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Tuesday 27 May 2025

All aboard! Reading Family Fun Day returns to the station for a second year

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is encouraging people to come along to Reading station on Thursday (29 May) to take part in the second annual family fun day, where visitors can play a variety of games, exchange goodies at a swap shop, create artwork, and learn more about Reading’s railway history.

The event is free to join and takes place in the Brunel Arcade from 10:30am – 12:30pm, picking up again for the afternoon between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. It has been organised by the local Community Rail Partnership, in conjunction with Network Rail, train operating companies, Reading Buses, and Reading Museum. British Transport Police will also be on hand to teach people how to stay safe around the railway.

Lucy Lomax, project officer, Reading to Basingstoke Community Rail Partnership, said: “I'm really excited about our upcoming second family fun day, after helping to organise last year's event and seeing how much fun the children had participating. It was great to see what they could learn and enjoy in just a couple of hours and how happy they were taking souvenirs away.  One thing that stood out to me last year was how many parents were unaware of the ease of train travel from Reading to various destinations, as well as the potential cost savings.

“I am most looking forward to seeing a new piece of artwork created for the station, which we can all get involved with, celebrating Railway 200 and Reading 185.

“This year, we have even more planned with the involvement of our rail partners. Imagine a place where you can meet representatives from Network Rail, GWR, SWR, Reading Buses, and Reading Museum, all in one location, and spend some time chatting with them.”

Calum Mackay, Western route’s station transformation programme manager at Network Rail, said: “We are excited to be hosting our second family fun day at Reading station on Thursday 29 May.

“Working with the Reading to Basingstoke Community Rail partnership and our station stakeholders, we have a great range of activities provided for those who can attend.”

Those who wish to join in the fun are encouraged to register their interest at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-family-fun-day-at-reading-station-tickets-1280931834599, however booking is not essential. All attendees are welcome and can join at any time during the morning or afternoon session. The sessions are suitable for children under the age of 11 - every child must be accompanied by an adult.