Reading residents are encouraged to get their running shoes on this Saturday for a free, timed 5km run in Prospect Park, which is now a weekly fixture in the Reading calendar.
Reading parkrun, which started earlier this month and is being championed by Reading Council, brings free weekly, timed runs at Prospect Park every Saturday, starting at 9am. It is coordinated entirely by volunteers from the local community.
The run is open to everyone, is completely free and is easy to take part in, although participants need to register in advance at www.parkrun.org.uk/register and bring a printed copy of the barcode it provides.
People are encouraged to participate by walking, jogging, running, cheering people on or volunteering with the run organisation, and to catch up for refreshments in a local cafe afterwards.
Almost 200 runners attended the event the previous week, with the help of 15 volunteers.
Event Organiser
Prospect parkrun’s Event Director, AJ Jain, said: “Parkrun is a friendly, welcoming event that provides a perfect opportunity to get out in the fresh air to socialise and be physically active in a supportive environment.”
“The run takes place in pleasant parkland surroundings every Saturday at 9am and we encourage people of all abilities to take part; from juniors and those taking their first steps in running, to seasoned runners. The parkrun also brings people together with a visit a local café afterwards. Our nominated coffee shop is the Mansion House, so we are also supporting a local business as well.”
Cllr Sarah Hacker, Reading’s Lead Member for Recreation, said: “I’m delighted the Council has been able to support the first parkrun in Reading and hope to see many more of these groups across the borough in future. We are keen to encourage grass roots activities like this, which have so many benefits to offer, not only in terms of health and wellbeing, but also from a social perspective in encouraging the community to come together.”
The Course
The course is two relatively flat laps, on grass, round the southern section of the park. The course gets muddy and boggy after rain so trail shoes may be necessary at times. The start and finish is just south of the Prospect Park Pavilion car park. To find out more and register visit www.parkrun.org.uk/prospect
If people are interested in volunteering to help with the run organisation, email prospecthelpers@parkrun.com
parkrun is a not for profit organisation which is part of a national network of timed runs held around the world in over 1000 locations. This is the first parkrun within the Reading area. For more information on the national initiative visit www.parkrun.org.uk
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!
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.”
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.
Once again, the August Bank Holiday brought tens of thousands to Reading for one of the UK’s most famous festivals, and this year’s edition could be one of the most eclectic in recent memory. Over three days, Reading Festival 2025 served up a unique combination of generational breakouts, nostalgic reunions, and experimental performances that made us all think about why this continues to be a rite of passage for music fans.
The Rise of Chappell Roan
If there was one artist who defined this year, it was Chappell Roan. Dressed like a gothic burlesque villainess, her Saturday night set on the Main Stage felt less like a performance and more like a coronation. Tracks such as “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” and “Femininomenon” had the crowd roaring in unison, while her finale of “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Pink Pony Club” turned the field into a euphoric mass sing-along.
It wasn’t just the music — it was the sheer theatricality. Towering castle-like staging, dancers in vampiric costumes, and a confidence that suggested she’s not only pop’s brightest rising star but also a future headliner. Many left convinced the festival had its next Glastonbury-sized icon.
Chappel Roan at Reading Festival 2025 – Photo credit: Luke Dyson
Hozier and the Art of Intimacy
Where Roan and BMTH went big, Hozier turned inward. His Saturday evening slot brought an almost spiritual calm to the site. Songs such as “Take Me to Church” and “Eat Your Young” had a haunting resonance, reminding us all that sometimes the best sets at a festival are the ones that silence a crowd into reverence rather than stirring them into frenzy. While playing at Reading, Hozier stopped his music and brought a powerful perspective. In front of a sold-out crowd, he spoke candidly about Gaza, calling for “a meaningful political solution” instead of what he called “lip service”. They were political words, but more importantly, they were words of compassion.
He praised artists to are ready to tell the truth, reminding the audience that free speech and honesty in music is what makes festivals like Reading worthwhile.
The Irish singer urged unity, stressing that what people ultimately want is harmony:
“People want their neighbours to live in peace and safety. They don’t want anyone — Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, whoever they are — to live in fear of hatred, racism, antisemitism or Islamophobia. What people want is respect, dignity… and peace.” He concluded by stating that true safety and security means “seeing a Palestine that’s free from occupation and ‘free to move towards meaningful self-determination and statehood.”
The audience responded with cheers, which echoed back to him, and the field was transformed into something more than just a concert — into a place of common ground for compassion.
But despite the power of his message, the BBC hasn’t shown any of Hozier’s performance — much to the dissatisfaction of many of his fans who took to social media. One mom even posted that her daughter was looking forward to seeing the show online and was disappointed when nothing was shown.
And finally, when it sunk in for him, the audience gave him what he deserved — a raucous round of applause that rang across the field in this moment of Reading Festival history.
