Background

The first Reading Pride took place on 4th September 2004 and has grown from strength to strength. 2007 saw the introduction of a Parade through Reading's busy Main Shopping Streets which by enforcing a visible presence has assisted the charities objectives. Mirroring the success of other large pride festivals across the country, Reading Pride has seen its attendance reach up to 12,500 people across the day in Kings Meadow Park which has now become a firm fixture in Readings Event Calendar.

The Festival, which celebrates diversity across the Thames Valley, receives support from the Local Authority and is financed through Corporate Sponsorship, Donations and from Selling Trade Space on the day. Although previous Core Funding Applications to the Local Authority have been unsuccessful, it is hoped that its recent award of Charity Status will help secure Local Authority Funding like other Community Events in Reading. Previous Sponsors of Reading Pride include Boyes Turner and Unison.

Reading Pride is supported by the local LGBT Venues including The Granby and The Wynford.

One of the most popular attractions at the festival is the Main Stage and cabaret Tent and previous acts have included vocalists Nicki French, Lisa Scott Lee, Urban Cookie Collective, Rozalla Miller, Natalie Powers (from Scooch), The Sheilas (from the Sheilas Wheels advertising campaign in 2007), The Dolly Rockers, Q-Boy and Charlene. You can't have a Pride Stage without its sprinkling of camp and no pride festival would be complete without its Drag Queens! Previous Drag Queens include Dave Lynn, Rose Garden, Lizzy Drip, Sandra, Drag With No Name, The Fleurettes and the one and only Lola Lasagna.

Getting the right press exposure for Reading Pride can sometimes be difficult but the Media Centre have always ensured that the perfect photo opportunity is available. From a Drag Queen having tea with Reading's Mayor, to staying the night in an alleged haunted house, Reading Pride has done it all! Who can forget the time we accosted Graham Norton at Tesco?

Reading Pride is here to stay and its future is bright — it's pink!