READING Pride returns today, celebrating diversity and promoting equality with an all-day party.
The annual event starts with a march through Reading’s town centre before reaching the festival site at King’s Meadow, where music and games join drag and karaoke alongside a funfair, food stalls, and stalls from organisations and charities.
Claire Richards, who rose to fame in the late 1990s while performing with Steps, will be performing the headline slot on Sue’s Main Stage, alongside Nicolette Street, Reading singer/songwriter Natalie Gray, Danny Lampo, pop/soul twin duo Billy and Louie, and Southampton Pride’s resident host and renowned actor Jack Trinder.
The stage will be hosted by fan-favourites Wilma Fingadoo, Son of a Tutu, Dr Bev, and Martha D’Arthur.
Meanwhile the Pride Xtra stage is proudly presented by Iota Events this year, and will highlight queer performers from in and around Reading.
Host Big Jay is featuring Reading’s queer and trans arts collective Double Okay, along with co-host and drag darling Duac, Art Attack, Cairo Ali, The Scarlet Vixens, Dorian Gay, Francis Lightningheart, and Grace Anatomy.
The Club FOD Hub will see host Jamie Wake bring karaoke, alongside Dr Bev, Miss Tina, Yuvi, Lady M, and DJ F’Unkle.
The Pride aLive stage wil feature folk rock band Dream Sellers, groove rockers Cities In Dust, Wokingham-based Country Chicks, folk guitarist Ellis Ballard, Hillbilly Ramones tribute band Country Moans, The Chah, Glass Half Broken, Oliver Hagen, The Boho Supergroup, indie folk artist Colours and Fires, folk band WolfNote, and acoustic covers band Lack of Faith.
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 starts 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.
From the station it goes up Station Road, goes over the rainbow crossing on Friar Street, and down Queen Victoria 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.
B Radio will provide the live soundtracking as it makes its way through town.
Those wanting to attend the festival only can join in Kings Meadow from noon.
The Pride Awards also return this year, where Reading Pride recognises those who have gone above and beyond to make significant contributions and work to support LGBTQ+ communities.
The Selwyn Jones Award, which is dedicated in his name for significant contribution to the LGBTQ+ communities in Reading.
The Alice Driver Award, which highlights those who have worked tirelessly for the community.
The Love Unites Award sees trustees thanking a member of the committee who has gone above and beyond the call of duty this year.
Full details about the parade, Love Unites Festival, and how to volunteer are available via: readingpride.co.uk
