A colourful celebration was held during a gathering of Gurkha military veterans, their loved ones, and the great and good of Reading.

The event was held by the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association (REGBA) made up of Gurkha military veterans and their families.

Attendees also celebrated Dashain, a Hindu festival popular in Nepal, which involved ceremonial dances, rituals, and music.

The celebration was attended by councillor Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood), the mayor of Reading, two of the town's MPs, and councillors.

Cllr Dennis said: "Founded in 2006, REBGA is a registered charity that brings together retired British Gurkhas living in and around Reading.

"The association plays an invaluable role in supporting its members, particularly the elderly, by organizing health checkups, English classes, fire safety briefings, and yoga sessions.

Glenn Dennis, the Mayor of Reading, Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading Central, Yuan Yang, Labour MP for Earley and Woodley in attendance at the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association event.Glenn Dennis, the Mayor of Reading, Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading Central, Yuan Yang, Labour MP for Earley and Woodley in attendance at the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association event. (Image: Office of Matt Rodda MP / Reading Labour)

"They also help preserve Gurkha culture, foster community relationships, and engage the younger generation through sports and cultural activities.

"[We] also celebrated Dashain, the most auspicious festival in Nepal, symbolising unity, victory over evil, and happiness.

"It’s wonderful to see this tradition being embraced here in Reading, creating connections and spreading joy among friends, family, and community members."

Cllr Dennis also thanked REBGA for their contributions to the town and their generous donations to his chosen charities - Reading Community Learning Centre and Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central said:  "It was a pleasure to attend the Dashain event with Yuan Yang, Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, Mayor of Reading Cllr Glenn Dennis, Liz Terry, the leader of Reading Borough Council, cllrs Alice Mpofu-Coles and Paul Gittings and former Mayor Joe Williams.”

"The event was a wonderful and very colourful celebration and it was good to be able to show our support for the Gurkha and Nepalese community in Reading."

The event took place at the South Reading Community Centre on Saturday, September 28.