{"id":15463,"date":"2026-03-16T19:37:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:37:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.reading.ac.uk\/connected\/?p=15463"},"modified":"2026-03-17T13:28:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T13:28:37","slug":"the-centenary-community-festival-is-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.reading.ac.uk\/connected\/2026\/03\/16\/the-centenary-community-festival-is-here\/","title":{"rendered":"The Centenary Community Festival is Here!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The much-loved Community Festival returns this May for a special two-day centenary edition. Join us for a vibrant weekend of entertainment, discovery and celebration as we mark 100 years of the University of Reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

As part of the University\u2019s centenary celebrations, this year’s special Centenary Community Festival<\/a> will bring together alumni, students and the wider community for a weekend filled with entertainment, connection and celebration.<\/p>\n

Taking place across Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May<\/strong>, the Festival will feature two iconic events \u2013 the Centenary Community Festival and the return of the RAG parade. Alongside the main Festival programme, Reading graduates can enjoy a range of exclusive alumni activities across the weekend.<\/p>\n

Whether you want to enjoy a day filled with exciting research exhibitions, live music, delicious food, step back in time with Sunday\u2019s RAG parade, or reconnect with fellow graduates \u2013 this May has something for everyone.<\/p>\n

Saturday 16 May<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Alumni Lunch Reception
<\/strong>12:00-14:00, Flex, Students’ Union<\/strong>, Whiteknights campus
<\/strong><\/p>\n

Join us in the Students’ Union for the chance to connect with fellow Reading graduates. Enjoy light refreshments while reminiscing and connecting with new and old friends. Whether you graduated recently or years ago, this is a wonderful chance to celebrate your place in the University\u2019s 100-year story.<\/p>\n

The Alumni Lunch Reception is free to attend but registration is mandatory<\/strong>. Due to venue capacity, the Reception is open to University of Reading alumni only <\/strong>and we are unable to accommodate non-alumni guests.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Book now to attend the Alumni Reception<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Alumni Quiz
<\/strong>16:00-18:00, Flex, Students Union, Whiteknights campus<\/strong><\/p>\n

Put your knowledge to the test at our special Alumni Quiz, hosted by Ryan – University of Reading staff member and expert quizmaster. Bring a team along or join fellow alumni on the day and get to know each other over some friendly competition. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, and drinks may also be purchased from the bar.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The quiz is free to attend but booking is essential. The quiz teams will be groups of six.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you are part of a group of alumni friends wishing to be on the same team, we ask that one of your group emails alumni@reading.ac.uk<\/strong><\/a> with your names so that we can do our best to accommodate you. All those wishing to take part in the quiz must be registered individually.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Due to venue capacity, the quiz is open to University of Reading alumni only <\/strong>and we are unable to accommodate non-alumni guests.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Book now to attend the Alumni Quiz<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Centenary Community Festival
<\/strong>12:00\u201317:00, Whiteknights campus<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alongside the alumni activities, the Community Festival returns for a special Centenary event.<\/p>\n

This free one-day festival at the University of Reading\u2019s Whiteknights Campus promises live music, interactive workshops, creative spaces and delicious food. Whether you\u2019re looking to relive your University days or simply enjoy a family-friendly day out, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n

Those attending alumni activities must also register for the Community Festival. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Register to attend the Centenary Community Festival<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Sunday 17 May<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Reading Walks \u2013 A Celebration of University RAG Parades Route
10:30-12:30, start and finish at The Museum of English Rural Life<\/strong><\/p>\n

Join Reading Walks for a special guided walk celebrating the history of the University\u2019s RAG parades and their long-standing connection with the town of Reading.<\/p>\n

This walk will explore the traditional parade route through the town centre, bringing to life the stories behind one of the University\u2019s most colourful and memorable student traditions. Along the way, guides will share anecdotes, photographs and memories from past parades.<\/p>\n

Tickets are \u00a33 per person and booking is essential<\/strong>. Please note that spaces for this guided walk are limited, so we advise you to book your place early to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n

Find out more and book your place at Reading Walks<\/strong><\/a>

RAG Parade
12:00-17:00, Forbury Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n

The celebrations continue on Sunday with the return of the colourful and lively RAG Parade – a long-standing University tradition that brings students and the local community together in a joyful procession through Reading town centre.<\/p>\n

Expect creativity, costumes and plenty of centenary spirit as the University marks this milestone year.<\/p>\n

Register to attend the RAG Parade<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Alumni High Tea<\/strong>
15:00-17:00, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street<\/strong><\/p>\n

Round off the centenary weekend with an elegant Alumni High Tea.<\/p>\n

Join us in the Town Hall on Sunday afternoon for High Tea, and to hear a fascinating talk from Guy Baxter, Head of University Archive Services, which will explore the rich history of the University.\u00a0 Come along and take part in this special centenary event, reconnect with other alumni and share your own stories from your time at Reading.<\/p>\n

This event is free to attend but registration is required. Due to venue capacity, this event is open to University of Reading alumni only <\/strong>and we are unable to accommodate non-alumni guests.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Register to attend the Alumni High Tea<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

We hope you can join us over the Centenary Festival weekend in May, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the University of Reading to celebrate the past, present and future of our community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The much-loved Community Festival returns this May for a special two-day centenary edition. Join us for a vibrant weekend of entertainment, discovery and celebration as we mark 100 years of the University of Reading. As part of the University\u2019s centenary celebrations, this year’s special Centenary Community Festival will bring together alumni, students and the wider […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":225,"featured_media":15466,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false},"categories":[6],"tags":[210,64,206,25,56],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Centenary Community Festival is Here! - Connected<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Join us on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May when the much-loved Community Festival returns for a special two-day centenary edition.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.reading.ac.uk\/connected\/2026\/03\/16\/the-centenary-community-festival-is-here\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Centenary Community Festival is Here! 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