READING Pride has laid out this year’s parade route as well as the return of a partnership from last year’s event.
The Love Unites 2023 Parade brings the spirit of Pride to Reading town centre, with individuals and organisations showing their support and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ communities and the ongoing campaign for equality.
The parade will begin at 10.45am, beginning at the entrance of Reading Train Station, opposite Oakford Social Club, and arriving at the Love Unites Festival site in Kings Meadow at around noon.
This year will also see the return of a popular partnership with B Radio Berkshire, who will broadcast the soundtrack to the parade live as attendees march.
The parade leads from Reading Station over the rainbow crossing on Friar Street, and down Queen Victoria Street.
The parade then follows west along Broad Street, south towards St Mary’s Butts, and along to The Oracle via Bridge Street.
From there, it proceeds through Yield Hall Place and along Duke Street, before passing through Market Square to Forbury Gardens, and under the rail bridge to the festival site at Kings Meadow.
Those attending as groups representing organisations or companies need to register with Reading Pride before taking part.
This ensures organisers can provide enough stewards and safety provisions.
Individuals and small groups are not required to register.
Claire Richards will be performing the headline slot on the main stage at this year’s Pride, joined by Nicolette Street who returns hot on the heels of her performance at last year’s event.
Reading’s Pride parade and festival is run entirely by volunteers, and is seeking willing participants to help with the event.
Volunteers are needed for helping to marshal the parade, which means walking and chatting with those taking part, as well as helping with general tasks, upkeep during the festival, and for clean-up on the following day.
Full details about the parade, Love Unites Festival, and how to volunteer are available via: readingpride.co.uk
Reading Pride’s Love Unites Festival takes place in Kings Meadow from noon on Saturday, September 2, following the Pride march through town from 10.45am.
