People from Wokingham joined thousands of others at Reading Pride at the weekend.
The Love Unites 2023 Parade brought the spirit of Pride to the centre of Reading and provided an opportunity for groups, organisations and individuals to show their support for both Pride and the ongoing campaign for equality.
Reading Pride was formed in 2003 to represent and support the local LGBT+ community. Since the first Festival in 2004 attendance has grown steadily year-on-year with over 15,000 people visiting the event throughout the day and well over 3,000 participating in the parade.
The parade kicked off from Reading station and wound its way through the town passed St. Mary’s Butts and Broad Street and into Forbury Gardens before arriving at the festival site at King’s Meadow.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were proud to support Reading Pride, talking about the service, safety advice and career opportunities. The team from tCaversham Road fire station took one of their engines along, kitted out in the Pride colours.
A spokesman said: “It was great to see so many people trying out the throwline challenge and learning about water safety. Thanks to everyone who stopped to talk to us.”
This year’s Main Stage was sponsored by Unite the Union, who named the stage “Sue’s Main Stage”, dedicated in the memory of Sue Hopkinson (nee Stevens) who earlier this year, in February, sadly passed away, losing the battle with leukaemia. Sue was a long-serving member of Unite, an active supporter of Reading Pride for many years and a true Ally to the LGBT+ community. It was an honour and a privilege to have known Sue, may you rest in peace.
Headlining on the main stage was Steps legend Claire Richards, alongside a whole host of other acts.
PHOTO BY PAUL KING
