Throughout 2026, the University of Reading will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary through a programme of specially curated events.
Our centenary events will showcase the past, present and future impact of the University and its people.
Collecting and sharing your memories
Last year, we assembled a project team of colleagues from across the University of Reading, Reading Students' Union, The Friends of the University, and local partners.
During summer and autumn 2025, the project team collected memories from staff, students, alumni and local community members. These memories have been curated into a programme of activities that we’d love to share with you.
Our centenary activities
Centenary Heritage Tours
Multiple dates from February to December 2026
- A programme of heritage tours and new heritage leaflets designed by The Friends of the University.
- Step into our story and discover our past through a series of guided walks. Join us to uncover fascinating moments from our history, explore architectural gems, enjoy the beauty of our green spaces, and celebrate the generations who have made the University what it is today.
A Window into Our Past
The Centenary Memories Window Trail launched in March 2026, with a trail of curated pictures displayed across our Whiteknights and London Road campuses. The trail includes community-submitted memories and a mural artwork commissioned by the University in collaboration with local arts organisation, Jelly.
The trail is available to view in person until December 2026, and is available online on the Arts Collection website.
RAG Parade
For more than 50 years, the RAG Day Parade was a highlight of the Raising and Giving (RAG) calendar. It brought students and local communities together to support charities. The RAG Parade took over the streets of Reading on Sunday 17 May 2026, with the theme of 'Past, Present and Future.'
Students, staff, alumni and the local community came together to help organise, craft and perform, creating one of the most memorable parades yet.
The parade concluded in the Forbury Gardens for the second day of the Community Festival, with local music and dance performances, the Sanctuary fair and lots of family-friendly activities.
Sparks, Parks, Halls & Balls: 100 Years of Campus Life
Together with South Street Theatre, we presented Sparks, Parks, Halls & Balls, a vibrant and immersive promenade production inviting the audience on a journey through a century of student life. From the University’s earliest days to the bustle of a 1950s common room, the energy and protest of the 1970s, and the unmistakable sounds of the 1990s – bringing past moments vividly into the present.
Guided through familiar and unexpected spaces the audience encountered stories, memories and moments that reflected the lives of those who have studied, worked and gathered at Reading over the past century.
Drawing on interviews and archival research, these real memories shaped an experience celebrating community, creativity and impact.
University of Reading Alumni Varsity
Varsity is the University's biggest sporting event. This year, sports clubs and alumni returned to relive the thrill of Wednesday afternoon matches and Varsity by taking part in Alumni Varsity, a series of matches against current and former students.
Fixtures included badminton, futsal, softball, lacrosse, football, tennis and archery.
Contact us
If you have any questions about our centenary activities, you can email us at memories@reading.ac.uk.
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