A 'COMMUNITY dance' has been organised to raise the spirits of the people of Reading.

Following the difficult events of 2020, staff at Tutu's Ethiopian Table have decided to try to bring some smiles to the town.

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Tutu Melaku said: "This year has seen unprecedented events that have impacted the town of Reading, let alone the country and the world.

"The coronavirus arrived on our doorsteps to a large proportion, with all of us unprepared for what it was or how it will last.

"Many people have been affected in different ways by losing their loved ones, losing their jobs, not being able to do the daily things they were used to including social interactions.

"Between the obligation of trying to live day by day, the effects of the pandemic have left many feeling very low. "There have also been the Black Lives Matter campaign in the world and Reading is a town that is very diverse, with approximately 35 per cent of the population from the BAME.

"Reading promotes community cohesion for all races.

"We have decided to put together a community dance which will take approximately four minutes to lift up the spirits of the community."

Tutu added that the dance is for people of all ages, races and gender, as well as those with disabilities

Those joining in are asked to bring along utensils to use for the dance, which would be a plate, pot, spoon, cup, pan or anything else.

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Tutu added: "You do not have to worry about how will you dance as we have the Limpopo Groove and the Face of Africa to give you five minutes of a warm-up with the dance.

"This will take place out side Tutu's Ethiopian Table at Palmer Park on September 19 at 2pm.

"Together let us bring our community together and dance for life."