March to the Gaol

On Saturday 25th March 2023, around 500 people from all communities across Reading and beyond including MPs, council officials and local arts groups marched to Reading Gaol in a lively and colourful demonstration of the support for Reading Gaol to be saved as an arts and cultural centre.

Starting from the Hexagon, the March was led by a Samba band from godynamite, accompanied by Oscar Wilde, Empress Matilda and Queen Elizabeth I. Puppeters from the RIsing Sun Arts Centre also joined the March with Bob the Giant. Middway through the March inpromptu Lindy Hop dancing was led by rulindhoppers. Many organisations and members of the public joined the March in costumes, carrying signs and banners demonstrating their support for the campaign to Save Reading Gaol.

Photographs © Viva Photography

Artists from Reading Urban Sketchers and the Reading Guild of Artists sketched the march along the route.

Artwork © Sally Castle, Liz Kerry, Peter Izod

The ‘Save Reading Gaol’ campaigners marching for community arts hub | ITV News

The former prison – once home to Oscar Wilde- has been standing empty for nearly 10 years. | ITV News Meridian

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Hundreds of people gathered in solidarity last weekend (25/3) as the Save Reading Gaol campaign organised a colourful ‘call to arms’.