Reading waterfest. Cancellation of water based events

As at Wednesday 13 June, County Lock in Reading is flooded and impassable and water speed through the Oracle shopping centre (also known as Brewery Gut) is extremely high. The nearby Thames is on red alert.Whilst it is hoped that the situation may ease in the next few days more rain would prolong the problem.

All water based events at Reading Waterfest have therefore been cancelled and all boats booked to attend have been advised not to travel to or through Reading.

Nevertheless, the land based part of the event, jointly arranged by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and Reading Borough Council, will still go ahead as scheduled on Saturday (16 June) but with all stalls and attractions moved into the nearby Forbury Gardens. The Trust information tent, cake stall and sales stand will all be there and the Duck Race will now use the park fountain instead of the river.

Reading Branch of the Trust are extremely disappointed by the first cancellation of a major part of Waterfest in over 20 years but hope that Trust members will still come along to visit the Trust stands at the rearranged event.

David Copley

Reading Branch Chairman KACT