The Mayor of Reading‘s Reception for the 2025 Pride of Reading Winners and Sponsors

The “very best of Reading”, winners of the Pride of Reading Awards 2025, were celebrated at a reception hosted by the town’s Mayor Alice Mpofu-Coles at the Penta Hotel on Thursday, February 26.

More than 60 people attended, among them sponsors of the awards, now in their 22nd year. Attendees heard from winners and sponsors on the impact of being part of the event.

Reading-based rock band The Amazons, who picked up the Putting Reading on the Map accolade last year for their impact on the UK music scene, said it has been “pretty emotional” to be part of the awards. 

Singer Matt Thomson said they were moved by “everyone’s unconditional selflessness for the community.”

The Mayor praised winners saying: “Thank you for everything you do for the town. Thank you for being ambassadors. You are the very best of Reading.”

The Pride of Reading 2026 Awards will be launched on 17 April.