Funfair Hire in Reading

Reading sits where the Thames and the Kennet meet, and many of its best events happen beside the water, from Water Fest at Forbury Gardens and the Abbey Ruins to summer days on Christchurch Meadows. We supply staffed fairground rides, inflatables and side stalls to venues in the town centre, Caversham, Earley, Woodley, Tilehurst, Whitley, Lower Earley and Calcot.

Riverside Events on the Thames and Kennet

Reading's riverside parks are lovely settings, but they bring practical points: soft ground near the water, limited vehicle access and visitors spread along a long strip of bank. Water Fest, which reached its 37th year in 2026, shows how well the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and Kennet towpath work for family days. For events like these, compact attractions grouped together are easier to supervise than one large ride. The Childrens Traditional Chair O Planes and the Hook a Duck Funfair Side Stall fit a riverside lawn, and Ground Protecting Boards protect soft grass close to the bank.

Christchurch Meadows in Caversham and Hills Meadow on the opposite bank have more room for bigger layouts. The Helter Skelter gives a classic riverside silhouette, and the Bumper Boats suit a hot summer afternoon by the Thames.

What does Reading Borough Council ask for before a park event?

Formal events on council parkland start with an email to the council's events team, and there may be a fee for the site. The council asks for evidence of public liability insurance with at least £5 million cover, and organisers need to complete risk assessments using the Reading Safety Team's guidance. Some areas may be shared with other park users on the day.

Our £10 million public liability insurance comfortably meets that requirement, and we provide ADIPS certificates and a site-specific risk assessment for every ride so you can include them with your enquiry.

Festival Season and Summer Fairs

Reading's summer calendar is busy, with the town's children's festival, Water Fest and, at the end of August, the Reading Festival at Richfield Avenue drawing visitors from all over the country. Local schools, churches and community groups also hold summer fairs all over the town. A ready-made line-up such as the Children's Funday Package suits primary school fairs in Tilehurst, Earley and Woodley.

Business Parks and Staff Days

Reading is one of the South East's biggest business centres, with technology and finance firms on business parks around Green Park, Thames Valley Park and the town centre. Staff summer days and family open days here often want a relaxed, mixed line-up. The Basketball Shootout can be branded with your company logo, and our fairground stalls and games give guests something to do between food and speeches.

Universities and Colleges

The University of Reading's Whiteknights campus and the town's colleges run freshers' weeks, summer balls and open days each year. Student crowds enjoy attractions with plenty of laughter, such as the Rodeo Bull, and a Popcorn Stall keeps the queues happy.

Christmas in Reading

Reading town centre hosts festive markets and events each winter. A Traditional Childrens Carousel under strings of lights, and Alpine Hut Hire chalets for traders or a grotto, give a market a warm, seasonal feel. Our generators power everything where there is no mains supply, with fuel included.

Nearby Areas

For Newbury, Bracknell, Wokingham, Slough and Windsor, see funfair hire in Berkshire. We also cover funfair hire in Oxfordshire for venues around Henley and funfair hire in Hampshire for events to the south.

Check availability and book online, or call 07885 730 150 or 07772 192 461 to plan your Reading event.