READING has been at the forefront of the climate discussion, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the University of Reading and the world-famous climate stripes visualisation compiled by Professor Ed Hawkins.
Now the town is set to continue its contribution to the global discourse on climate change as Reading Climate Festival arrives, bringing a whole host of exhibitions, talks, parades, and events designed to engage with the community on the climate crisis.
Among the exhibits at the festival will be Luke Jerram’s renowned Gaia installation, a globe constructed with the use of high-resolution NASA imagery, will be open to visitors in the Town Hall from Saturday-Sunday, June 10-18.
Reaching seven metres in diameter, it will also include a bespoke, surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, creating an immersive experience.
Ray Mears will be among those giving talks at the festival, accompanied by the striking replica globe installation on Friday, June 16 from 1pm.
His talk will take a look at the world around us in a talk exploring our very own “spaceship” and how we are all connected as its passengers.
Sir Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West and president of COP26, will introduce a panel debate on enabling young people to tackle the climate crisis and deal with the anxiety and stress induced by the ongoing problem.
Sky News’ science and technology editor Tom Clarke will chair the debate, with Kathryn Brown OBE, climate activist Eleanor Andrade May, and professor of meteorology at the University of Reading Andrew Charlton-Perez.
The debate takes place in the Concert Hall on Thursday, June 15 from 8pm.
An evening of musical selections inspired by the installation is set to take to the stage at the Concert Hall, performed by James Orford on the venue’s austere organ, on Saturday, June 10, from 7.30pm.
James Orford is the resident organist at Westminster Cathedral as well as assistant director of music at St Paul’s in Knightsbridge.
His performance will include recitals of pieces from Holst’s The Planets Suite, Vierne’s Claire de Lune, Dove’s Niagara, and the first movement from Mozart’s Symphony No.41 “Jupiter”, as well as improvisations on well-known space-themed pieces.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will also take part in a junk instrument making session, where attendees will join them in crafting functional instruments from old materials throughout the day on Saturday, June 17.
Attendees can also bring their instruments to the Samba band performance, which will form part of the Climate Festival Parade, also on Saturday, June 17.
Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, University of Reading alumna, and climate ambassador Laura Tobin will lead a talk, also set by the Gaia installation, on Tuesday, June 13, from 7pm.
Ms Tobin will explore practical advice about making personal and household changes to combat global warming and reduce environmental impacts as well as her experiences.
As well as talks and exhibitions, there’s a diverse range of classes and activities to take part in, including a yoga and gong bath session on Thursday, June 15.
Attendees will be invited to practise gentle yoga with the sound of gongs in the exhibition space with Reading-based Yoginah.
The festival will culminate in a climate parade through Reading’s town centre on Saturday, June 17, before Show Your Stripes Day on June 21.
Reading Climate Festival takes place between Saturday, June 10, and Friday, June 21st.
Full details of all of the events and how to book tickets are available via: whatsonreading.com/reading-climate-festival-and-gaia
