What's On Reading Cultural Champions Celebration
Please join us at the What’s On Reading Cultural Champions ceremony – a special event marking the fifth anniversary of What’s On Reading, where we will celebrate those within our town’s arts, culture and heritage community who have done great things in the past year.
Following over 200 nominations, we have a shortlist of finalists in ten categories representing the people, places and events that made a mark, made a difference, and made our town such a vibrant cultural space during 2024.
This is an opportunity for us all to come together and raise a glass to our collective achievements, both in the past year and in the lifespan of What’s On Reading.
The shortlisted nominees are:
Champion For Reading
A cultural ambassador for the town on a national or international scale.
- Kalakunj
- Reading Male Voice Choir
- Reading Rep Theatre
Community Leadership & Skill Development Champion
The people, places and projects that foster a sense of belonging and connection, through grassroots efforts, cultural initiatives and/or creative skill-sharing.
- ABC To Read
- Dance with Sonia Brown
- Rank & File Theatre
Creative Wellbeing Champion
Creative activity that helped people feel better in their body and mind
- Berkshire Wellness
- No5 Young People (School Transitions project)
- Zillah Puri (New Directions College)
Cultural Partnership Champion
An event or project where two or more local organisations, individuals or venues have joined up to create something wonderful.
- Medieval Fantasy Trail Quest (Reading BID and Partners)
- The Market Tree mural, St Mary’s Butts (Commando Jugendstil for Reading High Street Heritage Action Zone)
- Creative Connection (Through A Different Lens and Partners)
Cultural Rising Star
An individual, organisation or venue that has either made their first steps within the last year, or a newer organisation that has really stepped up and made its mark.
- D’Lecter Cabaret
- Walk Works
- Through A Different Lens
Diversity Champion
An event, activity, person, group or place that has delivered significant work for or with under-represented groups within arts, culture and heritage.
- Nathifa Jordan (CultureMix Arts)
- Progress Theatre for its production of 'Under Milk Wood'
- Rank & File Theatre
Heritage Champion
The people or places preserving Reading’s cultural and natural heritage, ensuring it is celebrated, understood, and shared with future generations.
- Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles and Robyn Woronka (Oxford Road Stories)
- Nick Cooksey (Junction Arch Heritage & Arts)
- REDA (Visit Reading)
Sustainability Champion
An event, activity, person, group or place that has delivered work sustainably, or integrated cultural expression with environmental awareness.
- Lucy Daniels, Events and Engagement Manager, Reading Borough Council
- Paul Ducker
- Reading Rep Theatre and Jelly - Sustainability Forum
Youth Culture Champion
Celebrating youth involvement in cultural initiatives and the importance of arts and culture within education.
- Mel Le Breuilly, Music Director of Reading Youth Orchestra
- Progress Youth Theatre
- Thomson Chauke
Event of the Year
A festival, a gig, a show… whatever! Your pick for the best single event of 2024 – and this one was decided by YOU! (voting is now closed)
- After Dark Reunited (Fools Gold/Success)
- Are You Listening Festival
- Bastille Day Festival
- Cinderella (Hexagon Christmas Pantomime)
- Cruella, Pretty & Richie by Doris Allimadi (performed at South Street)
- Reading School of Dance Summer Show
- Reading Symphony Orchestra and Reading Youth Orchestra's Joint 80th Anniversary Concert
- Royal Berks Charity NHS Christmas Concert
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (performed by Progress Theatre in Reading's Abbey Ruins)
This is an opportunity for us all to come together and raise a glass to our collective achievements, both in the past year and in the lifespan of What’s On Reading. We do hope you can join us!