Free arts and culture showcase coming to Dinton Pastures

Dinton Pastures will be transformed to host Wokingham Borough’s Forest of Imagination in May, in a first-of-its-kind event in the Thames Valley.

Parts of the park will be transformed with new sensory installations co-created by professional artists and schools, incorporating ideas from local community groups.

Residents will be invited to deepen their connection with nature, through participatory activities, performances and digital experiences.

Fourteen participating schools will join for sessions on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May, before the showcase weekend opens for all on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May.

What you'll find

Discover the unique installations at Dinton Pastures some of which include:

• Giant insect antennae’s, inspired by the insects that inhabit Dinton Pastures, designed by artist Matt Leece. Placed along the pathways, these antennae invite visitors to touch their strange and marvellous shapes and even look through them for a bug’s eye view of the park
• A towering installation of playful, Biodiversity Totems, each topped with a creature from the local area. Designed by landscape architect, Andrew Grant, Royal Designer for Industry, whose work explores the connection between people and nature both at Forest of Imagination and globally
• Shade under the Forest Shelter, designed by Carpenter Oak, this outdoor classroom created and built especially for this event will be hosting workshops throughout the weekend, and will remain at Dinton to be used as an outdoor learning space as a legacy of Forest of Imagination
• Connect with the heart of the Forest, using artist Andrew Amondson’s, Walk With, a creative installation of written prompts and signs that guide you on a journey weaving walking with the environment, nature and your own personal reflections

All the installations and signage created are designed to complement the surrounding landscape of Dinton Pastures. 

Activities and workshops will run throughout the event, including during the public days on 24/25 May – all of which are free for everyone from the borough and beyond to get involved. 

Everyone can get involved

A wide array of creative workshops will be available to all who visit over the weekend, each one is designed and hosted by artists, makers and creatives.

This includes  adventures in making, crafting and storytelling, inspired by the natural world, the Earth-Club Field Station will be in action where the worlds of art, science and storytelling come together. 

Mask-making using found natural materials will be available, alongside drawing with natural materials, flower inspired art and Mother Nature’s Supper Club, an immersive theatrical performance, exploring climate change through food and performance, among other sessions. 

'Sure to be a great day out for all residents'

Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, said: “Wokingham Borough Forest of Imagination has been a stellar success so far with hundreds of residents, of all ages, taking part to shape what’s to come.

“I’m excited to see for myself the creations which are being put together to be showcased at Dinton Pastures in May.

“The weekend is sure to be a great day out for all residents to see something different and exciting right on their doorstep, as well as elevating the borough’s profile in the arts and culture space.”

The council has partnered with Bath Spa University, House of Imagination and Grant Associates to bring the award-winning Forest of Imagination to the borough.

Nature themed arts and cultural experiences

Wokingham Borough’s Forest of Imagination 2025 is bringing a celebration of nature-themed art and cultural experiences to people of all ages and from all walks of life. 

The project is fully funded by a grant from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Since February there have been dozens of free workshops for residents, businesses and schools. Hundreds of people have taken part, including pupils at 14 primary, secondary and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools.

The council has recruited seven artists in Berkshire, including creative students from the University of Reading to support the project. 

These artists have been provided with professional training by one of the partners, the charity House of Imagination, to deliver engaging activities for local schools and community groups. 

Success in Bath for more than a decade

Forest of Imagination has run successfully as a pop-up contemporary arts event in Bath since 2014, but this is the first time it has sprung up elsewhere in the country. A summary of the most recent event can be watched online. 

Dr Penny Hay, Professor of Imagination at Bath Spa University, said: “We are delighted to bring the creative magic of Forest of Imagination to Wokingham Borough. Forest of Imagination is a unique and co-created event that celebrates our connection to nature, our collective imagination and social action.”

Cllr Prue Bray, deputy leader and executive member for children's services, said: “We’re truly delighted to see how the Forest of Imagination has already had a huge, positive impact on young people in the borough, and adults, through the workshops run in recent weeks.

“Now we’re focused on it all coming together for our showcase event in May, which brings together arts, culture, climate and the environment through these installations, workshops and more.”

There will be more information published on what you’ll find at Wokingham Borough Forest of Imagination in the weeks ahead.

Funded by Government

The project has received £516,817 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit the UK Shared Prosperity Fund website.