Reading’s main library has now shut its doors for good. It’s getting ready to move to the town’s newly updated Civic Centre.

Reading Central Library, which first opened on Kings Road back in 1985, had its last day open to visitors on Saturday afternoon. Now, it’s starting the big move to the new Civic Centre development over on Bridge Street.

You won’t be able to use the library’s central services until the new place opens up on Thursday, June 18th. This new spot will be inside the redesigned Civic Centre. They expect it to have modern facilities, be much easier for everyone to get around, and offer more spaces for community use.

Reading Borough Council says they had to move. The old building, with its many floors, had just gotten too outdated and it was becoming really hard – and costly – to make it work for people with accessibility needs.

Council officials mention that the new library, which was built just for this, will be completely accessible. It’s also designed to better serve everyone: residents, students, and visitors alike. The plans for this new place include almost 100 spots to work or study, better digital tools, and a new area for community gatherings and events called The Square.

But this closure hasn’t been without its share of arguments. Some local people and groups have spoken out against the move. They’re worried about losing the old Kings Road location, which has been there for so long. They also question if this whole moving period might affect people who use the library all the time. Others have asked for clearer details about how much the redevelopment is costing and what’s going to happen to the old library building.

Even with all the talk against it, council leaders feel this move is a big investment in Reading’s public services for the future. They want the new library to be a central spot for learning, community get-togethers, and events right in the town centre.

Stowaway Festival, one of the UK’s fastest-growing music festivals, has announced the line-up for this summer’s 5th birthday edition. An independent, family-friendly festival, Stowaway is happening over the weekend of July 31^st – August 2^nd 2026 in idyllic surroundings near Stowe, north Buckinghamshire.

Artists and DJs confirmed to perform at the fifth Stowaway this summer include Nightmares on Wax, Kokoroko, Skream, Say She She, Emma-Jean Thackray, Hot 8 Brass Band, Calibre, Ewan McVicar, Francois K, Dr Banana, Move D, Gabriels (DJ Set), Scientist, Ishmael Ensemble (DJ Set), plus many many more. Legendary drum ‘n’ bass label Hospital Records will celebrate their 30th birthday with a takeover of the Shake Off stage on Friday evening with sets from London Elektricity, Lens, DJ Zinc and Makoto.

Performances take place over multiple stages set throughout the site’s ancient woodlands and lakes. The woods are illuminated at night with lasers, creating magical corridors of light, and there are installations across the site – plus a hidden Speakeasy bar featuring secret DJ sets and live cover bands.

As well as its eclectic musical mix, Stowaway offers wild swimming, canoeing & paddle boarding, wellness & relaxation, kid’s activities (all included in the ticket price), and a lakeside woodland spa. The artisan food & drink available on site is carefully curated, with healthy and not-so-healthy eating options and no-and-low drinks as well as craft beers and cocktails.

Founded in 2022 by Duncan Wheeler, who grew up on Blackpit Farm, Stowaway is 100% independently owned and has no corporate sponsors. The festival’s inclusive mix of eclectic dance music with family friendly vibes is proving ever more popular – in 2025 they increased their audience by over 20%, bucking the trend in a very difficult market for the festival sector.

Comments Stowaway founder Duncan Wheeler: “The live events industry has been a tough place to exist as an independent festival over the last few years, which makes us especially proud to announce our fifth edition of Stowaway. There have been many times when we’ve wondered whether it’s all worth it, whether we were simply insane to launch a festival just after the pandemic when so many established festivals seemed to be struggling. But it is testament to the incredible crowd of attendees, artists, performers, crew, family and friends, that Stowaway keeps growing from strength to strength each year. There is no better feeling than the rush of excitement as we open the gates, seeing the joy on everyone’s faces as we embark on another adventure together. Stowaway truly is the sum of all its’ contributors’ efforts and we just can’t wait to welcome you back into this little slice of countryside we call home!”

Created by friends, for friends, Stowaway is a secret world for you to discover.

For a taste of what to expect watch the Stowaway 2025 Aftermovie

Wasing Estate, one of England’s most picturesque rural estates, is delighted to announce
the return of its annual ‘Pumpkins & Woodland Trail’ event this autumn, open on
selected dates from 17th-31st October. This charming seasonal experience offers
families the perfect opportunity to embrace the beauty of autumn, with enchanting
woodland trails, delicious seasonal treats, and stunning countryside views — so get your
wellies ready!

Tickets on sale HERE

Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, Wasing Estate invites visitors to explore its magical
woodland trail—thoughtfully designed for little ones, while offering plenty of
picture-perfect moments for the whole family.

Leafy pathways lead to Wasing’s rustic pumpkin patch, where a charming fairytale
pumpkin carriage awaits. After enjoying the scenic trail with plenty to spot along the
way, guests can make their way to the pumpkin field—wheelbarrow in hand!—to choose
their very own Wasing pumpkin.

Once the pumpkin-picking is done, visitors can indulge in a variety of seasonal snacks,
including crêpes, donuts and pizzas, all served under a cosy stretch tent – the perfect way
to round off an autumnal day out before heading home to carve their perfect pumpkin.

Faith Knight, Head of Communications at Wasing, says:

“We are so excited to welcome visitors back to Wasing this October for the fifth year of
our Pumpkin event. It’s become a true seasonal highlight for local families, and we’re
delighted to see it grow into a cherished autumn tradition. There’s something truly
magical about welcoming visitors back year on year to enjoy the beauty of the estate,
pick their perfect pumpkin, and create unforgettable memories.”

Tickets are available to purchase via: https://wasing.digitickets.co.uk

2025 Ticket prices:
£6.50 for everyone aged 2 & over. Under 2s free but still require a ticket

Opening Dates:
17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th & 31st October 2025. Please
select your chosen arrival time when booking tickets.

Further information:
Located @ Wasing Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Wasing Lane, Aldermaston, RG7 4LY

More information @ www.wasing.co.uk/pumpkins

Follow Wasing Estate on Facebook & Instagram @Wasing1759

About Wasing Estate:
Wasing sees things differently. That we are inherently part of nature and that what harms
the planet ultimately harms us. Everything is connected.

As one of the most diverse rural estates in England, Wasing is truly unique – a special
place to celebrate, connect, grow and heal. The Estate is home to one of the finest
wedding venues in the country and is a stunning space where exceptional events are
hosted, including immersive musical experiences in woodland amphitheatre, The Mount.

Wasing’s farm underpins its ‘Estate to Plate’ ethos by providing delicious organic produce
and Wasing Wellbeing offers the opportunity to connect with self, each other and nature
through rejuvenating retreats & wild swimming.