Broad Street Mall is inviting the local community to celebrate together as Broad Street Beats returns with a special Pride-themed edition on Saturday 22nd August, from 11am – 3pm.
In partnership with The Rhoom Studios, this next event will bring together five wonderful local artists who will take to the centre’s stage to perform. This month’s artists include Purple Roots, Graham Hornby, Robert Steven Hunt, Country Lee Music and Franssens, with the wonderful MC Paul Metcalfe returning to host the event.
Plus, anyone up for music bingo? There will be a lunchtime music bingo quiz for all to take part in – take a bingo card, match the tracks being played and the winner will take home a delicious prize on the day!
In true Broad Street Mall style, the centre will also be offering fun activities to run alongside the music showcase; 2 face painters and a glitter tattoo artist will be offering beautiful Pride-themed designs for FREE throughout the day, run on a first-come-first-served basis.
Plus, all visitors are invited to dress in their brightest, most colourful outfits on the day to take part in the Broad Street Beats ‘Be Bold and Bright’ competition, with three amazing prizes from Meet Space VR, Reading Biscuit Factory and Boswells on offer for the three best-dressed participants!
Foodie tenant Muffin Break will be on hand to tantalise those tastebuds with free samples of their delicious muffins throughout the day.
If that’s not enough, the centre’s beloved mascot Topsy will be making appearances throughout the day, handing out sweet treats, hugs, and posing for photos with delighted visitors.
The Broad Street Beats event series continues to be supported by lead partner Every Little Thing Festival this month, who will be on hand to offer guidance, support and access to key resources. Led by founder Sinead Gibson, whose daughter Diva sadly lost her life to suicide, the festival shines a light on mental health, wellness and suicide prevention, offering hope and support to those who need it most.
Plus, local organisations Project Salama and The Jessica Project will also have stalls at the event. Both organisations provide a huge amount of vital support to those suffering domestic abuse and violence in the local community.
Broad Street Beats offers a chance for the local community to come together to celebrate national initiatives and acknowledge important causes, through the power of music and experience. It also provides a vital platform for artists to raise important topics that are often not spoken about openly, and visitors have the chance to meet with key local partners that can provide vital support and resources in the local community.
Steven Connolly, Centre Manager at Broad Street Mall, said: “We are delighted to bring the second event in our 2026 Broad Street Beats series to our local community. There is always a sense of joy and excitement at these events, and they provide a great opportunity for us to connect the local community, both through music and the key topics that are raised at each event.
“We’re excited to support Pride 2026 and the theme of inclusivity at this next event, and there is so much on offer with music, free activities and a chance to meet Topsy, the ‘Every Little Thing Festival’ team and key local partners that provide vital support services and resources. We encourage the local community to come along to support this community event and hopefully take home memories of a great day in the heart of Reading.”
For more information on this and future events, visit https://www.broadstreetmall.com/.
