Reading town centre in Berkshire will transform into a cultural hub this weekend for a large Lunar New Year Food Festival on Broad Street. Taking place on February 7, 2026, and February 8, 2026, the event will feature a wide range of Asian street food and traditional performances to celebrate the Lunar New Year; the town’s public celebrations are being held this weekend ahead of the official Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026.
The festival is a partnership between REDA (Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency) and Blue Collar Street Food, bringing around 15–20 different food stalls to the pedestrianised area. Visitors can expect authentic regional dishes and live performances from traditional lion dancers between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM each day.
Glen Dinning, the founder of Blue Collar Street Food, said the lineup includes regional dishes that many people in the area might be trying for the first time. According to local listings and organiser statements, the celebration aims to bring the community together and support local businesses by keeping festive spending within the town.
Organisers chose the ‘Lunar New Year’ name to be inclusive of the town’s diverse population, including many residents who have recently moved to the area from Hong Kong. While the official start of the new lunar year is not until later in February, this weekend’s event serves as the main public celebration for the town centre.
The Smithsonian Institution notes that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol associated with energy that occurs once every 60 years. Nigel Horton-Baker, Executive Director of REDA, explained that events like this are designed to make the high street feel like a shared living room for every community in Reading.
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