READING Pride’s Love Unites Festival returned to Kings Meadow, central Reading, on Saturday, September 2, bringing the annual celebration of LGBTQ+ communities to the town in a splash of colour and sound.
The festival saw four stages of performances across the day, including internationally renowned musicians and home-grown drag talent.
Sue’s Main Stage saw an introduction from the Reading Pride chair of trustees, Paul Britt, and a short address from the deputy mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis.
Cllr Dennis said: “Reading Pride’s annual parade and festival is more than just a day of revelry and entertainment, it is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity.
“We honour the strength of our community, where every colour of the rainbow finds its place in the tapestry of our town’s identity.”
With hosting duties undertaken by Martha D’Arthur, Son of a Tutu, Bodacia, and Wilma Fingadoo, Sue’s Main Stage saw performances from the Rock Choir, Jack Trinder, Billy and Louie, and returning favourite Danny Lampo ahead of the awards presentation.
Sarah Wilmott was awarded the Selwyn Jones Award for her work organising a fundraising event for friend of the community Marco, raising over £10,000 to help them get a new prosthetic blade after losing a leg to illness.
Jo Docherty received the Alice Driver Award for her years of work with both Reading Pride and LGBTQ+ support organisation Support U, helping those experiencing abuse, homelessness, and difficulty with transitioning.
Charlotte Parham was given the Love Unites Award for her work as the volunteer coordinator for Reading pride, a role which sees her constantly building relationships with the wider community and helping Pride develop sustainably.
The stage then saw a stand-out performance from Nicolette Street, high energy from Xtina and Lolly, before Reading’s own Natalie Gray’s consummate set.
Claire Richards headlined with an impeccable set list including an accomplished cover of Laura Branigan’s Gloria, and crowd-pleaser Tragedy by Steps.
Elsewhere, the PrideXtra stage saw Iota Events’ hand-picked roster of influential drag performers from in and around Reading, including stand-out shows from Duac, who co-hosted alongside Art Attack and Cairo Ali.
Highlights included the fun and frantic Francis Lighningheart, Dorian Gay, and the always-sunny Grace Anatomy.
The Pride aLive stage saw a captivating performance by Colours and Fires, as well as an uplifting, chant-along set from The Chah.
Jamie Wake hosted fun and games over on the Club F.O.D. stage, which also provided karaoke alongside its usual support services and safe space to combat isolation.
Brendan Nagle and Martin Holmes of Club F.O.D. said at the event: “It’s really important for single or vulnerable people who don’t feel that they can come along to know that they’re not isolated.
“During the lockdown, we provided a lifeline with a number of online events– for some people, they can’t be proud all year round, due to work or other reasons.
“But we hold events and provide support, for people to come along, feel safe, and enjoy themselves.”
Also speaking at the event, Reading Pride’s chair of trustees said: “Pride was born out of protest.
“When the first brick was thrown at the Stonewall Riots, and even when we had our first pride in Reading in 2003, that was before the Equalities Act, still.
“Even today, we’re seeing similar issues to Section 28 with the trans community, so our voice and our presence here is more important than ever.”
Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images, Steve Smyth, and Jake Clothier
