A Weekend of Festivities: Pumpkins, Trail, Diwali, and much more!
15th November 2023
Hello, dear readers! Gather around because we’ve got an exhilarating tale to share about a weekend that turned Reading town centre into a playground of festivities, thanks to Reading BID, Kala the Arts and Broad Street Mall!
From the 21st to the 29th of October, our town was wrapped in the enigma of Halloween. Little hunters roamed the streets, eyes wide with excitement, on a quest to complete the Scarecrow trail, all while Diwali preparations buzzed in the air. Picture this: kids dashing around, their laughter competing with the beat of drums from Kala the Arts' mesmerizing dance displays.
And then came the spooktacular day, the 28th of October, a day etched in our memories. Picture this: families huddling in excitement at Broad Street Mall's pumpkin patch, where not just any pumpkin would do. Oh no, these pumpkins were earned by completing a thrilling pumpkin trail! With a secret code word in hand, adventurers scoured Reading Town, tracking down 10 elusive scarecrows, some cleverly hidden, others out in the open. Along the way, fellow pumpkin hunters became comrades in this exciting quest. I even took a delightful detour to the Oracle for a spot of shopping, marvelling at how everything in Reading is seamlessly intertwined, making it the perfect destination for a day out.
Now back to the pumpkin patch, where the air was thick with anticipation. Pumpkins of all sizes beckoned, promising spooky carving adventures. Free pumpkins were the prize for those who cracked the code, and let me tell you, the joy on the faces of those receiving their hard-earned pumpkins was simply infectious. Mini wheelbarrows in hand, little ones (and slightly bigger ones) carefully selected their favourites, creating a delightful scene of pumpkin comparison and excitement.
The atmosphere was electric, alive with the laughter of children, the chatter of families, and the thrill of discovery. Each pumpkin chosen was not just a pumpkin; it was a triumph, a symbol of the exciting adventure undertaken and successfully completed. These pumpkins, ranging from small and cute to impressively large, became the canvas for countless spooky faces and creative designs.
Meanwhile, in the Town Hall Square, a different kind of magic unfolded. Kala the Arts took centre stage, painting the square with vibrant hues and soulful tunes, celebrating Diwali. Dancers twirled gracefully, but amidst their performances, little Halloween hunters weaved in and out, still in pursuit of completing their eerie expedition.
The evening sun painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, mirroring the colours of both celebrations. As the day turned to dusk, a twist of Halloween hunters and Diwali revellers created a unique scene - children in costumes, pumpkins in hand, watched in awe as the Diwali procession made its way through Market Place, adding a touch of magic to the already festive air.
It was a weekend where Halloween hunters and Diwali celebrants shared the same space, each carving out their own moments of joy and wonder. Thanks to Reading BID and Kala the Arts, our town became a canvas of festivities, blending cultures, traditions, and pure, unadulterated fun.
In every pumpkin chosen and every dance move, Reading town centre witnessed the essence of unity and diversity, creating memories that will linger long after the weekend is over. It was a weekend where, amidst the hustle and bustle, we found harmony in the joyful chaos. Here's to more weekends like this, where the town pulses with the rhythm of celebrations, and hearts beat in unison with the joy of togetherness!