Bring Me the Horizon: A Cinematic Headline
On Saturday, Bring Me the Horizon proved why they’re one of Britain’s most inventive heavy bands. Their headline set fused metalcore ferocity with video-game inspired visuals and a sci-fi storyline that played out on massive LED screens. Circle pits exploded during “Happy Song” and “Shadow Moses”, while the surprise of the night came with an emotional cover of Oasis’ “Wonderwall”, sung by tens of thousands under the Berkshire sky. With pyrotechnics, confetti, and even a political edge as Palestinian flags were waved on stage, BMTH’s performance was both spectacular and poignant — the kind of show Reading headlines are made of.
Bring Me the Horizon at Reading Festival 2025 – Photo credit: Sarah Louise Bennett
Nostalgia and Chaos: Limp Bizkit Bring the Party
For many, the most raucous moment of the weekend came courtesy of Limp Bizkit. Fred Durst and Wes Borland rolled back the years with nu-metal anthems “Nookie” and “Break Stuff”, turning the pit into pure mayhem. Their cheeky mix of covers — from Metallica to George Michael — kept fans guessing, while the communal scream of “Behind Blue Eyes” created an unlikely moment of tenderness amid the chaos.
Limp Bizkit at Reading Festival 2025 – Photo credit: Ben Awin
Travis Scott Wraps Up Reading Sunday with Earth Shattering Performance
Travis Scott transformed Reading into his own planet. As soon as he burst onto the Main Stage, the energy was insane — pyro, lasers and a tidal wave of bass to shake the field. Each beat hit like tectonic plates shifting as he raced through “Sicko Mode“, “Goosebumps” and selections from Utopia with the audience bouncing like it was a human wave and mosh pits popping up across the field as if fireworks had been popped off like firecrackers. What made it emotional was the connectedness: thousands of voices screaming every word back at him, strangers on strangers’ shoulders, arms flung to the sky, swept up in his world. For one hour Reading wasn’t a festival site — it was Astroworld reincarnated with Scott’s genius as its ringleader.
Rising Stars and Surprises
Aside from the headliners, Reading 2025 upheld its tradition of breaking new talent, as Wunderhorse moved up from last year’s BBC Introducing Stage to commandeering the Chevron Stage with grunge-sounding rock that was both raw and ageless. Bloc Party brought some early 2000s nostalgia to their loyal fans, as well as some new material, reminding everyone just why they are indie legends.
Caity Baser pulled off a packed secret set moments later, which mushroomed over social media, while Wallows managed to shake off technical gremlins to win over a packed crowd.
A Festival of Contrasts
For many years Reading Festival 2025 will be remembered for the weekend’s many contrasts — pop theatre and metal mayhem, an unbridled nostalgia coexisting with genuine rising talent, and sublime moments amid uncontrollable chaos. One moment punters were focused on a Lim Bizkit pit, only to be quieted with Hozier’s stunningly soulful voice, before throwing glitter at Chappell Roan’s pop fairytale; and before we knew it was Sunday night, Travis Scott had made the site his universe, an explosive conclusion that shook our soles! Weekend 2025 was so diverse that it showed Reading giganted in this variety, where the origin of a fan’s moment made their subsequent moment possible; and just as the weekend where unpredictability became unforgettable.
When the last firework pops in Sunday night, it is very clear that Reading Festival is not just keeping up with changing times, it is leading the charge on what new festivals can be.
In just a few days, the town of Reading will transform into the epicentre of one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals. Music lovers from all corners will flock to Reading to experience a festival with a legacy stretching back over three decades. This year, artists such as Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me the Horizon, Limp Bizkit, Travis Scott, and D-Block Europe, among many others, will light up the Reading Festival stages. If you’re planning to attend this iconic event for the first time, you’re in for a treat. This article is packed with essential tips for navigating Reading Festival 2025 — so jump right in.
The Reading Festival has become an annual tradition, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts year after year, no matter the weather. Festival-goers have braved rain, endured sweltering heat, and embraced the mud, learning the art of packing smartly. You’ll want to bring two sets of clothing, prioritising shorts and T-shirts, but it’s always wise to pack some rain gear — British weather can be unpredictable. As of today, no rain is forecast and the outlook is very pleasant, but everything can change in a heartbeat. A quality sleeping bag is a must, and remember to pack light — dragging a heavy bag while hunting for the perfect camping spot is far from fun.
Towels are essential; one can dry you off on rainy days, while the other provides a cool respite when soaked in cold water during hot spells. Wet wipes are invaluable for reasons you’ll soon discover. Sunscreen is crucial for Friday and Sunday to avoid painful sunburns that could ruin your festival experience. If you enjoy a beer (and who doesn’t?), consider bringing your own to avoid the high prices at the festival. Other must-haves include a hat for sun protection, plenty of water to stay hydrated, sunglasses, glow sticks, and a waterproof hoodie for unexpected downpours.
Selecting the right tent is key to a successful Reading Festival adventure. Choose one that stands out so you can easily find it amidst the sea of tents. Otherwise, you might find yourself awkwardly entering the wrong one more than once. Avoid pitching your tent near hedgerows or main pathways, as these areas can be problematic. The ideal spot is near a tree and close to the arena where the bands play. Finally, don’t forget to make new friends, wear your trendiest jeans, and embrace the festival atmosphere with confidence!