A range of free events, incorporating the arts, children’s activities, shows, dance and exhibitions will take place.

The cultural month kicks off on Monday with the annual Wokingham May Fayre. A flight simulator, magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, a trampoline and bands are all planned for the free family event in the town centre.

About 25,000 people are due to take to the streets, which last year raised about £30,000 for good causes, and organisers hope to raise even more this year.

The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, The Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust and Seaford Court, which helps young homeless people, are this year’s main charities.

Sue Balchin, from the Wokingham Lions – which has organised the event since 1996 – said: “We usually get about 20,000 but I would hope for 25,000 this year.

“Last year we weren’t able to sell as many pitches, but this year we have sold them all, and we have all the usual stalls, selling food, drink and other things.” Also in May, there will be art exhibitions at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, and Cantley Lodge, Welling-ton Road – as well as a pop-up art space by MoreArts in the town hall.

The library will be holding a range of events for toddlers to teenagers throughout the month of May – many free.

Open-air performances and concerts will be entertaining crowds, featuring cabaret, Shakespeare, Morris dancing, comedy and live music. St Paul’s Church will hold its 150th birthday celebration and a fun day is planned for Saturday, May 24, featuring free children’s entertainment.

Sunny Saturdays and Super Sundays are making a comeback in Wokingham during May – with free entertainment, markets and stalls in the Market Place over the summer until September.

The 'cultural month’ will culminate in a free street concert planned for Saturday, May 31, named the Pauly Zarb International Street Concert.

Featuring acts from as far away as Australia, local performer Mr Zarb has organised the concert in partnership with Wokingham Town Council outside the Town Hall in Market Street.

For a full list of events, visit www.wokingham-tc.

gov.uk/may