The goody bags are being stuffed, the entertainers are tapping through their routines and presenters are gargling to be in good voice – the Pride of Reading Awards annual ceremony is ready for blast off on Friday.
Chris Tarrant will once more host the awards lunch event in his home town which honours those who go above and beyond to make Reading a unique place to live and work.
It is the 18th anniversary of the event and this year the theme is Let’s Celebrate to commemorate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
As well as saluting the shortlisted nominees and winners, the awards will salute the many anniversaries being celebrated in the town this year, including Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory’s 200th.
Pride of Reading organiser Marc Allridge, of Cherubs Floral Design, said: “We’d like to say good luck to the nominees and thank them for their wonderful efforts for our community.
“Every year tears are shed, hands are clapped raw, and we enjoy a lot of laughs too as nominees contributions are shared in video and on the stage. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions and this year will be no different I am sure.”
Sally Swift said, on behalf of the organising committee: “This would not be possible without our good-hearted sponsors whose generosity knows no bounds. We’d like to thank them again for what they make possible – the celebration of our wonderful townspeople.”
Familiar TV faces will be back on stage at the awards this week, held for the tenth year at Reading FC Conference & Events.
Reading girl Mel Bloor of ITV, who has presented the awards for many years, will be joined again this year by Reading lad BBC’s Matt Allwright.
The duo will introduce the awards and announce the winners who will be presented with their trophies by Chris Tarrant.
