A NEW awards event will honour community cultural champions for the first time.

The Reading Cultural Awards 2017 are launching today, Thursday, April 5.

Backed by the Chronicle, along with Reading UK CIC, Olympia Ballroom and The Banquet Kitchen, the awards culminate in an inspiring glitzy awards ceremony on June 29.

Nigel Horton-Baker, director and organiser, Reading UK CIC, said: “Arts and culture are at the heart of what makes Reading tick but they have often passed un-noticed.

“Last year’s Reading Year of Culture started the process of putting them back at the heart of the town, making Reading a better place to live, work and do business.

“The Reading Cultural Awards will continue this momentum by providing a fabulous showcase for the breadth, quality and diversity of creativity in our town.”

The awards offer a chance for the cultural community, businesses and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the last 18 months.

Anyone involved in the arts in Reading can be nominated for one of 12 categories, reflecting the breadth of the Reading arts scene.

Categories include a Made in Reading award, Cultural Ambassador Award, Cultural Space award and Performance of the Year.

Finalists will be invited to a special awards evening in The Olympia Ballroom.

“The arts and culture scene of any town represents the heart and spirit of the community,” said Prianka Dillon, managing director of the venue.

“We are absolutely delighted to play host to the celebration of the heart and spirit of Reading town, which we proudly call home.”

Click here to nominate your culture champions. Nominations close on Friday, May 12.