 Put a spring in your step with free family fun
Wokingham will be bursting with activity on Saturday 30 May, with events at the town hall, Peach Place and Elms Field.
Spring Back to Wokingham is a free, family-friendly day, organised by ourselves in conjunction with Wokingham Town Council and Reading Rep Theatre.
From 11am to 3pm, there will be musical theatre workshops, arts and crafts, spring hat making, face painting and much more.
Keep an eye out for some familiar characters popping up around town. They’ll be on hand to point you in the right direction and pause for a quick selfie.
 Image credit: Dinton Summer Series/Barnes Fitness
Series of summer runs is back for 15th year
The Dinton Summer Series is returning and will kick off with the first of four runs on Thursday 14 May.
Organised annually by Barnes Fitness, the series offers 5km and 10km options, as well as a 2km route for children.
Take in the beautiful surrounds of Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst while taking on the flat course. You don't have to enter all four events, but the other runs are scheduled for 18 June, 16 July and 13 August.
Entry fees range from £24 (5km) to £26 (10km) per race and from £88 (5km) to £94 (10km) for the entire series. Entry for the children's run is £8 per event or £24 for the full series. More information about the events is available on the Barnes Fitness website.
We’re looking at what types of activities you want to see in our Family Hubs. Tell us what you’d be interested in attending. This is part of our Family Hubs re-launch. Find out more and take the survey.
 Brand-new festival is bringing the heat
The debut of the Wokingham Chilli Hop Cider Festival will be from 15 to 17 May.
Bringing live music, street food, market stalls, comedy and family fun to Elms Field, this festival offers something for everyone.
Entry on the Friday is free, with a ticketed comedy evening from 7pm to 9pm with Paul Tonkinson.
Saturday is Red Hot Chilli Pepper Day, with live music and tribute bands, including a headline performance from Red Hot Chili Peppers Experience on the main stage to round off the day.
Attention then turns to the cider on the Sunday for Scrumpy and Western Day, with more entertainment in the form of line dancing and live music.
It is free for children aged 16 and under to attend on Saturday and Sunday, but please ensure you book a free child ticket along with your other admission tickets.
 Try the traders at Holme Grange Craft Village
Holme Grange Craft Village is a welcoming destination for discovering local independents in a characterful setting of converted barns and outdoor space.
With free parking on site and The Grange Café open seven days a week, it’s easy to pop in for a quick browse or settle in for a relaxed day out with friends.
You can now access the village and all neighbouring businesses from the south via Heathlands Road from Nine Mile Ride, or via Easthampstead Road from Old Wokingham Road. There you’ll find:
Please check individual businesses for opening times. Follow Holme Grange on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates and watch this video to find out more about the traders there.
 Wildflowers at the heart of glass workshop
Enjoy a relaxing evening creating some beautiful fused artwork with a Spring theme.
The glass workshop is being held at Dinton Activity Centre on Thursday 21 May from 7pm to 8.30pm.
You’ll learn how to make a variety of wildflowers to decorate a candle plate, using an assortment of different types of glass.
No experience is necessary and tickets are £35 per person. Your work will be taken away on the night to be fired in a kiln and can be collected when ready.
 Find out more about nature recovery ambitions
Take part in a walk around Shinfield to find out about local history, nature and nature recovery ambitions on Saturday 9 May from 1pm to 3pm.
Starting at the Gateway Building at Thames Valley Science Park, the walk will include special areas earmarked for habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement, following the River Loddon.
The event is being led by Nigel Frankland from the University of Reading.
Parking is available nearby and please wear sturdy footwear as some of the walk will be on uneven ground.
 Helping to raise awareness for dementia support
Age UK Berkshire are hosting a variety of free events to mark Dementia Action Week (18 to 24 May):
- Monday 18 May: Information stalls at Shinfield Garden Centre, 11.30am to 1pm
- Tuesday 19 May: Lunch and entertainment at Age Concern Twyford, 11.30am to 1.30pm
- Wednesday 20 May: Dementia information session for the Hong Kong community, Kings Church in Wokingham, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
- Thursday 21 May: Information stalls and activities, All Saints Church in Wokingham, 12 noon to 3pm
- Friday 22 May: Walking group, Cantley Park in Wokingham, 11am to 12.30pm
For more information, visit the Age UK Berkshire website or contact them.
 Stand-ups coming to Woodley for comedy night
Comedy is back at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley, featuring four amazing acts.
The evening will feature Nathan Caton (Live at the Apollo) and Gbemi Oladipo (The Stand Up Sketch Show), held together by host Jonathan Elston.
Join in the laughter at the Alan Cornish Theatre at 8pm on Friday 8 May. Tickets are £18.70 including a booking fee.
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