The big day is nearly here! After months of receiving record numbers of amazing nominations for the Pride of Reading Awards, the much-awaited annual lunch takes place next Friday, October 27.
It’s when we will welcome the fabulous shortlisted nominees and celebrate, not just the winners, but everyone who has been put forward for awards.
Shine A Light is the theme of the awards this year and over the months we have been able to put the spotlight on ALL the incredible people who simply ARE the Pride of Reading through the columns of Reading Today and on social media.
Reading’s own Chris Tarrant hosts the event.
“Each year I am overwhelmed by the extraordinary and heart-warming stories that are told about our nominees at the awards lunch,” he said. “There will be cheers, smiles and some tears too.
“And 2023 has seen a record number of nominations. They show how the people of Reading are still rising to the challenge of supporting their communities.
“Although we will be shining the spotlight on our award winners and nominees, it is important to remember the many hundreds, no thousands, of people who make a real difference to our town by devoting their time to help and support others. Out of sheer goodwill.
“They keep our town, and our country, going, bless them.”
Show producer Matt Whitelock said: “In this extraordinary year of unprecedented nominations, the difficult task of choosing the shortlist becomes an even greater testament to the incredible compassion that can be found in our town.
“We look forward to hearing the remarkable stories of courage and caring that lie ahead at the awards lunch.”
He added: “Our journey this year as ever is made possible by the unwavering support of our much-appreciated sponsors, supporters, friends, and well-wishers.”
And he looked forward to 2024, the awards’ 20th anniversary, with a call to the community to get involved once again.
“If you would like to join us at the Pride of Reading CiC, together we can #shinealight on Reading’s brilliance. Get in touch with us.”
Creative director Marc Allridge, of sponsor Cherubs Floral Design, promised there will be quite a show at the awards ceremony at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
“We’ll be following this year’s theme of Shine A Light and we’re planning a few surprises. A lot of work has gone into organising the event.
“There will be some great entertainment for our guests and there’ll be the usual fun and games with Chris.”
Reading Today editor Phil Creighton said: “As we’ve published the hundreds of stories week by week, we’ve been knocked out by the amazing things that people are doing to make Reading a better place.
“We have been proud and humbled to share some of these unsung heroes with you over the past few months and can’t wait to find out who has won. But just being nominated is a wonderful thing in itself – you really are the pride of Reading.”
Get in touch with the Pride of Reading Awards at info@porawards.co.uk
