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EVENT DETAILS

Illuminate Reading is a magical, family friendly event that will light up the grounds Forbury Gardens & Abbey Ruins this winter. This spectacular light trail will feature a variety of captivating lights & installations throughout the historic landscape.

We invite you to join us for a night of unrivalled experiences and memories that will stay with you forever. Come and explore the grounds and get lost in the beauty of the lights.

Address: Forbury Gardens, 26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 16:00 - 21:00

Pricing Structure:

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FAQ's

View our frequently asked questions.

  • Where will it be held?
    Illuminate will be held at Forbury Gardens Park, 26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ
  • Do we have to book tickets, or can we pay on the day?
    We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. We're expecting the majority of sessions to sell out in advance. We will have the option to purchase tickets on the day, if available, at an increased price of £12.50 per child & £17.50 per adult.
  • Where can we buy tickets from?
    Please click here to be re-directed to our ticketing outlet.
  • How/when will I receive my tickets?
    Once you have completed your purchase, tickets will be emailed to you within 5 minutes of order confirmation. If you've booked for multiple people, FIXR allows you to 'transfer' tickets to others for free. If your tickets have not arrived after 48 hours, please feel free to email team@fixr.co to re-send confirmation.
  • Can i change the date or time of my ticket?
    A £5 admin charge will apply if you wish to change the date or time of your ticket. If you wish to change your ticket, please contact info@illuminatereading.co.uk. Times & date changes are dependent on availability. We cannot process date or time changes within 7 days of your booking.
  • Is there discount available for large group bookings?
    Sadly we do not offer any discounts for large bookings. Please refer to our booking platform to make all ticket purchases.
  • How long is the experience?
    With a number of factors effecting the speed of your visit, we'd anticipate the trail taking around 30-50 minutes to complete.
  • What is Paypal Pay-In-3
    We have teamed up with Paypal for our guests to spread the payment of tickets across 3 months. This service is provided by Paypal, and any issues you may have with payments would need to be communicated through Paypal.
  • What days are you open?
    We are open from Saturday 15th November all the way through to Sunday 4th January. Please note that we'll be closed for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve & New Years Day.
  • Is the trail covered and lit?
    The trail is located outside. We have tree cover for sections of the trail along with ground lighting to ensure you can see where you're going! Please dress appropriately and take note of the weather forecast before coming.
  • Will food & drink be available?
    We will have a selection of hot and cold drinks available at the start of the trail along with marshmallow toasting & sweet treats such as Waffles, Donuts & Churros. No savoury food will be available.
  • Do you allow dogs on site?
    Sadly, we do not allow dogs on-site. We only allow assistance dogs.
  • Is there parking available nearby?
    Yes, parking is available in local car parks located around Reading town centre.
  • Can I take photos?
    Photos on Iphones or small camera's are allowed. Large DSLR camera's will not be permitted into the event. Drone's are not permitted at the event.
  • If we miss our time slot, what happens?
    We will try and be as accommodating as possible to move you into a later slot however, this is dependent on availability.
  • Will rain stop the event going ahead?
    The event will go ahead if it rains. Please bring wet weather clothing if its raining.
  • Whats your refund policy?
    Once tickets have been purchased, we cannot offer an exchange or refund. We are able to change tickets to new dates at a cost. Please also note that if the site has to be closed for safety reasons, alternative dates will be offered to those effected. If you cannot make an alternative date offered, refunds will be considered on a case by case basis. Refunds will not be issued because of bad weather.
  • Will strobe lighting be used?
    Flicker, laser, strobe lights and other lighting effects may be used on the installations.
  • Is Illuminate Reading wheelchair friendly?
    Yes, Illuminate Reading is wheelchair friendly.
  • Do you offer complimentary carer tickets?
    Yes we do. Please use the following link to submit your request - https://www.illuminatereading.co.uk/personal-assistance-ticket-scheme Supporting evidence to show a carer is required will be needed in order to claim your free carer ticket under our personal assistance ticket scheme terms and conditions. Evidence includes Credibility’s Access Card with +1 symbol along with other supporting documentation. Please note that it can take up to 10 working days for a carer ticket to be issued. Please feel free to book in the mean time while we come back to you with your carer ticket.
  • Do child ticket holders require an adult to accompany them?
    Yes, those that are in possession of a child ticket will require an adult over the age of 18 to accompany them into Illuminate.
  • Can i bring a pushchair?
    Yes, pushchairs are absolutely fine. Please bring appropriate buggies that are use to off-road terrain.
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© 2025 ILLUMINATE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Forbury Gardens & Abbey Ruins, Reading

Some images featured on this website do not represent the activations at Illuminate Reading

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