Christchurch Bridge to light up to mark programme of national events

Christchurch Bridge will be illuminated to mark a programme of national awareness days and remembrance events throughout the year. This weekend will see the bridge lit up in Pride colours as part of this year’s Reading Pride celebrations.

Throughout the year the bridge will be illuminated in a range of colours for a range of events and awareness days including Mental Health Awareness Day, World Aids Day and Foster Care Fortnight. The bridge will also be lit in white on 20 June for the Reading Together anniversary in memory of those who lost their lives and were injured in the Forbury Gardens.

Local charities and community groups will be encouraged to apply to light up the bridge to mark their special anniversary and awareness days locally. The application process will open in January next year, and shortlisted applicants will be chosen by the Mayor of Reading for one of the five additional slots available annually.

The bridge will be lit for these awareness days and memorial events:

• 3 – 6 September - Reading Pride weekend
• 11 – 19 September - Heritage Open Days
• 1 - 7 October - Black History Month
• 10 October - Mental Health Awareness Day
• 22 October - Breast Cancer Awareness Day
• 8 – 14 November - Armistice and Remembrance Sunday
• 1 December - World Aids Day
• 27 January - Holocaust Memorial Day
• 8 March - International Women’s Day
• 23 March - National Day of Reflection
• 24 March - World TB Awareness Day
• 2 April - World Autism Awareness Day
• 1 – 7 May - Stroke Awareness Month
• 11 – 23 May - Foster Care Fortnight
• 1 – 7 June - Pride Month
• 7 – 15 June - British Hearth Week
• 20 June - Reading Together anniversary
• 27 June - Armed Forces Day