The Chinese School in Reading, led by the “inspiring” Dr Yan Liu, “has become a shining light in the town’s cultural landscape”.
Their unwavering dedication to sharing and celebrating Chinese heritage has brought communities together and enriched the town’s vibrant diversity, said their nominator for the award.
A highlight of their calendar is the annual Chinese New Year celebration at Reading Town Hall – a “spectacular event” that in 2024 drew over 700, said the nominator.
This year’s celebration expanded into a full-scale cultural festival with outdoor performances, interactive workshops. The “much-loved” dragon dance weaved its way through the Town Hall square and Broad Street, captivating hundreds of visitors in the town centre and introducing Chinese traditions to new and wider audiences, they added.
The school “continues to make cultural waves throughout the year”. Their students and performers are now a regular and much-anticipated presence at community events across Reading – including the Reading Children’s Festival and Reading Water Fest – where they showcase traditional Chinese songs and dances, and offer free workshops to engage families and children from all backgrounds.
Dr Yan Liu summed up the school’s mission at this year’s New Year celebration:
“I am proud to be one of the organisers of the event, and I want more people to know about Chinese culture and also to bring people of all communities together to form a harmonious society.”
Their nominator added: “Through tireless work, joyful celebration and a deep commitment to cultural understanding, The Chinese School has not only shared the beauty of Chinese culture, but has also helped build bridges across communities in Reading. Their contribution is a true cause for pride.”
After winning the award, Dr Yan Liu said: “Winning the award has been a total surprise to us.
“We work with several events with the council, the most important one being the Chinese New Year celebration. They provide us a lot of help and resources.
“We feel very honoured to participate in the Reading community and to celebrate things together which helps people understand the culture and history of people from different backgrounds.
“It makes us feel connected and gives people a chance to know our culture. It helps us feel like we belong with the people that engage with us.”
