Photo contest for town twin
READING Borough Council is calling on budding photographers to take part in a photo competition marking 75 years of town partnership with Düsseldorf.
The two were officially twinned in 1977, and now they are celebrating the partnership with the chance to win a trip to the German city.
The competition is focussing on the theme of the four Bs: beer, biscuits, bulbs, and bricks, each of which Reading is historically famous.
Amateurs and professionals are invited to capture the elements of the theme across Reading.
The winning work will form part of the celebrations when representatives from Düsseldorf will travel to Reading in June.
The partnership is the longest between a British town or city and one in a combatant or “enemy” country.
Louisa Dean, Reading Borough Council’s head of communications, said: “The special connection between our two cities began with our former Mayor Phoebe Cusden, who initiated the exchange of young people in 1947.
“Phoebe Cusden is still highly regarded by Düsseldorf and her endeavours to help and support the city have never been forgotten.
“This year we mark the 75 anniversary of this special relationship – the perfect opportunity to celebrate the long history of our friendship and cooperation, built up and supported by the Reading Düsseldorf Association.”
As well as representatives from Düsseldorf visiting in June, representatives from Reading will visit the city for reciprocal events.
Düsseldorf will also hold a competition, with the winners winning a visit to Reading.
Celebrations will take place in Düsseldorf from Friday-Sunday, June 10-12, and in Reading two weeks later, from Saturday-Sunday, June 25-26.
You can enter your photographs in the competition by posting them to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #b4friendship.
Alternatively, you can email photograph entries to communications@reading.gov.uk.
The deadline for entries is Friday, June 24.