Hundreds of people said ‘oui’ and ‘merci’ to the Bastille Day celebrations held in Reading.
It gave the residents of Reading and Wokingham the chance to immerse themselves in the French culture with music, food and stalls celebrating all things Gallic. Bringing the tastes of France to Reading this event has entertained families for many years in the beautiful surroundings of the historic Forbury Gardens.
Bastille Day in France is a holiday marking the anniversary of the fall on July 14, 1789, of the Bastille, in Paris. Originally built as a medieval fortress, the Bastille eventually came to be used as a state prison.
In 2012, Vinz Valere, a young Frenchman, thought it would be great if his friends in Reading could join him in celebrating Bastille Day and help locals gain a better understanding of French culture. So, Bastille Day 2012 was born out of this idea and has been held ever since.
Vinz enlisted the help of two French friends: Frédéric and Boubacar. With Eric as a fourth addition the following year, the nickname ‘The Four Frogs’ was born within the local community. Ever since, they set to work to bring the Bastille Day Festival to Reading with the help of many other people.
The rest, as they say, is history, and with generous support and help from the successive Mayors of Reading and local sponsors, more than 2,500 people on average have attended Bastille Day Reading every year making it a great success despite the famously unpredictable English weather.
Once again, this year Élodie Siby returned to bring her vocal stylings to the stage, and she was joined by Maloé Bautista.
Vinz said: “Once again the weather made things complicated early on but it improved to enable the festival to be very successful. It is all about bringing something different to local people. I have developed connections over the years to bring people together including a French bakery from Reading and a crepe master.
“We want to bring an authentic French experience to the people of Reading and beyond. Reading is full of diversity and interesting people who enjoy learning about French culture.”
Vinz came to the UK 15 year ago from Bordeaux and said Reading is the best area he has been to in England with its residents very supportive of the festival.
Reading Business Improvement District (BID) was the proud supporter of Bastille Day Festival 2023.
PHOTOS BY PAUL KING
