The Pride of Reading Awards 2025 launched in a blaze of colour with the new logo radiating the joy, positivity and goodwill that personifies Reading as the theme this year.
Valued sponsors and supporters met on Friday afternoon for drinks and canapes, hosted by Malmaison, to hear nominations had opened and learn what is planned for this year’s awards, including news of a change of venue for the annual presentation lunch on Friday, October 17.
And in bright sunshine they gathered outside the Station Hill mural for a group photo to toast the new campaign to find Reading’s worthy award winners.
ITV New Meridian reporter and longtime awards supporter Mel Bloor welcomed guests, thanking them for their “tremendous support.
“It is thanks to your ongoing commitment that the 2025 Pride of Reading Awards will continue to highlight the strong community spirit we have in Reading and the positive people that put others before themselves every day,” she said.
The support of local businesses has been vital to the success of the awards and some have been sponsoring since the launch in 2004.
Mel introduced videos of three of the winners from last year expressing what the win meant to them – Volunteers of the Year Chance to Dance Stars, King’s Academy Prospect who won School of Year and Charity of the Year Babies in Buscot Support.
“So good to hear firsthand the impact of winning an award has not just on the winners but all involved,” she said.
Mel then announced the awards were on the move from the Select Car Leasing Stadium to the Hilton Reading, thanking the stadium teams who over the years had worked with the awards organisers to make sure every year would be special for guests.
Revealing awards categories for 2025, Mel called on their sponsors to come forward one by one to collect certificates acknowledging the valuable support they give to the awards.
Mel also thanked supporters, launch hosts Malmaison and guests including John Lewis, Louise Klann, IKEA, Electric Hairdressing, Radio Berkshire, Penta, ITV Meridian,Reading Rep, ITM Events and Reading Borough Council.
