Reading Pride: Love Unites 2024

Main Stage Hosts

These queens will be entertaining you ALL DAY with electrifying performances that will keep the energy high between acts. Welcome the incomparable Martha D'Arthur, the legendary Son of a TuTu (Ola Jide), the flawless Bodacia, and of course… the wretched Wilma Fingadoo!

Pride aLive Stage

For the eighth year running, Reading Pride is very proud to welcome back our incredible Pride aLive stage. Featuring fantastic local artists and bands who are either friends, allies and supporters of, or who themselves identify as LGBT+. Throughout the day they will be performing a mix of their own original songs and popular tunes.

We have a strong and vibrant music scene here in Reading with many bands and acts on the cusp of breaking into the professional industry. This stage showcases that talent and the generous support there is locally for LGBT+ and across all diversity. This year the Pride aLive Stage has been gratefully sponsored by SSE.

Sophie Henderson
Singer songwriter from Maidenhead. Sophie has supported London Grammar in the past and has performed at Glastonbury as well as  many other local festivals, functions and events.

The Amazing Tiger Band
A genre-fluid, funk-fueled experiment, often seen as a bold display of one person taking on more than they can handle. Prepare for tongue-in-cheek tunes that tackle real-world issues.

Readiophonics
Reading’s very own a cappella group. They sing and beatbox with no musical instruments – what they do is inspired by the modern vocal style of university a cappella and partly by the film Pitch Perfect.

Chelsea Blues
For nearly seven years, Chelsea Blues & Kev Remi have graced stages such as SoFarSounds, O2 Academy, and Canary Wharf. Their warm and uplifting music makes them an unforgettable duo.

Liam King
Self taught guitarist and singer and stands proudly as member of the LGBTQ+ community, he released his debut single ‘Blue Jeans’ in January which can be found on all major streaming platforms.

Saxcelerate
A saxophone quartet with twice the firepower! Formed in 2017, this Berkshire-based saxophone octet delivers dynamic covers of popular tunes. Their repertoire spans pop, rock, jazz, Disney, TV themes, film scores, and more.

Haylorr
A Dynamic acoustic duo from Reading bringing a fresh and captivating sound to every performance. Haylorr blend toetapping melodies with intricate guitar work and tight harmonies to delight their audiences.

Colours and Fires
Acoustic Indie folk artist. Performing songs that will make you listen and sounds which will make you think. Their songs give an insight to personal transformation across genders and relationships.

Nicole Allan
Singer songwriter based in Berkshire. Nicole has performed her original music across the globe and has supported performers such as Ian Mculloch (Echo and the Bunnymen), Jason Eady and Danny worsnop amoung others. 

Tara Deane
Award-winning singer songwriter, promoter and presenter from Berkshire. Tara has been performing in and supporting the local music scene for many years, even travelling abroad to perform.

Alice d’LumiereThis year we are proud to welcome Alice to the Pride aLive stage. Alice will be performing some short spoken word at several different times throughout the day between the act change overs.

Alice is a theatre-maker, playwright and performance poet, plus a regular contributor to the regional Arts scene in her home town of Colchester; where she has been a regular performer and compere for Colchester Pride since its inception in 2017.

PrideDance

Our Pride Dance tent is new for 2024 and aims to be a vibrant hub of energy and inclusivity at the heart of our Pride celebrations. It’s a space where people from all walks of life come together to dance, celebrate, and express themselves freely. Pumping out infectious beats from a diverse range of DJs, and filled with a joyous atmosphere that is uniquely Pride. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or simply looking to let loose, the Pride dance tent is a place where everyone is welcome to shine.

Behind the decks this year, we have 

• Charlie Adams
• Dean Webster
• Eloize
• Jack McNamara

The Love Unites 2024 Parade brings the spirit of Pride to the centre of Reading and provides an opportunity for groups, organisations and individuals to show their support for both Pride and the ongoing campaign for equality.

We have teamed up with local radio station B Radio Berkshire who will be broadcasting live throughout the Parade as we march.

What, Where and When!

As we continue to grow, we have made some changes to the route this year. The key information you need to plan your day is listed below.

Starting Location: Reading Station Main Entrance, opposite The Oakford Social Club.

When: 31st August, gathering 10am – 10.30am for setting off at 11am.

Finishing Location: Kings Meadow at approximately 12pm for the opening of the Love Unites Festival.

If you are attending as a group representing a company or community organisation, you must register to book a place to join us. This is essential to help us plan ahead the order and ensure we have provisioned enough stewards, security and medical personnel. If you are coming alone or in a small group as individuals, there is no need to register, just turn up on the day and you’ll be placed towards the back.

For full route info and to sign up to join the parade, go to our website

Club F.O.D’s Community Hub and Stage

Club F.O.D have been organising dedicated LGBT+ nights in Berkshire since 2019, and it has evolved into becoming a registered charity that actively prevents social isolation within the LGBT+ community and carries out a wide range of activities to reduce social isolation where it already exists.

This year they have expanded the garden area as it's going to be fantastic weather (think Oktoberfest - or FODtoberfest as we call it!). And don't forget, the 'FOD Squad' will be on hand all day to ensure you have a great day! Expect games, give aways and plenty of AMAZING prizes!