GET ready because Reading's Children's Festival is returning this weekend for three weeks of jam-packed events - and first up is Forbury Fiesta happening this Saturday.

Now in its 35th year, the firm fixture in the calendar of local residents will be running from Saturday, May 11, until Sunday, June 2.

This year's festival celebrates everything sporty with the Paris Olympics and Euro 2024 football tournament on over the summer.

The Children's Festival gets off to an exciting start at Forbury Gardens which will be transformed into an Olympic themed arena this Saturday for Forbury Fiesta.

Organisers say there will be something for everyone to get involved with, from sport and music workshops to arts and craft sessions.

Some of the activities this Saturday include:

- Going for Gold! Craft session learning how to make a medal

- Sport in Mind will be offering badminton and archery taster sessions throughout the day

- BETTER will be running a timed obstacle course whilst wearing swimming hats and goggles

- Avanti Cycling CIC will be offering free Dr Bike safety checks as well as a bicycle obstacle and mini cycle course

Meanwhile, Wimbledon will be coming to Forbury with a showing of Anyone For Tennis? an interactive show in front of the main stage at 11.30am and on Forbury Hill at 1pm and 2.20pm.

Theatre Train will be in the main arena at 2.30pm performing dance highlights followed by a dance masterclass. There will also be tombola’s, food and drink stalls, face painting and lots more.

Forbury Fiesta will be followed by three weeks of exciting low-cost family events taking place at venues across Reading, including many with a sporty theme; from Green Park 3K and Mini Mile, free Thames river cruises for under 14s, kayak taster sessions, learn calligraphy with Reading Chinese School, fun and creative sessions at all of the council’s libraries from paper plane making to biscuit decorating and lots more plus karaoke at Reading Biscuit Factory.

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “I’m delighted our fantastic Children’s Festival is returning for its 35th year, ahead of a summer of sport with the Paris Olympics and Euros.

“Our Children’s Festival is always maximum full-on fun for children and parents alike, do pop along and try something new at Forbury Fiesta and during the three weeks of fun free and affordable events across the borough.”

Reading Borough Council’s 2024 Children’s Festival is sponsored by Station Hill.

To find out more, visit www.reading.gov.uk/cfest24.