Feathery hat? Tick. Champagne picnic? Tick. It’s Henley Regatta time!

Well Revellers, you may recall my last post being about a 3-step self-help programme in Reading: Visit the pub, grab a drink, plummet gracefully to the Earth in a bungee jump.

Last Sunday, a portable bungee platform was set up near the smoking patio beside the Royal Albion pub on Oxford Road, Reading. Did you take part?

In any case, there’s a different human spectacle on this weekend. It’s the famous Henley Regatta in Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire, drawing world-champion rowers since 1839.

You can see the rowing for free along the public paths of the Thames or in the start enclosure, from what I have read. Throw on some shorts, pack a picnic and invite the bees if you’re feeling sweet and summery.

However, if you’ve already gone out and bought your silly hat, lounge suits, jackets and blazers — after all it is July and you will be outdoors in England, you never know if it could snow — then fear not! You can still rise above the bourgeoise and buy a spectators’ badge for one of the other enclosures, ranging from £15-£20.

The Henley Regatta site goes into courteous detail about how one should present one’s self on the day. I think they had to spell it out really clearly in case Kate turns up to another royal-level event wearing jeans and wellies again:

Bungee jumping at the Royal Albion Pub in Reading? Why yes!

There are a few things one can do whilst at the pub:

• “Drink!” (In the word of Father Jack)
• Drink more
• Get another drink, then go for a bungee (this Sunday, in specific)

That’s right: You can have your tipple, and then take a topple. It’s all rather triumphant-sounding, don’t you agree?

Berkshire brides: Don’t miss the wedding fayre at Reading Irish Centre!

Brides and grooms in Reading… I have good news! There is a wedding fayre at the Reading Irish Centre on Thursday, 15th of June.

I’m so glad I just found it, even if it is just 23 hours away! (That’s better than being 23 hours in the past!)

There will be catwalks, cakes and craic, if we’re lucky!

You know, this won’t be the first wedding catwalk I’ve been to. Ah, there once was an exceptional day up in Edinburgh, at one of the fancy hotels on the Royal Mile. A few sips of bubbly and after the formal catwalk ended, I took to the stage and showed the stragglers how to really work it!

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Review – Actually, There’s Nothing Strange About Them

What’s a better pastime in Reading than going to the cinema?  Well, water zorbing, perhaps.  But if you really want to see a movie then how about pirates at sea instead of a big bubble by the Kennet?  We decided to do just that this weekend and saw Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides at the Vue in the Oracle.

Thor: The Beardiest Avenger

Editor’s note: This is the first film review featured on Revel in Reading! Guest author and chief Reveller Iain Burnside recently saw Thor at The Vue cinema (part of The Oracle shopping centre in Reading). A link to show times is below the review.

The superhero movie genre has become a familiar presence at the multiplex in recent times.  Over the past decade, starting with the first X-Men movie, Marvel Comics characters have amassed some three dozen feature films.  Another six will be released in the next couple of years, with many more in the pipeline.  Characters from other publishers, such as DC Comics and Dark Horse, are also being granted the big-screen adaptation treatment.  There is clearly a winning formula to these movies – the uncertain rookie hero discovering super-powers; the nefarious villain with a world-threatening scheme; the love interest whose survival is threatened by their conflict; the ubiquitous genre tropes of secret identity, costume and catchphrase.  All of which comes pre-packaged for Toys R Us shelves, fast food meal deals and a rockin’ soundtrack.

Thor does not fit into this mould.

Race for Life in Reading and Cancer Research UK need you!

The Race for Life event (happening in Reading this July) just featured in a new television advert*, and it caught my attention. Why? Because it was honest.

The Cancer Research UK ad speaks directly to us couch potatoes, telling us of a key obstacle facing this year’s Race 4 Life events: Registration numbers are lower than expected, and Cancer Research UK are desperate for more supporters to join the races and walks.

£5 voucher for Carters Steam Fair in Reading

Carters Steam Fair in Reading, Berks

Did you see the fireworks in Prospect Park tonight?

Carters Steam Fair has officially turned on the switch for crazy swings and a wall of (motorcycle) death. The fireworks were spectacular and my “hot and fresh” donut was indeed all that… plus powdered in sugar.

In a word, the fair was SWELL! And it’s in town until Monday. 

Plus, if you visit the Carters fair website, you can download a £5 off voucher for the family fun fair in Reading!

Race for Life in Reading and Cancer Research UK need you!

The Race for Life event (happening in Reading this July) just featured in a new television advert*, and it caught my attention. Why? Because it was honest.

The Cancer Research UK ad speaks directly to us couch potatoes, telling us of a key obstacle facing this year’s Race 4 Life events: Registration numbers are lower than expected, and Cancer Research UK are desperate for more supporters to join the races and walks.

Water zorbing in Reading Central Swimming Pool

And now you can try zorbing on water at Reading Central Pool.

In zorbing, you bob in a ball, skimming the water. And now you can do zorbing in Reading every Sunday from 11am to noon and 2pm to 3pm. It’s just £3 for juniors and £5 for adults.

Carters Steam Fair in Reading

Carters Steam Fair in Reading, Berks

Gorgeous Revellers in Reading,

The weather in Reading is beautiful and so are you. It’s a shame that Zippos circus must take down its tent in Reading, but let the good times continue with Liam Gallagher’s 1960s exhibit at Reading Town Museum and Carters Steam Fair in Reading later this month.

Carters Steam promises traction engine rallies and steam rally events in the heart of Berkshire. This is one of those traveling fun fairs featuring nothing less than a grand palace of entertainment, wall of death, box trucks and living wagons.