We are getting very excited about the Reading Gaol Hug this Sunday! Over 1,200 people have registered to take part.
Arrival: Please aim to arrive from 1.30pm and head for the grassed area of the Abbey Ruins. You can get to the Abbey Ruins either by the tunnel entrance from Forbury Gardens, or from Chestnut Walk, by the river.
Disabled access: The Abbey Ruins are wheelchair accessible, but parts of the Hug are likely to take place on grassed areas. If you have concerns about mobility issues or where you can best join in the Hug without having to go onto a grassed area please ask one of our marshals – they should stand out in their hi vis vests.
Timings
2pm: Welcome from the mayor, followed by question and answer session led by Jonathan Richards giving an update on the Save Reading Gaol campaign and the vision for the arts hub
2.30pm: Start moving into hug position
3pm (approx): Hug in place. We will need to hold the Hug for a few minutes to allow photographers, and hopefully a BBC drone, to photograph it.
3.30pm: All over
Social media: Please use #ReadingGaolHug and the Reading Gaol Hug facebook page.
Photography: There will be official photographers & video photographers recording the event to help with the continuing campaign to Save Reading Gaol as well as representatives from the press and media.
Parking and travel: Please be aware there is no parking on site and no special arrangements for parking have been made anywhere in the vicinity – if at all possible please walk or come by public transport. There are some disabled parking spaces in Abbot’s Walk.
Reading Railway station is about 10mins walk away.
The following buses have stops close by in Kings Road – 3, 3b, 4, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17 & X4
If you are coming by car please be aware there are road works on the A4 at the Sutton roundabout (by Aldi) causing long delays to traffic travelling into Reading from the east.
We look forward to seeing you there!