BCPD Trust celebrates young readers at 2026 Book Reading Competition Awards Ceremony in Luton

BCPD Trust, in collaboration with Purbachal Book Club and event sponsors, held its fifth Book Reading Competition Awards Ceremony on 22nd September 2026 at Crescent Hall in Luton, celebrating young readers and announcing this year’s winners.

The ceremony was attended by special guests including Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Hannan Ali DL, MP for Luton South and Assistant Government Whip Rachel Hopkins, Dr Nazia Khanom OBE DL, Cllr Javed Hussain Mayor of Luton, Ariful Islam from CareTech Foundation, Prof Sanawar Chowdhury from The Choudhury Family Foundation, Sara Matthews Project Officer at the National Literacy Trust, and Debra Knight LLB (Hons) Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire. They were joined by sponsors, contestants, parents, the judging panel, members of BCPD Trust, members of Purbachal-the eastern sky, and community supporters.

The competition aims to encourage young people to develop a love of reading while strengthening their communication, creativity and presentation skills. This year’s competition attracted a strong field of entries, making the judging especially competitive.

Contestants were invited to choose a book and submit a short video, between one and three minutes long, summarising and presenting it in their own creative style. Entries for the competition closed on 31st July 2026.

Dr Nazia Khanum OBE DL, Chairperson of Purbachal-the eastern sky and Purbachal Book Club, kindly agreed to chair the judging panel again this year. She was supported by Dr David Cheesman FRSA FRSS, Dr Anwarul Haque and Ms Mahima Kabir.

The competition featured two age categories: 6 to 10 years and 11 to 14 years. Judges took the age of each contestant into account when assessing the entries.

In each age category, the first prize winner received a trophy and Samsung tablet, the second prize winner received a trophy, smartwatch and headset, and the third prize winner received a trophy and smartwatch. The judges also awarded 19 special prizes, with each recipient receiving a medal and £10 book voucher.

6 to 10 Age Group Category Winners

11 to 14 Age Group Category Winners

All shortlisted video entries can be viewed on the BCPD Trust YouTube Channel.

Following five successful years of the project, BCPD Trust plans to organise the competition again next year. Anyone interested in sponsoring or supporting the initiative is invited to email enquiry@bcpdt.org.uk or contact one of the Trustees listed below.

  • Mr Sundar Ali BEng, CEng MIET – Trustee & Chairperson
  • Mr Shahin Uddin – Trustee & Secretary
  • Mr Ifthekher Alom – Trustee & Treasurer

About BCPD Trust

BCPD Trust is a registered UK charity based in Luton that has been inspiring young people in education, careers, business and sports since 2011. The Trust provides KS2, KS3 and GCSE tuition classes, sports and social activities, community support, mentoring, advice, information and guidance for young people who want to achieve their potential.

The organisation is managed by experienced professionals, including engineers, lawyers and training providers, who are committed to helping the next generation in their community succeed. Visit BCPD Trust for more information.

 

About Purbachal Book Club
Purbachal Book Club, established in 2020, is an arm of Purbachal-the eastern sky, a voluntary social and cultural organisation founded in 1998. The Book Club promotes critical reading and review skills.

It brings keen readers together to take part in stimulating group discussions and debates on selected books, articles and related subjects. Visit Purbachal Book Club for more information.

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