St Helena Sports Day 2026
Presented by Richard James International
Date Saturday 29th of August - Sunday 30th of August
Event Details
Date: Saturday 29th August - Sunday 30th August
Location: Reading Abbey Rugby Football Club, Peppard Rd, Reading RG4 8XA
Time: 5:00pm Friday (adult weekend tickets only), 11:00pm Saturday, 9:00am Sunday
Tickets:
Adult Weekend Tickets Friday to Sunday - £20
Adult Saturday - Sunday Ticket - £16
Adult Day Ticket - £14
Under 16's - FREE
Tickets are ONLY available to purchase on the day.
Back for 2026: A Celebration of Sport, Community and Island Spirit
St Helena Sports Day returns in 2026 for another unforgettable August Bank Holiday weekend.
What started as a simple community gathering for Saints living in the UK has grown into one of the most important annual events for the St Helenian community outside the island. It is a weekend where families, friends, and generations come together to celebrate sport, identity, and connection.
Now firmly established in Reading, the event continues a tradition that began in 1979 by the late Owen George MBE when the first mini sports day was created to bring younger Saints into the heart of community celebrations. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the St Helenian calendar, organised and run by the St Helena Association UK.
Proceeds continue to support charitable and community causes linked to St Helena Island, meaning every part of the weekend contributes to something that matters.
If you're unsure about anything, our Frequently Asked Questions page has all the key information you need to help you make the most of St Helena Sports Day.
We hope you can join us for this year's event!
Proudly Sponsored By
Lineup and Activities
Stall Holders and Traders
We’re proud to host a range of food traders, community stalls and exhibitors throughout the weekend, including:
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Saint Helenian Food by Sylvia Thomas-Henry
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Jamaican Jerk Chicken
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Ice Cream Van
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The Friends of St Helena
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And more local food and community exhibitors
Expect a mix of great food, community organisations, and fundraising stalls across the site.
Location and How To Find Us
St Helena Sports Day takes place at Reading Abbey Rugby Football Club in Reading, with good transport links from Reading town centre and surrounding areas.
Getting Here
Nearest Train Station:
Reading Station (approx. 10-15 minutes by taxi or car)
Direct trains run from London Paddington, Oxford and other major UK destinations.
Bus Stops:
Local bus routes run from Reading Station and central Reading towards the Caversham area. The nearest bus stop is Abbey Rugby Club (entrance).
Taxis:
We recommend pre-booking where possible due to Reading Festival taking place on the weekend. Local firms include Berkshire Cars, Capital Cars. Uber and other ride apps are available. If you are travelling by train you can pick up a Hackney Carriage from both entrances to the station.
Parking
On-site parking is available and will be clearly signposted. Please follow steward directions on arrival.
We Hope You Can Join Us!
Whether you’re returning year after year or joining for the first time, St Helena Sports Day 2026 promises a weekend filled with sport, music, celebration and connection.
Got a question about Sports Day? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page, where you'll find answers to the things people ask us most often
We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend.