Ready to glow again

READING is set to be bathed in lantern light this weekend as the Lantern Parade returns.

After last year’s inaugural event, Reading Business Improvement District is bringing back the event that celebrates light and love in the town.

This year, the theme is Glow to reflect both the soft light of the many lanterns themselves, but also the glow of care and love for those dear to us in the community.

The parade will begin on Broad Street on Saturday and proceed down towards Forbury Gardens, where the event will conclude with group singing.

Last year’s event drew 1,500 people who took part, and this year will see musicians and giant glowing light installations joining the procession.

Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said: “The Lantern Parade will be a highlight of Reading’s Christmas programme, made special by having so many young people involved.

The parade begins on Broad Street at 5pm on Saturday, December 2, and it will end in Forbury Gardens.

Comedy club to hold New Year’s Eve laughterfest

A COMEDY club is offering people the chance to see out the old year with the sound of laughter ringing in their ears.

Just The Tonic, based in Friar Street, is holding a special event on New Year’s Eve, with four comics on the bill.

Headlining is Matt Richardson who, as a teenager, took runner-up spot in the Reading Comedy Festival New Act of the Year. Since then, he has gone on to great things including appearances on shows such as Never Mind

The Buzzcocks, Celebrity Juice, Sweat The Small Stuff, and Big Brothers Bit on the Side.

Also appearing will be Tom Deacon, Taidwa Mahlunge, and Kevin McCarthy.

Organisers say: “We bring you four different acts at every standard Saturday including some of the best up-and-coming comperes and headliners from the UK and abroad.

“This New Year’s Eve show will be no different.

“After the show stay around and see in the New Year with drinks a plenty, laughter and singing till after midnight.”

■ For more details, log on to: www.justthetonic.com