THE shortlisted finalists for the Reading Cultural Awards 2019 have been announced by Reading UK.

From more than 350 nominations, the judges have whittled the entries down to three finalists in each of the 12 categories. These 36 finalists will be vying to be the winners of the third annual Reading Cultural Awards.

Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director of Reading UK, said: “The awards are going from strength to strength.

“The calibre and diversity of the entries has been remarkable – a true testament to the quality of the arts scene in Reading and the impact that arts, culture and heritage make on Reading.

“We look forward to celebrating all that’s great about the arts in Reading with the finalists, Reading businesses and invited guests on June 24 at The Hilton Reading.”

The awards recognise excellence in arts, culture and heritage with awards in 12 categories to reflect the breadth of the Reading arts scene.

The finalists for the Reading Cultural Awards 2019:

  • The Made in Reading Award

· Henry II by Reading Between The Lines

· Big Blue by Beautiful Creatures

· In Ruins by South Street Arts Centre/SITELINES

  • Reading Great Place Award

· Reading School of Dance

· Reading Fringe Festival

· Mountain Top, a Reading Rep production

  • Performance of the Year

· Birdsong by Progress Theatre

· A Christmas Carol by Reading Between The Lines

· Golden Day by Reading Phoenix Choir

  • Visual Arts Event of the Year

· Reading International

· Caversham Arts Trail

· Open for Art

  • Cultural space of the year

· Open Hand Open Space

· South Street Arts Centre

· Milk

  • Celebrating Reading’s Heritage Award

· Reading Abbey Revealed

· Henry II by Reading Between The Lines

· Turn Tilehurst Red

  • Partnership in the Arts

· Night in The Ruins

· Living Advent Calendar

· Alby the Penguin Saves Christmas/A New Coat for Christmas

  • Best Education Project

· Give and Take

· After School Art School

· Creative Arts Department at Brookfields School

  • Festival of the Year

· Readipop Festival

· Open for Art

· Here Comes The Sun

  • Newcomer of the Year

· Reside Dance

· Charles West

· Double Okay Group

  • Cultural Organisation of the Year

· Reading Film Theatre

· Open Hand Open Space

· Reading International

  • Business Champion of the Arts

· Broad Street Mall

· Thames Tower

· Haslams