: Lucky dip! West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS, westberkshireheritage.org/westberkshire-museum

Choose a ceramic item (the choice is subject to availability on the day) to decorate with paint pens, and then take it home to use or display. £2.50 10am–3pm

2 Jun The Not So Grimm Twins

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm Roll up one and all, to hear the fabulous Grimm Brother’s fairytales like never before. £10-£12. 11:30am & 2pm

3 Jun

PACT Family Disco

Hemdean House School, Reading, RG4 7SD, register.enthuse.com/ps/ event/PACTdisco2023

Bring your dancing shoes and your best outfit as Crazy Times Disco plays tunes to get you dancing. £5 for children aged 2-11. 2pm

The ultimate school holiday experience for children

Ultimate Activity Camps (UAC) provide an inspiring programme of over 40 stimulating and outstanding activities during the school holidays for children aged 4-14 to enjoy at some of the UK’s leading independent schools.

The award-winning camps are delivered by qualified and motivating staff and UAC are hoping to soon expand into even more beautiful schools with exceptional facilities and an abundance of space.

During the coming summer holidays, Ultimate Activity Camps will be running locally in LVS in Ascot, Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, Crosfields School in Reading and St. Gabriel’s School in Newbury. Children will be able to enjoy a range of over 40 sports, games and craft activities each week. Parents can take the stress out of childcare and join an outstanding school holiday club.

Special discount for summer dates: save £20 per week or £4 per day when you book before Tuesday 6 June. Visit www.ultimateactivity.co.uk for more information.

A Visit from the Mermaid Princess and her Prince Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR westberkshireheritage.org/whatson We invite you to join us for an enchanting royal visit from the Mermaid Princess and her Prince. The royal couple will delight young audiences with a fun sing-a-long, themed games and story time. £7 per child, one accompanying adult free. 10am/11:45am/1:30pm

4 Jun

Nick Cope Family Music Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com if you haven’t heard his songs or seen his shows before come and find out what you’re missing. 11am

4 Jun Public Running Day Prospect Park Railway, 82 Bath Road, Reading, RG30 2BE, rsme.uk Miniature train rides. 60p per ride. 12pm–3:30pm

Join our intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the dinosaurs! From £16.25. 2pm/4:30pm

10 Jun

Reading Water Fest 2023

Forbury Gardens, Reading Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk and Riverside Walk, Reading

The event will consist of live entertainment, children’s activities and refreshments, water activities, narrow boats, craft and charity stalls. 11am – 5pm

10 Jun

ACE Dance Showcase 2023 Arlington Arts Centre, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, BRK RG14 3BQ, Arlington-arts.com

ACE Dance Studios brings together aspiring and creative young and contemporary dancers from across Berkshire and the South of England. 7:30pm

10 and 11 Jun

Reading Brick Show Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Lower Earley, Reading, RG6 4GD, readingbrickshow.com

It will be one of the largest LEGO®

Party animals celebrate 30 years of Odds Farm Park

Odds Farm Park, near Beaconsfield, will be getting the party started this May half term (27 May– 4 June) as it celebrates its 30th birthday.

The rare breeds farm park first opened its doors to the public in 1993 and is now gearing up for a week-long party throughout May half term.

Louise Winslow, assistant general manager, said: “We can’t wait to get the party started in half term. We also have a jampacked programme of party fun for our guests including silly shows, games, arts and crafts and special party celebrations to mark our milestone 30th birthday.” www.oddsfarm.co.uk shows in the UK and will bring together fantastic LEGO® models made by the most talented builders, alongside lots of fun games and activities for all ages. 10am–5pm

In addition to a busy line-up of birthday celebrations, visitors can continue all the usual fun at Odds Farm with acres of outdoor adventure play, the tractor and trailer ride, H2Odds water play, Marmalade’s Mini Rover rides, giant Indoor Playbarn and a full schedule of animal activities.

10-18 Jun

Luke Gerram’s Gaia Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH whatsonreading.com

Measuring seven metres in diameter and suspended inside Reading’s historic Concert Hall, Gaia features high-resolution NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. Adults £2, under 14s with an accompanying adult free.

11 Jun

Whitley Carnival

John Madejski Academy, 125 Hartland Road, Reading, RG2 8AF whatsonreading.com

Two parades winding through the streets of Whitley, followed by a Fun Day. From 12pm.

11 Jun

Reading Children’s Book Group at Fourbears Books

Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JG, fourbearsbooks.co.uk/event-details

Sail away in some stories that will take you on new adventures as part of our National Share a Story Month celebrations. Suitable for ages 5-8. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but pre-booking essential by 4pm on Sat 10 June. 10am-11am

11 and 18 Jun

Razzamataz: It’s Showtime! Arlington Arts Centre, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, BRK RG14 3BQ, Arlington-arts.com

Come along and join our Razz students as we take you on a journey through the worlds of commercial pop and music theatre. 1pm/7pm

12 and 15 Jun

Nature Tots

Thatcham Discovery Centre, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU bbowt.org.uk/explore/visitorcentres/nature-discovery-centre

Your tots can take part in outdoor nature play, stories, trails and crafts. £7. 10am

17 and 18 Jun

Father’s Day

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Headley, RG19 8JY 4-kingdoms.co.uk

Free entry to all dads on this day. 10am–4:30pm

18 Jun

The Princess and the Pea Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP kentontheatre.co.uk

The Princess and the Pea receives a makeover from HCT. It’s a traditional tale, but newly told. Adults: £15, children: £12. 1pm/5pm

24 Jun

Cirque - The Greatest Show

The Hexagon, Reading, RG1 7UA, whatsonreading.com

Escape with us for a night like no other, where we take you into a world where the very best of musical theatre meets jaw-dropping circus spectacular. 1pm/6pm

24 and 25 Jun

Dream On Shinfield Players Theatre, Reading, RG2 9DF, shinfieldplayers.org.uk

A magical romp version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with mischievous fairies, misguided humans and misunderstood actors leading you through the story.

25 Jun

Reading Buses Open Day

Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HH, reading-buses.co.uk

The biggest and most popular event on our calendar returns for 2023!

25 Jun

Mog the Forgetful Cat pre-show workshop

Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com

Make and decorate a beautiful cat mask and take it along to the show with you! £3. 10am/1pm

25 Jun

Mog the Forgetful Cat

Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com

Join Mog and the Thomas family, on a journey through one year in the life of a really remarkable cat, as she catches a burglar, gatecrashes a cat show, goes to the V.E.T. and gets to eat lots of eggs. £16.25. 11am /2pm

25 Jun

Jocks Lane Miniature Railway running day

Jocks Lane Park, Bracknell, RG12 2BH, bracknellrailwaysociety.co.uk Miniature steam train rides. £1 per ride. 1–4pm

25 Jun

ACE: Kids

Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury, BRK RG14 3BQ, Arlington-arts.com

This show enables all the wonderful ACE:Kids to showcase their talent, to an audience of dedicated family and friends! It’s fun and bright throughout - definitely one for all the family! 3pm

25 Jun

East Reading Festival

Palmer Park, Reading, RG6 1LE, whatsonreading.com

With a music stage, a spokenword/poetry stage, a funfair, food from around the world and a wide variety of community, charity and commercial stalls, there is something for everyone at East Reading Festival. Free entry. 12–6pm

30 Jun

Swifts in Newbury

West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS, westberkshireheritage.org

A walk and a talk by local bird expert, Ailsa Claybourn, about these amazing birds who are disappearing from our skies, and how we can help six-week festival includes four musicals, two of which are original productions, with shows running daily. Tickets from £14.50