"Sue's Main Stage" Sponsored and Dedicated by Unite the Union
Experience an unending array of live entertainment on our Main Stage, featuring a dynamic lineup of performers ready to delight audiences all day long. From enchanting choirs to captivating drag performances, and a diverse range spanning pop, reggae, and grime, there's something to suit every palate. All of this excitement is masterfully hosted by some of Reading Pride's cherished queens, ensuring an unforgettable and inclusive experience for all.
This year's Main Stage is generously sponsored by Unite the Union, who have chosen to name 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 leukemia. 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.
Headline Act Sponsored by Thames Valley Park Collective
We are delighted to announce our headline act at the Love Unites Festival 2023 will be none other than Steps legend Claire Richards!!
CLAIRE RICHARDS is best known as one-fifth of STEPS, one of the UK’s all-time most successful pop groups. The band have sold over 20 million records with 14 top five singles, 4 number one albums, hits including 5,6,7,8, Chain Reaction, One for Sorrow, #1’s Tragedy and Heartbeat, and many more. 2011 saw the band achieve another #1 album with their ‘The Ultimate Collection’ release, followed by a Sky 1 documentary series ‘Steps Reunion’ - the highest rated original programme on Sky that year.
In 2017, the band marked their 20th anniversary and released their first single in over 6 years, ‘Scared Of The Dark’, followed by their gold certified album ‘Tears On The Dancefloor’ both of which went straight to #1 on iTunes, with the latter also #1 on the UK sales chart. The year ended on a high for the band, as they embarked on their 22 date sold out ‘Party On The Dancefloor’ Arena Tour in the UK & Ireland selling over 300,000 tickets - making it one of pop’s biggest tours of the year.
In 2019 Claire released her first ever solo album ‘My Wildest Dreams’ on Sony UK which reached #1 on iTunes and #9 on the official UK chart it also featured three Radio 2 playlisted singles including the hit On My Own. Claire embarked on a sold-out UK tour in support of the album and was the special guest for Celine Dion’s performance at British Summertime, playing to 65,000 people in London’s Hyde Park.
Since then, Steps have continued to tour arenas and to release new music including the Sia-penned ‘What The Future Holds’ in 2020 and the Michelle Visage duet ‘Heartbreak In This City’ in 2021, They scored a further two #2 charting UK albums with ‘What The Future Holds’ and ‘What The Future Holds Pt 2’ then in 2022 released the #1 album ‘Platinum Collection’ joining ABBA, Rolling Stones and Stereophonics as the only groups in UK history to score #1 albums in four consecutive decades.
Your Hosts
Please note: Performance times are approximate and may vary on the day.
-
1:00pm
Martha D'Arthur -
2:30pm
Son of a Tutu -
3:00pm
Dr. Bev -
5:30pm
Wilma Fingadoo
Line-up
Please note: Performance times are approximate and may vary on the day.
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12:00pm
B Radio Live - Parade Bangers -
1:00pm
Chair, Paul Britt's Opening Speech -
1:10pm
Rock Choir -
1:40pm
Jack Trinder -
2:05pm
Martha D'Arthur
-
2:35pm
Billy & Louie -
3:05pm
Danny Lampo -
3:25pm
Son of a Tutu
-
3:45pm
Awards Presentation -
4:00pm
Nicolette Street -
4:30pm
Xtina -
5:10pm
Dr. Bev
-
5:45pm
Lolly -
6:10pm
Natalie Gray -
6:40pm
Claire Richards -
7:10pm
Wilma Fingadoo to Close With Special Guest Bodacia
We continue to have BSL interpreters on the main stage throughout the day with subtitles provided for any videos that are played. New for this year, we now have a raised platform for wheelchair users and those with disabilities who need a better view of the main stage. Visit our accessibility page to learn more about what we are doing.